PinkPantheress speaks out on racial bias in electronic music

PinkPantheress confronts industry prejudice and reclaims her voice

British artist PinkPantheress has long blurred genre lines, weaving jungle, drum & bass, and garage into a unique, nostalgic pop sound. But in a recent wave of interviews, the 23-year-old singer, producer, and songwriter has addressed a deeper struggle: the underrepresentation and bias faced by Black women in electronic music.

“People are less willing to listen to electronic music made by a Black woman,” she told Mixmag, confronting an issue that remains unspoken in many corners of the dance world.

Challenging perceptions in dance music

While electronic music’s roots are undeniably Black—from Detroit techno to Chicago house—PinkPantheress points out that the scene has often become whitewashed. Her comments come at a time when the conversation around diversity in dance music is intensifying, but action still lags.

She believes there's a double standard at play. Listeners and industry insiders alike tend to associate Black women with R&B, hip-hop, or soul—but not with breakbeat, jungle, or experimental electronica.

“When I make music with breakbeats or dance elements, people assume a man produced it,” she revealed in her Hollywood Reporter interview.

This bias doesn’t just impact perception—it affects opportunities, recognition, and visibility within the broader electronic community.

Going viral, staying grounded

Despite these challenges, PinkPantheress has carved out her own path. Her rise began on TikTok, where her short DIY tracks exploded with Gen Z audiences. Tracks like Just for me and Pain introduced her airy vocals and melancholic lyrics to millions, all over retro-futuristic beats reminiscent of early 2000s UK club scenes.

Yet, she remains intentional about keeping her identity distinct. Fame, she says, was never the goal. She doesn't chase virality—in fact, she warns against it.

“Going viral isn’t a career strategy. It’s not sustainable,” she said. “I’m trying to build something that lasts, something that represents who I am.”

Read this next: Tems Launches “Leading the Vibe” to Empower Women in Music

A Black woman defining the future of dance

PinkPantheress' latest album Heaven knows further cements her status as one of the most original voices in the scene today. With collaborations from Greg Kurstin and El Guincho, the record maintains her lo-fi sensibility while embracing new sonic directions.

In her Mixmag cover interview, she dives deeper into her creative process, genre influences, and cultural identity—affirming that she’s not only part of the current wave, but actively shaping its future.

By naming the barriers she faces, she opens the door for greater change. Her message resonates: Black women have always shaped electronic music. It’s time the industry truly reflects that.

H/T: The Hollywood Reporter, Mixmag