Wishy's new EP 'Planet Popstar' — out today, Friday 25th April via Winspear — transforms what might have been mere album offcuts into something far more vital. These six tracks, emerging from the same sessions as their debut 'Triple Seven', chart their own distinct path through dream-pop territory. The band saw something special here, and honestly? They were totally right.

Rather than relegating these recordings to B-side status, they're realising their unique potential. As Nina Pitchkites explains, "It's not that they were wrong; we just had a lot to choose from and didn't want to make the album super long. They're also more pop-centric and laid back than the others, so kinda makes sense for them to go together."

This relaxed approach belies the careful curation at work as these songs reveal new facets of Wishy's artistic vision. The EP merges shoegaze textures with surprisingly danceable rhythms, like My Bloody Valentine deciding to remix a lost Madonna track from 1983.

The experimentation feels both playful and purposeful. "Pop songs with breakbeats and bongos are just fun," Pitchkites notes with characteristic enthusiasm. It's this willingness to colour outside genre lines that gives 'Planet Popstar' its distinct character — less a bunch of leftovers than a bold step into new territory.

Among the standouts is 'Chaser', which holds special significance as a highlight for Pitchkites, too. "Partially because I wrote it, but also the idea for it was a bug in my ear for so long that it feels good to see it realised," she shares. The track exemplifies how Wishy can transform creative restlessness into magic pop moments.

When asked about the ideal response to the EP, Pitchkites offers an answer that encapsulates Wishy's artistic ethos: "That it resembles a childlike sense of wonder." It's a joyful aspiration in an often cynical world, and one that 'Planet Popstar' achieves with remarkable consistency.

The release comes at a moment when Wishy seems poised for even bigger things. Their trajectory since 'Triple Seven' has been steadily ascending, and Pitchkites' relationship with their debut remains warmly optimistic. "It's our debut record and our best one thus far, so I still love it very much because I made it with people I love and care about. Having that record out inspires me to make an even better one."

This creative momentum shows no signs of slowing. The band have confirmed that work on new material is already underway, with the EP's experimental spirit informing their future direction. When asked if 'Planet Popstar' will influence their next batch of material, Pitchkites' response is succinct but promising: "Yes."

In the meantime, Wishy aren't just waiting around. Beyond music, they maintain a charmingly DIY approach to band life. Pitchkites casually mentions, "I'm currently embroidering some band tees for my friend Kellen, who's in an awesome band called Good Flying Birds." It's this kind of personal touch that helps maintain the band's connection to their indie roots even as their sound grows more ambitious.

The coming months will see Wishy taking their evolved sound on the road. "We're going on tour with Momma in May, which we're very excited about; they rock, and I can't wait to rock with them," Pitchkites enthuses. The extensive North American tour will hit major cities from Los Angeles to New York, offering audiences a chance to experience how these more pop-oriented songs translate to the stage.

Between shows, the band keeps things refreshingly down-to-earth. Their off-stage pursuits read like a perfect indie-rock weekend: "Sew, hacky sack, watch movies, hang out, play pool." It's this balance of serious musical ambition and unpretentious fun that makes Wishy such a compelling proposition.

'Planet Popstar' arrives as both a gift to existing fans and an invitation to new listeners. It's a reminder that B-sides are more than afterthoughts — they can be portals to new creative territories. In Wishy's hands, these songs become something rare and precious: pop music that maintains its underground heart while reaching for the stars. Sometimes, the best way forward is to embrace joy with open arms.