DEPITCHA FUSES CULTURAL ROOTS AND DIVERSE GENRES IN NEW SOUND
Photo: Chris Pitchford Credit: Supplied
Chris Pitchford, the Palawa artist known by his stage name DePitcha. Growing up in a music-filled household, Pitchford was exposed to a wide variety of genres, which have significantly shaped his musical identity. His mother’s love for iconic bands like Pink Floyd and David Bowie laid the foundation for his musical tastes, while his cousin introduced him to Metallica, leaving a lasting impact on his songwriting.
Pitchford's musical style is a dynamic mix of rock, pop, and experimental sounds, influenced by artists like David Bowie, Flamenco music, and the energy of pop. His eclectic tastes reflect his belief in the power of music to transcend boundaries, and he’s developed a distinctive sound that blends these influences while staying true to his Aboriginal roots. Although his music is not traditionally Aboriginal, he remains eager to explore deeper connections to Indigenous sounds and collaborate with other Aboriginal artists.
"I just want people to realise that there are some great Aboriginal artists out there no matter what genre that you listen to."
His goal is to elevate First Nations voices in all genres and showcase the diversity of Aboriginal music to a broader audience.
With over 30 years of experience in writing music, Pitchford’s journey in the industry is one of growth and exploration. His latest release, When You’re Down, exemplifies his approach to blending serious themes with a fun, lighthearted sound. Tackling topics like anxiety and mental health, the track contrasts a lively tempo with the gravity of its subject matter, using humour to maintain a positive outlook on difficult issues.
"The music is fun because it's a bit of a higher tempo, but basically, it's about one point of view of what anxiety or mental health could be like."
This balance between lightheartedness and depth is a hallmark of Pitchford’s music, which he hopes will connect with listeners on a personal level.
Looking ahead, Pitchford has big plans for his music. He is currently working with his American band, Matrix, under the name Chromium Buzz, creating new material with hopes of having their music featured in television shows. His long-term goal is to build a sustainable career in music, not just for himself but to help others in the industry.
"My long-term goals are to try and make a comfortable living from music, so I can expand on that and try and help others that try to start out as well."
By honing his production and mastering skills, he aims to release high-quality music that can benefit both his career and those of aspiring artists.
Through his music, DePitcha continues to prove the power of music as both a personal and cultural expression. By drawing from his diverse influences and staying connected to his Aboriginal roots, Chris Pitchford is helping to pave the way for more Indigenous voices in the music industry, ensuring that his cultural heritage remains a key part of his artistic vision. Fans can expect more innovative work from DePitcha as he continues to push creative boundaries.