Live Report: PinkPantheress goes from shy girl to centre stage at SXSW 2023

Opinion
16 Mar 23

PinkPantheress at The Button Factory, Dublin. April 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

At the Warner Music showcase, the social media sensation showed why she’s the next UK starlet.

It’s been a world-wind few years for the London garage artist. Having plotted her ascension on TikTok with short clips of her songs, ‘Just For Me’ and ‘Pain’, PinkPantheress is on the verge of stardom.

Her career choices have been carefully considered. After winning BBC’s Sound Of 2022, the singer said her next move was to collab with other artists. This resulted in the massive hit, 'Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2', with viral NYC rapper, Ice Spice.

Live shows are still an evolving element for the shy singer. Having embarked on her musical journey during Covid, the drum ‘n’ bass singer is still building her confidence.

Eschewing a band, she’s chosen to keep things simple on stage with a DJ and herself. This choice perfectly extenuates her current sound and creates a link between her intimate DIY bedroom vibe during her shows.

Engaging with the crowd she admitted her fondness for one particular restaurant. “Does anyone else love The Cheesecake Factory?” she asked, before confessing that she gorged on her favourite dish “Pasta Da Vinci”, chicken and mushroom dish covered in Madeira wine sauce.

On Discord, there were complaints about the show. Sound issues, late arrivals, long queues and accusations of lip-synching. Though, I believe the latter to be inaccurate, as PinkPantheress sings over her own songs with the track playing.

All ears are now anticipating the announcement of her debut album in 2023. Expect some evolution in her soundscape as she branches out from her trademark UK garage genesis.