In the words of Triple J, Matilda Pearl is “a big talent waiting to meet the world.” After a small hiatus, she’s stepping in fast with lyrics dripping in wit and an unfiltered, messy honesty that short-circuits the “perfect pop girl” blueprint.

Music has always been her way of making sense of herself and the world around her. Shedding her electronic glitter-pop roots, Pearl is embracing a sonic world she calls bubblegum grunge. Drawing on artists she grew up obsessing over—Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Ben Lee, and Blur—her upcoming EP is drenched in nostalgia. Pearl says being a twenty-something feels like being a kid again: everything is new, and nobody really knows what they’re doing. Creating music that feels nostalgic isn’t just sonic, it’s symbolic.

After festival slots at BTV, NYE on the Hill, and Land of Plenty, and supports for The Aces, George Alice, The Rions, Bella Amor, and Tyne James Organ, Pearl shows no signs of slowing down.

Inspired by alt-pop trailblazers like Mallrat, Beabadoobee, Lola Young, and Devon Again, she remains one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets—though not for much longer.

Matilda’s Instagram

Matilda on Spotify

Matilda on Tik Tok