London-based band Los Bitchos brings to mind the exhilarating energy of a 70s surf movie, filled with speed, unexpected twists, and a generous dose of nostalgic flair in their reverb-drenched guitar sound.
Earlier this year, the quartet released their second album, Talkie Talkie, produced by Oli Barton-Wood (known for his work with Wet Leg and Nilüfer Yanya). This album is a journey through pop-infused, disco-inspired 80s rock, blending elements of Turkish psych, Latin rhythms, and retro harmonies. Their captivating sound and dynamic live performances have secured them spots at major festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury, as well as opening for notable acts including King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Ty Segall, Pavement, and Mac DeMarco.
The band came together in 2017, uniting Australian guitarist Serra Petale, Uruguayan keytarist Agustina Ruiz, Swedish bassist Josefine Jonsson, and London-born drummer Nic Crawshaw. They aimed to create a musical fusion reflective of their diverse backgrounds and influences.
Drawing from an eclectic mix that includes cumbia, Anatolian rock, punk, and 80s pop—along with a hint of Van Halen—their sound is anything but predictable. However, it’s the essence of Anatolian rock—blending Turkish folk and rock exemplified by artists like Selda Bağcan and Erkin Koray—that truly defines Los Bitchos’ instrumental jams.
Raised in Perth, Australia, Petale recalls how her parents’ 1970s Anatolian records ignited her love for this music, linking it to fond memories of visiting her grandparents in Turkey each year. “Nostalgia plays a big role because it reminds me of those visits,” she explains. “It was always different from what was on the radio in Australia while I was growing up.”
Although guitar was not her initial choice, Petale has been drawn to music since she could walk. “I started with the violin at age four,” she shares, but her passion shifted when she saw her friend’s brother playing Enter Sandman on the drums.
“I pestered my parents for a drum kit and began playing in high school bands, learning through a new school music program.” Transitioning from drums to guitar was a natural progression for her, especially with the encouragement from her brother, who played guitar.
“Until Los Bitchos, I was mostly self-taught, focusing on rhythm guitar and writing some parts,” Petale explains. “In the beginning, I wrote lead lines and melodies myself. I considered rhythm guitar but realized I needed to convey my lead lines, as they are the band’s voice, especially since we don’t have vocals.”
Petale’s journey took her from playing guitar in Perth to forming a rock band in London, leading to this second album and growing international recognition. “I moved to London around 2010 to pursue music after finishing university in Perth. I have a degree in biomedical science, but music was always my dream. When I arrived, I attended a music school to meet people. It was through this school, where I graduated from the drum course and eventually taught, that I met Josie [Jonsson], our bassist, and the other girls.”
When asked if the band members are friends outside of rehearsals, Petale seems surprised, as their close bond feels so integral to the group. “Camaraderie and friendship are special; we hang out a lot. We support each other through the tough and sometimes lonely aspects of this job,” she says, noting the difference between life in a sprawling city like London compared to Perth.
“I live in North London near Crouch End, and I love it here. It’s a massive, vibrant city rich in diversity and creativity. London is a music hub, with astounding talent from across the UK. Many of my favorite bands come from here—Scottish, Welsh, Irish, and English. The diversity is incredibly inspiring, and I appreciate the city’s gritty charm.”
In her North London home, Petale has transformed her living room into a studio for writing and demoing music. “That’s how the project began, but it’s important to note that the other girls contribute significantly. I can lay out well-formed ideas, then go wild on Ableton to create a roadmap for our sound. When I write a song at home, we bring it into the rehearsal space, where Agustina might introduce different chord motifs, Josie could suggest a new bass line, and Nic might want to tweak things. You can hear everyone’s influence in the record, and ultimately, we want everyone to feel artistically fulfilled.”
Petale’s living room also houses her collection of unique guitars. “My main live guitar is the Italia Maranallo Speedster II, an obscure brand. Its powerful tone cuts through beautifully in live settings. It has a wider neck and a straightforward setup with two humbucker pickups and just one tone and volume control.”
For studio recordings, she typically uses her Fender Blacktop Strat for rhythm parts, but her most cherished instrument may be the simplest. “My mom bought me a Lâg, a French brand, in Perth. I use that for recording because I love its sound. It features single-coil pickups and offers tones perfect for 80s funk, which we used in songs like Hi! and Open The Bunny, Wasting My Time.”
If you’ve heard Petale play, you’ve likely encountered her favorite effect—one she rarely turns off. “My sound is always chorus-based,” she admits. “The chorus pedal is a staple for me; I don’t want to play without it. We explored many pedals while recording. My board, along with [producer] Oli [Barton-Wood]’s, included a variety of Earthquaker Devices, which offer fantastic tonal range. We also used a unique Earthquaker distortion pedal multiple times.”
The layered compositions in Talkie Talkie are crafted without concern for how they will translate to live performance, as Petale explains. “The live aspect is a separate process. I don’t want to compromise our recorded sound just to make it easier to perform live.”
One guitarist that inspires Petale is St. Vincent, known for her captivating live performances. “She blew me away a few years ago. Her guitar skills are phenomenal. It’s all about execution and confidence. You want to see artists express their personalities through their instruments. While technical skills are important, the ability to project oneself through the music makes a real impact.”
In an industry often dominated by men, Los Bitchos thrive on their confidence and supportive community. “We’re fortunate to be secure in our identities and surround ourselves with like-minded people. If any undermining occurs behind our backs, we remain unaware. Visibility in music is essential; people want to see representation on stage. The scene has room for everyone, not just the typical male archetype. There’s space for all kinds of music.”
With Talkie Talkie, the band offers listeners a diverse and engaging experience. “It’s a fantastic journey,” Petale enthuses. “The album features a wide variety of songs.”
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