Australian dance music trio PNAU, consisting of Nick Littlemore, Peter Mayes, and Sam Littlemore, has captivated audiences worldwide with their infectious beats and genre-defying sound.
Now, they’re set to play Adelaide’s Spin Off Festival, on Friday 21st July. And it’s going to be a party.
With a career spanning decades, PNAU has solidified their place in the electronic music scene and garnered critical acclaim for their unique approach to creating music. In an exclusive interview with Glam Adelaide, guitarist Peter Mayes reflected on the group’s success.
PNAU’s collaborations with an impressive roster of artists, including Elton John, Dua Lipa, Troye Sivan, Khalid, Ozuna, and Bebe Rexha, has showcased their versatility and ability to adapt to different styles.
“If we’re collaborating with someone who’s just more of a songwriter, then it’s different, because you’re just in the studio doing your thing. But if you’re working with an artist, quite often, they’ll have their way that they like to work, especially if they’re a singer.” he reflected.
“Sometimes you’re just sending off a file, sending off a lyric sheet and then hearing something back in the next couple of weeks. Or, with Bebe (Rexha) I went down to the studio and sat with her while she did her vocals, which is great.”
Their collaboration with Elton John holds a special place in PNAU’s journey. It began in the mid-2000s when Elton John stumbled upon their album in a record store and became an avid fan.
“It was around 2005. I can’t remember exactly when, but Elton was on tour in Australia and he found our album at a Virgin Megastore when they still existed. He bought like 120 copies or something and sent them to all these friends.”
“We eventually moved to the UK… and then he and his company kind of took up management of PNAU. He basically gave us all of his tapes from his whole career and just said, do whatever you want, make an album. And so we did.”
“It was like… Elton John’s given us his whole career… it was incredible. [But] it was very daunting in many ways.” Pete went on.
PNAU’s signature musicality sets them apart, allowing their songs to stand out even amidst collaborations with diverse artists. By combining their love for dance and electronic music, coupled with a passion for melody and strong chords, PNAU creates songs that resonate with listeners and deliver an immersive experience.
Despite the evolving music industry landscape, PNAU has managed to remain relevant and adapt to changes. While acknowledging the shift towards single-focused releases, PNAU’s longevity can be attributed to their commitment to creating albums that encapsulate a specific period of their lives.
“I think the longevity comes from actually doing albums. Because I think it’s a collection of songs from a time of your life. I guess the longevity comes from actually just enjoying it.” Pete said.
By embracing the joy of making music and maintaining their passion for the craft, PNAU continues to connect with audiences and evolve their sound.
The upcoming Spin Off Festival in Adelaide presents an exciting opportunity for fans to witness PNAU’s electrifying live performance. PNAU are joined by Australian hip-hop legends Hilltop Hoods, as well as Tove Lo, BENEE, and more. With a mix of international pop superstars, indie rock icons, and local talent, Spin Off 2023 is set to deliver an unforgettable music experience.
To listen to the whole Glam Chat interview, click here.
Spin Off Festival
Where: Adelaide Showgrounds
When: Friday July 21st 2023
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