PIXEY is back with a vibey, brilliant new collaboration with the equally buzzy Tayo Sound, 'Daisy Chain'. Read our latest Hype playlist cover feature now.
Words: Sam Taylor.
Photos: Marieke Macklon.
Bathing in the afterglow of her debut mini-album 'Dreams, Pains & Paper Planes', Liverpool's very own Pixey is no longer a raw newcomer, but a steadily rising star. She's back with a vengeance, armed with a brand new single that's an intoxicating mix of cheerful sunshine and nostalgic 90s vibes - 'Daisy Chain'. Not just a single, it's a bold proclamation of Pixey's creative prowess. Timed perfectly to coincide with increasingly sweltering temperatures, it's an aural oasis that offers an escape from the heat. It's also a collaboration, marking a meeting of minds and talents with fellow up-and-comer Tayo Sound. The result is a synergistic blend of their unique styles, creating a piece that's even greater than the sum of its parts.
The single, however, is just a tantalising appetiser, the opening act for a bigger, currently-still-under-wraps new project. And if 'Daisy Chain' is any indication, the project promises to be a feast of good vibes and infectious energy that Pixey is quickly becoming known for. The anticipation is palpable. We caught up with her to find out more.
Hi Pixey! How's it going, and what are you up to today? Have you done anything fun?
Hey! I'm currently sat in my bedroom studio, finishing off production on a couple of tunes. It's about 30 degrees outside here in Liverpool, which is absolutely unheard of, so as soon as I'm finished, you'll catch me outside in the sunshine.
Hey! I'm currently sat in my bedroom studio, finishing off production on a couple of tunes. It's about 30 degrees outside here in Liverpool, which is absolutely unheard of, so as soon as I'm finished, you'll catch me outside in the sunshine.
Congratulations on the release of your new single, 'Daisy Chain'. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and what it means to you?
Thank you so much! This song is everything I think my music has always been about. I just wanted to create a tune that encapsulates everything near and dear to my heart - a 90s break, summer themes and a solid sample. I've loved creating my own samples for a long time, but this will be my very first time using a beloved, well-known one.
Thank you so much! This song is everything I think my music has always been about. I just wanted to create a tune that encapsulates everything near and dear to my heart - a 90s break, summer themes and a solid sample. I've loved creating my own samples for a long time, but this will be my very first time using a beloved, well-known one.
The song utilises LEN's 'Steal My Sunshine', were there any other tracks you worked with before landing on that one? What drew you to it?
So I actually had finished the whole track when I decided I wanted to use the LEN sample. I remember it just popping up on my playlist after the writing session and thinking… if I pitch this up, maybe we could use it. So I did, and then I recreated the entire sample from scratch.
So I actually had finished the whole track when I decided I wanted to use the LEN sample. I remember it just popping up on my playlist after the writing session and thinking… if I pitch this up, maybe we could use it. So I did, and then I recreated the entire sample from scratch.
What do you think are the hallmarks of a good summertime anthem?
I don't know exactly why certain songs sound like summer, but I have a theory that you need three things; chorus guitar, big beat and an anthemic vocal group.
I don't know exactly why certain songs sound like summer, but I have a theory that you need three things; chorus guitar, big beat and an anthemic vocal group.
What led you to team up with Tayo Sound for the track? Are you guys pals?
I actually only met Tayo filming the music video, but I knew I wanted a feature on this track. He came up to Liverpool to film with me in the middle of absolutely nowhere, so I'd like to think we're mates now. I'm usually very shy about approaching artists, but I loved Tayo's music, so I knew he'd fit perfectly.
I actually only met Tayo filming the music video, but I knew I wanted a feature on this track. He came up to Liverpool to film with me in the middle of absolutely nowhere, so I'd like to think we're mates now. I'm usually very shy about approaching artists, but I loved Tayo's music, so I knew he'd fit perfectly.
"I'm beyond excited for what's to come after this single"
— Pixey
Do you have any other collaborations in the works with anyone else?
Not at the moment. Maybe I should find the courage to message some artists…
Not at the moment. Maybe I should find the courage to message some artists…
You've not long released 'Dreams, Pains & Paper Planes', how does 'Daisy Chain' build upon the foundation you established with that release
It's still the same identity, big 90s breaks with samples, but I reckon 'Daisy Chain' is a little different. It's a bit bolder, a bit groovier, and the vocal style is heading in a different direction.
It's still the same identity, big 90s breaks with samples, but I reckon 'Daisy Chain' is a little different. It's a bit bolder, a bit groovier, and the vocal style is heading in a different direction.
The single's from a bigger project that's on the way - what can you tell us about that? Is it done and dusted? What's the vibe?
I'm beyond excited for what's to come after this single. I've been working so hard behind the scenes, I'd love to tell you everything, but I can't yet. But just know it's probably the most excited I've ever been for a project.
I'm beyond excited for what's to come after this single. I've been working so hard behind the scenes, I'd love to tell you everything, but I can't yet. But just know it's probably the most excited I've ever been for a project.
What lessons did you learn from the release of the last project that you've applied to the new one?
I learned a lot. I'm definitely a better producer now, for one. I'm also trying to lean into social media a bit more; it's something I really struggle with, so I'm trying not to be so afraid of pushing my music because I'm really proud of it.
I learned a lot. I'm definitely a better producer now, for one. I'm also trying to lean into social media a bit more; it's something I really struggle with, so I'm trying not to be so afraid of pushing my music because I'm really proud of it.
You're playing Dork's Day Out at the start of August - will we have more new music before then, do you think?
That's going to be a grand day out. I'm not sure if anything will be out before then, but I'll certainly be playing some of the unreleased music at the show.
That's going to be a grand day out. I'm not sure if anything will be out before then, but I'll certainly be playing some of the unreleased music at the show.
What else are you working on at the moment?
I'm really working hard on becoming a full-time producer alongside being an artist. I'm so passionate about it, and I had a really great mentor to help me learn whilst I've been producing my new music. My dream is to be one of the first professionally working female producers in Liverpool.
I'm really working hard on becoming a full-time producer alongside being an artist. I'm so passionate about it, and I had a really great mentor to help me learn whilst I've been producing my new music. My dream is to be one of the first professionally working female producers in Liverpool.
Do you have big plans for summer?
Dork's Day Out, of course! And some festivals too. But I definitely want to be reading my sound engineering books by the pool with a bevvy and packet of Lays. And listening to 'Daisy Chain'. ■
Dork's Day Out, of course! And some festivals too. But I definitely want to be reading my sound engineering books by the pool with a bevvy and packet of Lays. And listening to 'Daisy Chain'. ■
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