White Panda – Hands On Me

By starrymag | July 25, 2018

By: Robert Warren

 

 

Q) Can you start by telling us about your new song, “Hands On Me,” featuring Loote, and what inspired the track?

A) Yes! This is my debut original song and it’s the first taste of a new sound for White Panda that I’ve been working on for years. It encompasses all the aspects of White Panda that our fans love: high energy, fun, feel-good, dance vibes. Honestly, I just heard Emma’s vocal and thought it was simultaneously so powerful/sassy/fun that with summer on the horizon, it needed to be turned into a White Panda summery beat and released to the world.

Q) How did you come to collaborate with Loote on the song?

A) So, the lyrics were written by them when I discovered the demo. I tried recording a few different other artists on it, but no one did the song justice like Emma did – she was the obvious choice to be the ultimate feature on the track.

Q) Having done official remixes for bands like Fall Out Boy, Bebe Rexha and more, what has your experience been like getting to put together an ALL ORIGINAL track?

A) It’s a significant challenge. Remixes are much easier as you’re already working with a hit-record vocal and have a library of sounds/melodies from the original track that you can choose to build around in the remix. With an original, especially a debut original, you are kind of defining yourself. What types of sounds, rhythms, vibes, energy, etc. do you want people to associate with your music? It’s a difficult call to make – and even more difficult to execute. Not to mention either writing or finding a vocal with mass appeal and identifying it in an endless stack of rough demos.

Q) What is the most difficult part of writing an all original track and how do you work past that difficulty?

A) I’d stick with my earlier answer, which is that an original track defines what your music/brand is and deciding what you want that to be – and how you want it to be different from what currently exists – it’s a huge challenge.

Q) What is it like performing wearing a panda mask?

A) Well, I’ve never performed without it so hard to say. I can’t always see great, but it has become my identity.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a track?

A) Robert Plant

Q) Where do you usually get inspiration for your work and how do you go about acting on that inspiration?

A) I just keep my eyes and ears open everywhere I go. Listening to the sounds and music around me, seeing people’s energy walking down the street or in workout classes and spending a LOT of my time online listening to music: thinking about creative choices that other artists make that I love, sounds that intrigue me and melodies that move me.

Q) Can we expect a full album or EP in the near future?

A) Lips are sealed on that one.

Q) Do you feel performing over 400 shows worldwide at venues such as Lollapalooza has really helped you grow into the solo artist you are now?

A) 1000%. So much of White Panda’s identity is tied to my live show. I think the fan base I’ve built and lifeblood in the project all comes from the extensive touring I’ve done.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes them so special to you?

A) Chicago – where I lived for twelve years and the Bay Area where I was born. There’s something indescribable about seeing people show up in your home town to support you.

Q) Who inspires you an artist?

A) People who innovate, people who dedicate their lives to the betterment of others, people who take risks, people who are gracious.

Q) What artists and albums are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) Amy Shark’s new album – all of her songs are so raw and soothing. Bazzi – I think he put out a real solid statement album in a community of electronic musicians where it can be very difficult to distinguish yourself.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) Thank you. Your support has allowed me to truly live an impossible dream for the better part of the past decade. I will continue to work as hard as I can to deliver the best music and best performances possible. Everything you’ve given to me, I want to give back to you tenfold. Stick with me – there’s exciting stuff ahead.