PinkPantheress, the youngest and first female producer to win the Best Producer award at the Brit Awards 2026, has taken the music industry by storm. Her journey began just five years ago with lo-fi tracks Break it Off and Pain, which she wrote in her university room, inspired by UK garage and drum and bass. Since then, she's achieved over one billion streams and a worldwide hit with Boy's a Liar, Pt. 2. Her mixtape Fancy That, a punchy, sample-heavy album, reached the top 10 and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
What sets PinkPantheress apart is her self-taught production style, characterized by skittering breakbeats and sugar strand melodies. She learned the basics through YouTube tutorials, drawing inspiration from female artists like Nia Archives, Tinashe, and WondaGurl. Despite lacking resources, she used available equipment, even using a karaoke game's microphone for recording.
PinkPantheress now records many vocals at home, using a sock to prevent popping and sibilance. She emphasizes the accessibility of music production, stating, 'You can do anything from your bedroom.' Her newfound confidence in styling, sass, and choreography is evident in her performances, which initially took place under a shroud of anonymity.
During her tour, she's based at the Ace Hotel in Sydney, Australia, where she performs over two consecutive weekends at the Laneway Festival. She's mindful of her voice, which is delicate due to excessive talking with friends, not from the concerts. PinkPantheress is up for Best Artist and Best Dance Act at the Brits, and she's excited to inspire a new generation of female producers with an alternative style.
When giving advice to aspiring artists, PinkPantheress asks, 'What steps have you taken?' She attributes the lack of progress to limited access, knowledge, and resources. She encourages artists to explore apps like GarageBand, suggesting that a phone can be a gateway to a music career, despite initial insecurities.
