It’s been a particularly busy week, even by PinkPantheress standards. On the eve of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, the London-born artist is fresh off hosting a pre-ceremony party with Kaytranada, and already bouncing between glam and interviews before the main show. Yet, she sounds remarkably unruffled—calm, even—when we speak, despite waiting on the results of her two nominations: Best Dance/Electronic Album for Fancy That and Best Dance Pop Recording for “Illegal.”
That ease extends to her output, as the musician swims between pulsing, addictive beats and charming lyricism. On the red carpet tonight, she brings the same creative clarity, wearing an archival Vivienne Westwood piece that nods to her British roots, paired with the kind of diamonds she’s dreamed of since childhood. The necklace spotlights, by her own admission, her favorite physical feature.
Ahead of the ceremony, PinkPantheress sat down with CULTURED to talk about her first musical influences, the lineup of her fantasy band, and what a Grammy recognition really means.
You’re walking into the Grammys tonight with two nominations. Can you describe how you’re feeling right now?
I feel good, and l feel calm. I’m just excited to see the outcome, but I’m not putting too much pressure on it. It’s just fun, and I’m really excited to see everyone.
Fancy That and “Illegal” feel like a confident expansion of the world you’ve built. What excited you most about those tracks while developing them?
While I really love writing lyrics and singing, for me everything starts with the beat. With this project specifically, everything was so beat‑driven. Those are what made me so excited about these songs, and I think that’s probably what has translated for a lot of people—maybe even more than what I’m doing on the track itself.
It’s different every time. I do enjoy writing lyrics, but the most fun for me is the making. I see music as very theory‑based—the feeling comes from the sound first. When I write lyrics, it’s more like storytelling. In the end, it all comes together.
Can you walk us through your look for tonight?
I’m wearing something that feels very true to me. I’m British, living in America, and I like making little nods to where I’m from. I’m wearing a Vivienne Westwood [distressed Union Jack gown from the 2012 Red Carpet Capsule Collection], which is such an iconic British brand and very much in my wheelhouse. It’s an archive piece that I’ve never seen before, which is exciting—and I like to think I’ve seen everything.
I’m also wearing Pandora’s lab‑grown diamonds in 14k white gold. It’s an infinite necklace with 68 total carats of diamonds. I also have a tennis bangle—which I only learned the name of yesterday—and a cute ring in white and gold. I’ve asked for Pandora for birthdays and Christmas since I was young, but no one ever bought it for me, which I still don’t understand. It feels special to finally get it straight from the source. Also, my neck is honestly the only part of my body I really like. It’s long, and I have my mum’s neck.
How did you start your day today?
I woke up about an hour and a half ago, got in the car, and now I’m getting my hair and makeup done. It’s very different from a normal day, but some days are reserved for this. For a huge moment, you kind of have to.
How did you first find your voice as a musician?
It happened when I was about 19. I’ve always loved dance and electronic music. I was actually with Kaytranada last night, and thinking of how insane it is to be in his presence because he was my gateway into electronic music. That’s his role for a lot of people—he opens you up to more niche electronic artists, as well as real icons. Even people I’m nominated alongside today, like Skrillex and Fred Again, are artists I found through that discovery.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive on set?
The first thing I do is exactly what I’m doing now—getting my makeup and hair done [laughs].
Who would you start a band with?
OMG. Gerard Way as the lead singer. I’d play bass—I used to play bass in high school. I’ve been on a real Taylor Momsen binge right now, so maybe her as the lead, actually. Gerard could be on guitar. For drums, I’d have my drummer Blake [Cascoe]. I need my people.
What are you doing after the ceremony tonight?
I’m hosting an after‑party with Kaytranada, two nights in a row—I can’t get away from him! So I’ll go to that. Then just seeing people and enjoying the night.
Creative Direction: Studio&
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