Pilerats announces indefinite hiatus with highlights from the last decade

Australian music journalism collective Pilerats has revealed that they are taking an indefinite hiatus, with a return “when the time is right.”

Since 2011, Perth-based creative collective Pilerats has independently published content highlighting a wide range of musical talent. Their articles, photography, and videos feature artists from their home country of Australia and around the world. Now, Pilerats has abruptly announced an indefinite hiatus, noting that their entire catalog of content will still be available online.

Their heartfelt Instagram post featuring the Pilerats logo begins with “Bye… for now,” and shares that they are “waving goodbye and fading into an indefinite hiatus… cue the waterworks.” The post makes no indication of the reasoning behind their decision to take a break, but does make it clear that they expect to return at some point in the future, “when the time is right.”

Pilerats also let fans know that all their previously-made content, including “over 10,000 articles,” will be available on their “slick new look” website that will act as a “forget-me-not” while they’re gone. The post ends by thanking fans for their “continued support” and expressing that they are “so happy to have shared so many epic moments” with their fans these past 13 years.

The Pilerats online archive is truly impressive, with a wealth of content that includes features on many Australian artists including national treasure Flume. Their Pile TV section includes live music sessions with artists, “a day in the life” videos with artists and entrepreneurs, and even interviews with industry creatives. As their website highlights, the collective is very diverse, featuring “journalists, editors, filmmakers, photographers, graphic designers, event promoters, digital marketing pros, branding experts… even a dog called Archie.” 

While the hiatus announcement from Pilerats is certainly sad for many, music fans in Australia and around the world can at least look forward to the day sometime in the future when they make their triumphant return. Independent content makes the music industry better, and we all hope to see Pilerats back in the fold someday soon.