Buenos Aires musician Panda Elliot has been described as “three in one – woman, band and producer.” Influenced by music from the ’70s and ’80s, this artist takes great pride and detail in the sound and production of her work. Performing at SXSW this week, Panda Elliot took time to give us insight into her music and her obsession with guitars!
GGM: Tell us a little about your background and how you got involved in music?
PE: I started playing guitar at 13 and never stopped, had a lot of bands and studied music production at The London Music. Four years ago I decided to launch my solo career.
GGM: Who were your musical influences and how did they have an impact on your music today?
PE: I love punk from the late ‘70s and new wave early ‘80s bands. The Clash and The Cure have been big influences in my music. Also, front women such as Chrissie Hynde and Debbie Harry.
GGM: Your music is very diverse from a soft acoustic sound to the edgier rock sounds with electric guitar to pop-infused dance rhythms. Can you describe your music for us?
PE: It’s always difficult to describe your own music. I think it represents all parts of my personality and I like to call it cosmic rock.
GGM: You’ve been described as “woman, band, and producer.” What is the inspiration behind being the musician and the producer?
PE: I’ve always liked to be in control and have everything taken care of even in the smallest detail. I am very passionate about every step of the musical process and love being a part of it.
GGM: Can you tell us about your band, how long you’ve been together, and a little about the band members?
PE: They’ve been with me since the beginning and are my warriors of sorts. They all have other musical projects and are very talented in their craft. But the most important thing for me is how they are as human beings, the best!
GGM: What instruments do you play and how old were you when you started playing?
PE: I am a guitar fanatic. I love vintage guitars, they are a huge obsession. The ones I am currently using live are a ’78 Fender Custom Tele and a ’63 Fender Jaguar. Both go through my Matchless DC 30 amp. Sonic heaven!
GGM: Your latest release included a song titled “Guerrero” which stands for Warrior. What was the inspiration behind this song and the album Forastera?
PE: “Guerrero” was born at a time in which I was pretty fed up with life and had the inspiration of meeting someone that would get me out of that feeling. I think there are few “warriors” out there. The album Forastera has a lot to do with the fact that I’ve lived in different countries and have the feeling of not belonging anywhere.
GGM: You’re at SXSW and then on tour in the US! What can fans expect to hear?
PE: I am so happy to be playing live in the US because that is definitely the best way to enjoy music. We’re going to be doing a lot of songs from the new album, a few from the previous one, and depending on the mood, versions of songs we like from other artists.
For more on Panda Elliot, visit her site HERE.
Panda Elliot – Guerrero (Lyric Video) from Panda Elliot on Vimeo.