ARTIST SPOTLIGHT – PIXEY
One of the most exciting emerging acts from Liverpool is Elizabeth Sinead Hillesdon, aka Pixey. The bedroom-pop songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has had a breakthrough year in 2023, becoming the face of Liverpool as a new music city. There have been a string of hugely significant turning points for Pixey in the last year, which have seen her climb to the top of the national indie pop scene.
The first of which was a momentous milestone and a self-confessed childhood dream. Back in May, Pixey became part of the Liverpool Football Club 2023/24 kit launch, modelling alongside her heroes from the club. Her track ‘Just Move’ was used as the launch video soundtrack, an apt choice not just because of its lyrical sentiment, but also due to the infectious, bubbly energy it radiates.
‘Just Move’ was a breakthrough track for Pixey, combining funky 90s rhythms with her trademark sunshine vocal melodies to blow away the cobwebs and make you want to…well, move! She made full use of her plethora of musical talents by performing drums, bass, guitar and vocals on the song, meaning that every element is flooding with her uniquely vibrant energy.
The track was then also used as the theme music for ITV’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup, a staggering achievement that meant her music was heard by over 15 million football fans across the country.
Another career-defining moment earlier this year was the release of single ‘Daisy Chain’ featuring Tayo Sound, becoming Pixey’s biggest release to date. Racking up over 1.5 million Spotify streams and earning her a place on Spotify’s editorial playlist ‘Our Generation’, Pixey is an artist deemed to be shaping the sonic landscape of right now.
Led by another thick, danceworthy beat, ‘Daisy Chain’ creates a dense, vibrant soundscape of electronic textures, big brass hooks and piano melodies. However, as always, it is the slick flow and bright tone of her vocal melodies that steal the show. The chorus is one that will stick with you long after the final note has ended, acting as the perfect summer anthem!
Pixey has long-been a cherished secret of Liverpool’s scene, but has now announced herself to the entire country. Not only has she produced all of her biggest hits to date, she has also showcased her sunshine energy to a national audience through performing at gigs and festivals across the country. Also seamlessly combining sport and music through acting as an ambassador for women’s football, Pixey has helped perpetuate Liverpool’s cultural identity – and she is not stopping there!
Written by James Booton
Photos by Marieke Macklon
