retropxssy presents - SHUT UP

Fierce, immersive, and unapologetically original, retropxssy is an artist who thrives in the chaos of the moshpit, blending hip-hop, punk, and theatrical storytelling into electrifying live experiences. Described as “soft as a kitten, tough as a Dr Marten boot” (BBC6 Music), her sets are an invitation—ride wild horses, jump through portals, feast on gummy worms, and embrace the unexpected.

Having shared stages with Grove, Onoe Caponoe, and Gao the Arsonist, retropxssy is as collaborative as she is commanding, working with JoeJas, Blah Records, and Hoodstock Festival. With support from BBC, Glastonbury Emerging Talent, Third Man, Selector Radio, and Vans, she’s not just making waves—she’s tearing up the rulebook.

We caught up with her to talk about pushing boundaries, building worlds on stage, and what’s next for one of London's most exciting live performers.

Your performances are described as immersive, blending music and theatre. What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done on stage, and how do you keep audiences on their toes?

I fell off the other day before I’d started! I think general gummy worm debauchery keeps people concentrated!

Your new release, SHUT UP, comes with an intriguing concept—being chased by giant evil goo! What inspired this surreal, cinematic vision?

I became really enamoured with old B-movies when I was a kid. They have this amazing lurid playful and sometimes disgusting quality. Balancing darkness with fun and not taking things to seriously is what I am for. 

Your sound fuses hip-hop and punk with raw energy. How do these genres influence your storytelling, and how do you make them your own?

hip hop has shaped me so much - it is a genre that is ever evolving and so broad I am always inspired by how people try new ways of writing or delivering something and the beats are part of the story. I’ll listen to a tune sometimes and be like wow I never thought of doing it like that. It could be Boldy James or Lil B lol.

You’ve collaborated with artists from Blah Records, Hoodstock Festival, and worked closely with JoeJas. What makes a collaboration exciting for you, and who’s on your dream collab list?

I love how I can try out different kinds of beats and have fun. Sometimes collaboration can be super challenging especially if you’re talking about something personal with a stranger there. I get nervous! Worth it though.

I’d love to work with the Alchemist, MF DOOM, Lucki or Boldy. So many people tbf. Me and Father would make some fun music I think. 

You’ve gained recognition from major platforms like the BBC, Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition, and Vans. How do you navigate the balance between underground roots and growing industry attention?

I think the balance is maintaining authenticity whike acknowledging the need to participate in the music industry, especially in  terms of reaching an audience. Labels own so much. It can be dispiriting. Fostering a core audience of people close to you is super key too though. We do have power :-)