Artist Panda$tackz’ ‘Bonnie $ Clyde’ comprises the best contemporary verses in the scope of hip hop and rap. With a prospect that surpasses creative enrichment, the song displays a thematic course that takes the audience on a compelling recreational journey. From his perspective to his production skills, he is emerging as the top player in hip-hop.
Daily Music Roll: What type of production arrangements do you use in your music?
PandaStackz: Over the past few years, I’ve managed to slowly but surely build up my production team! I’m very picky about who and what I work with because, to me, production is everything. For all of my projects, I’m always on the hunt for whatever can boost the quality of my music and videos. I know a lot of artists hop in the booth and knock out a song in 10 minutes – quick mix, master, and off to the streaming platforms they go. I take a different approach. Sometimes I’ll take days (or weeks) to record, re-record, master, and mix everything. Sometimes there are 5-10 revisions between the first cut and the finished product. My view is that it takes however long it takes because the music is worth the wait. Every song I release, I do so knowing that every bit of production value within my grasp went into making that track and video.
Daily Music Roll: Which artists, both old-school and new-school, influence your soundscape the most?
PandaStackz: My melodies and chords are definitely influenced by T-Pain. In terms of my lyrical flow, I’m influenced by artists like Lil Wayne or even Eminem. I’m never one for comparing myself to these legends (or any other legendary artists, for that matter), but they’ve been very influential to the songs I create.
Daily Music Roll: What will the future of hip hop and rap take us to, according to you?
PandaStackz: It honestly feels like hip-hop and rap (as industries) need some saving because right now, the industry feels very focused on the next “Now” artist – whatever artist is hot for the moment gets propped up for a couple of years, and then they fall off, and it’s on to the next. It seems like talent and building things that last are forgotten virtues nowadays. No hate towards anybody – flash-in-the-pan stars are getting used and thrown away, after all. But the reality is not everyone lives up to the term “artist,” and in my opinion, it leaves real talent behind when we overuse it, and a lot of talented artists get left behind with no support as a result.
Daily Music Roll: Do you think your music is instrumental in building your individuality?
PandaStackz: Yes, 100 percent. I think that at the end of the day, you want to have your own style – something that makes you unique both as an artist and as an individual. Every successful long-term artist has built that individuality into their music and has that thing that sets them apart.
Daily Music Roll: Are real-life experiences important in the thematic construction of a song?
PandaStackz: It’s different for everyone. In my case, everything I write and sing about is things I’ve lived. Certain situations bring back those memories, and when that happens, it just needs to be expressed in a specific way. It’s much easier to build a song when you already have a certain vibe and feeling going on inside yourself. And honestly – what better way is there to know how to talk about something than to have lived it personally?
Daily Music Roll: Which contemporary artists, according to you, hold the most potential in the scope of hip hop and rap?
PandaStackz: I think the artists poised to succeed right now are those who aren’t afraid to fail, those who aren’t scared just to put themselves out there and see where this journey takes them. Catchy beats and meaningful lyrics matter, too, just like they did back in the day where music meant something. If you have that nowadays, it’s just a matter of time before you shine. Keep doing the work. People will notice.
Daily Music Roll: Do you think music videos are an important part in the presentation of music?
PandaStackz: I think music videos are very important. With music, what you make engages the ears – it’s an audible product. Adding a music video engages other senses and gives artists a whole new range to keep expressing and representing their craft from a visual perspective. Many people, myself included, are visual learners, and that added element can help us comprehend what we hear on a deeper level.
Daily Music Roll: What are your goals and visions as a hip-hop artist?
PandaStackz: This one is simple. My goal as a hip-hop artist is to be a household name. I got into music to express myself, and my goal is to simply make sure people know what I have to say musically.
Daily Music Roll: Is the impact of culture and roots significant in the overall formulation of an artist?
PandaStackz: I think anyone from anywhere, from all walks of life and no matter the situation, has a shot at being great in this industry. Where you come from can impact how you make art, sure, but it doesn’t define you, especially with music. That’s what makes it beautiful.
Daily Music Roll: Do live performances provide more exposure as opposed to old-school forms of marketing?
PandaStackz: I think live performance is essential, especially today. When you perform live, you’re exposing yourself to all kinds of people in a forceful manner that’s hard to ignore if you know what you’re doing. Let’s say you’re performing at a county fair, for example. There will be people there who might know you exist but won’t go out of their way to listen to your music for whatever reason. If they see you there and see your performance and like what they hear? Bam! You just added somebody (hopefully a lot of somebodies) to your fanbase.
Daily Music Roll: What do you think is the driving force of your music; popularity or self-expression?
PandaStackz: I think I’m the driving force of my music; at least, my determination is. It’s definitely more about self-expression. I refuse to give up because I have too much to say.
Follow PandaStackz:
https://www.instagram.com/panda_stackz
https://twitter.com/Pandastackz
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf0RgZR7pnX3_ZiHX6Hconw
