Why PinkPantheress is the lowkey gen Z pop princess we all deserve
When PinkPantheress posted a 33-second flat iron hair tutorial on the train, I knew she was one of us. It’s been a ball watching the 22-year-old quite literally steal the hearts of gen Zers everywhere. With a handbag and lip gloss in tow, Miss Pantheress has had us all obsessed with her chill nature and overtly anti-try-hard attitude. In a sea of Olivia Rodrigos, sometimes we just need a low-key princess.
Some of you might’ve only just found out about PinkPantheress through the Barbie soundtrack—‘Angel’ was a banger to be fair. But, in reality, this diva has been on the scene for a few years now, and she’s only just getting started.
quick hair tutorial on the southeastern train for anyone whos interested x pic.twitter.com/qPtHiVeSnZ
— pinkpantheress (@pinkpantheress2) December 7, 2022
How did PinkPantheress become famous?
The first PinkPantheress song I heard was ‘Pain’ back in 2021. As much as I’m sure this will kill the Liam Gallagher-wannabes of the world, I initially became obsessed with the song because of TikTok. Anyone who says that they don’t find half of their music on TikTok these days is lying, okay?
Anyway, it felt as though PinkPantheress, whose real name is Victoria Beverly Walker, blew up practically overnight—with a number of her samples trending massively on the video-sharing platform.
A Soundcloud baby at heart, PinkPantheress’ music quickly gained a cult online following, with little club rats obsessed with her use of 90s and 2000s remixes.
By the autumn of 2021, the gen Zer was signed to British record label Parlophone and had featured on the UK Singles Chart multiple times. ‘Pain’ was soon followed by ‘Passion’, ‘Just for Me’ and ‘Break it off’.
Does PinkPantheress write her own songs?
PinkPantheress writes and produces all of her own music, and has frequently said that she would pick songwriting over singing any day of the week. The 22-year-old is also incredibly open about the fact that what she brings to the music scene isn’t always the most vocally impressive. Her strengths lie in her ability to tap into what gen Zers are actually wanting to listen to—and packing it up in a pop-bedroom beat.
@pinkpantheress did you know that only 2.8% of all songs r produced by women? dats not okay let’s fix that 🥺 #turnthedial with @Bose #soundsispower
♬ Boy's a liar Pt. 2 - PinkPantheress & Ice Spice
In an interview with NPR, the singer revealed: “I honestly think that when you are a woman, especially a Black woman in the industry, you are expected to be a groundbreaking, Beyoncé-style singer, or someone that can break out and dance. I know I can’t do those things. I still try and give it my all when I perform. Unfortunately, I guess it’s not for everyone. I’ve always said this is why going mainstream is quite tough, because you’re then having to cater for people who don’t really understand.”
PinkPantheress continued: “Just to keep it plain: I really love being a singer, but honestly, my main love is writing. When people try and people tell me, ‘You’re not a great performer,’ or, ‘She needs to improve,’ I’m always like, ‘Babe, I don’t even really want to do the performing.’ I’m more of a writer. I want to be like Rick Rubin—the female Rick Rubin.”
Why do gen Z love PinkPantheress so much?
Aside from the obvious things, such as the fact that the singer frequently collaborates with artists such as Ice Spice and Central Cee, I think one of the reasons why gen Z connect so much with PinkPantheress is because she isn’t trying to break into the mainstream or commercialising herself to the point of no return.
There’s nothing wrong with this, but let’s be real, it’s not a method to success that is attractive or exciting for young people these days. We want to see something different, someone whose innocence and lack of ego are exactly the reason why they’ll end up killing it the most.
I mean, for starters, could she be more laid-back with a cutsie Y2K handbag slung over her shoulder and a little black wrap dress?
@entertherenaissance PinkPantheress performing "just for me" for her Boiler Room set in London, 2022
♬ original sound - Logan
We cannot underestimate the power of nonchalance. Any interview PinkPantheress gives, it’s clear that her interests lie outside of stupendous stardom. She’s having fun and enjoying the moment, it’s aspirational for any gen Z girlie in the trenches right now.
