IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hatchie

When sweet meets dreamy, you get Hatchie’s sound. Hatchie, aka Harriette Pilbeam, is a singer/songwriter and guitarist from Brisbane, Australia. Just this year, she released her debut EP, Sugar & Spice, on May 25, 2018. The EP features tracks such as “Sure” and “Sugar & Spice”.

She recently wrapped up an extensive tour in North America, which included four shows in NYC: Pitchfork Octfest on September 8, two sold out shows supporting ALVVAYS with Snail Mail on September 27 and 28, and a show at Baby’s All Right with The Natvral and Shannon Moser on October 2. Taking a pause from her busy schedule, Harriette generously shared some time to chat about her musical beginnings, what’s currently on her music radar, and the toppings that would be featured on the “Hatchie” pizza.

What’s the story behind your talent and passion for music?

I’ve been singing and playing instruments since I was really young. I grew up in a musical family, so I think I was always bound to head down the same path. Singing and writing music are the only things I’m confident with, so I’ve spent the last few years working on this project hoping for the best!

What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with?

I started singing first before moving onto piano in primary school, but I didn’t write music until much later when I learnt guitar.

You released your debut EP, Sugar & Spice, on May 25, 2018. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it?

I wrote the songs on my EP over two years, starting by myself and then getting a lot of help with the production. My partner Joe helped me finish writing and re-recording demos before heading into the studio with producer John Castle to record “Try” in early 2016. After I released “Try” and it went a lot better than I expected, Joe, John and I finished recording the EP at the beginning of this year.

Which song (released and unreleased) are you most proud of?

My favourite song changes a lot but I guess I am most proud of “Try” because I wrote it before I really knew what I was doing, and felt a real sense of accomplishment for the first time in a long time.

What happens before you go onstage? Is there a Hatchie pre-show ritual?

Not at all! We’re very casual and just try to relax before shows. I do a vocal warm up, but otherwise, we just sit around trying not to get too jittery!

What are you currently listening to?

At the moment, I’m loving Empress Of, Wild Nothing and Ariana Grande!!

What’s your favorite restaurant and/or food in NYC? Any places back home in Brisbane?

We were only there for 2 days last time so didn’t get to try much, but I am itching to get back to Vinnie’s Pizzeria in Brooklyn! They have amazing vegan pizzas. I don’t eat out much when I’m at home, but I love Greenhouse in South Brisbane—it’s another vegan must.

If there were a pizza with the name “Hatchie”, what toppings would it feature?

I love the classics, so a super garlicy vegan pepperoni would be my go-to. Maybe with extra cashew cheese!

What can listeners expect in terms of upcoming projects and/or releases?

I’ve got something lined up to be released before the end of the year!

What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?

I feel like I’ve been asked everything!

Many thanks to Grandstand Media for coordinating, and to Harriette for the time and thought to respond to the questions!

Be sure to check out her amazing sound, and follow her on Twitter (@hihatchie) and Instagram (@hihatchie) and like her on Facebook (/hatchiemusic)!