White Panda Interview

Back at the end of April, I was able to interview the White Panda. This was actually one of the funner ones I've ever done. Before they played at Fordham University, I got to meet up with them just minutes before they went on. If you have never heard White Panda's music before, then odds are you've never heard some of the best mashups around. They have taken the scene by storm, touring throughout the country and selling out venus. They have a huge following right now, and it doesn't look to appear like it's slowing down. During that same show they previewed mashups that are barely coming out now! Be sure and check out there show sometime, because the energy that goes into them are insane. Now check out their story! Enjoy!

Spartytunes: Where did the name "White Panda" come from?

Tom: We really didn't have any aspirations as to where this could go. We didn't think it would turn into what it did. So we shot some names back and forth; Dan said White Panda, and I thought it was catchy and everybody loves pandas, so ya.

Spartytunes: What advice do you have for young and aspiring artists?

Tom: Do it if you like it, but don't do it if your just trying to make it, or make money. We started because it was fun, and we got very lucky!

Spartytunes: Is there anyone that you guys look up to? Like Girl Talk?

Dan: I definitely respect him. He's been a pioneer in this latest trend of mashing up. I think we are influenced by a certain degree. Pretty Lights, Skrillex... people that are able to create their own sound and an original spin on music

Spartytunes: How did you guys meet?

Tom: We actually met in the second grade. We went to school together up through highschool.

Spartytunes: What does all this "hype" mean to you guys? How does it all feel?

Tom: Its surreal. My favorite part is when something new happens. It does get repetitive but I remember the first time our track was on Hypem, the first time it was on the radio, the first time it was on at a bar ,when we got to meet someone huge, the first time we sold out a hard ticket event. Were going to keep pushing for it....

Spartytunes: I know you just released -Pandamonium-, but when is the next album?

Tom: No ETA, Not even on our radar!
Dan: Not for a while, we have some remixes, original production in the pipeline, but no new mashup album anytime soon.

Spartytunes: I have to ask, how many pairs of panda masks do you guys have?

Tom: 20 just in my closet.

Spartytunes: What's been your favorite place, venue or city to play at?

Dan: Boston, Canada has always a fun time.
Tom: It's hard to pick just one.

Spartytunes: My favorite tracks to date have been: "Escape Day N' Nite", "Hate Dynamite", "Money To Divide", and recently "Shake It To Me". What are some of yours?

Tom: "Infinite Dream", "Hypnotic Echo" It was one of first I ever did and it made the first album. And "Drake & Diane".
Dan: "Stereo Hands" has been my recent favorite. "What You Know About Little Secrets" has a soft spot in my heart. It was our first song that got on Hypem

Spartytunes: Who picks what goes on the albums?

Dan: We both do. When it's time to drop an album we have a lot of concepts in our minds. We see what we can do with them. It's a month full of trying and then we pick.

Spartytunes: Have you guys ever remixed a song rather mashed one up?

Tom: We are starting to work on some now.
Dan: We still will work on mashups. That is how are fanbase was created. In no way will we stop mashing, but yes remixes are in the works. We are starting to talk with other artists as well.

Spartytunes: How many samples do you go through before you put a track together?

Dan: Depends, sometimes we like a beat on the first time or an acapella, but sometimes it can take hours.

Spartytunes: Any last words?

Tom: We appreciate the Spartytunes support!
Dan: We made a point to get this interview done, because you definitely were one of those who caught on from the beginning!

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