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Pitou

Folk, Pop / Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Pitou
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Pitou

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Laura Marling, Julien Baker, Julia Holter

Free style

Choral pop

" Rich, fearless alternative pop "

It’s spellbinding watching a nascent talent bloom. Dutch artist Pitou’s early work was informed by her rare voice and extraordinary songcraft; a captivating, intelligent folk-pop that won the hearts and minds of audiences and critics alike across Europe. But for her debut album proper, the recently released ‘Big Tear’, Pitou mined one of her first loves and a formative influence on her approach to songwriting – classical music.

From a very young age, Pitou would sit with a radio, scrolling through stations in search of choirs and orchestras. Aged just 9, she started singing in choirs. ‘Big Tear’ draws on these memories; unexpected harmonies and song structures, vocal layering, loops, wistful melodies, and classical instruments all swirl together in stylish, clever ways. The record also marks her own development, both as a performer and a songwriter – moving away from acoustic guitar, she embraces the creative possibilities of different instruments (piano, harp, synths) and using computer programs to build and refine her music.

Doing so has given her songs a newfound depth and heft, like a world you can step into. Deconstructing universal themes is a frequent motif here; on ‘Big Tear’, there are songs about trying to live in the moment (’Animal’), breaking up (‘Melody’), and the inexorable march of time (‘Greed’). Yet they are never melancholic; instead, Pitou imbues her songs with light, optimism, and a generous dose of hope. It’s all part of her desire to help people feel and see beauty in the world. To be an inspiration. “Music is one of the most beautiful things we have to escape,” she’s said. “I want to be part of that.” As she explores the full range of her talents, ‘Big Tear’ has made that wish a reality.