British artist PinkPantheress has been taking over social media with her hit song, “Illegal.” Building on that momentum, she also recently released her sophomore mixtape, “Fancy That.”

Born in Bath and raised in Kent, the singer-songwriter-producer first caught her audience on TikTok, where short clips of her songs went viral back in 2020. Her breakout single “Just for Me” showcases her dreamy yet restless style, while her first mixtape, “To Hell With It,” proves she is one of the most unique new voices of her generation. 

Since then, she has built a career steadily that connects underground influences with mainstream appeal. In this interview, she discusses being called Gen Z’s anti-pop star, her journey as a producer, and more.

How do you feel about being called Gen Z’s anti-pop star?

I think it's just a pop star who looks a bit different from what a traditional pop star looks like. So, you know, I think that in many ways, I do my own thing in a different way than how maybe other people consider what pop stars are. That would probably just be what it is.

You also have a very unique sound, and you also sample music from the '90s and the 2000s. For you, how special were those eras of music?

It was such a time of freedom and experimentation that I don’t think we really have as much these days, in terms of how much mainstream media allows us to be experimental. That is why I love those times so much.

What’s the biggest difference between “To Hell With It” and “Fancy That”? And as a producer, how have you evolved?

I started producing when I was 17, and I was using very basic platforms. I was only using very simple software. As I've gotten older, I've started learning how to use more advanced stuff. 

For “Fancy That,” I think it’s more mature. And I also think it has a more party-like atmosphere compared to my earliest works, which are a bit sad.

“Illegal” has been trending on social media. How would you describe that song?

It feels quite British. It feels like early me. It feels like my earlier music, but it has a different spin.

How do you handle creative blocks?

For me, I just need to take time off doing work and I just kind of try and start discovering other types of music to see what piques my interest. That's what I did for my new mixtape. 

Any advice for upcoming artists?

I would say to just not care what other people think. If you think you need to block people so they don't hear music, whatever, then just do it and just put yourself in a very comfortable position.

What’s your message to your Filipino fans?

Thank you so much all the support that I get from the Philippines. It means a lot to me. I see a lot of people wishing for me to come there, so I’ll definitely try and come next year. I really want to go on an Asia tour. 

Visiting the Philippines is on my bucket list. I really want to go there, see your beautiful country, try the food, everything!

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Stream “Fancy That” here.

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Editor’s Note: Minor edits have been made to the interview for clarity and grammatical accuracy.