Today’s featured artist is Bebe Panthere, an emerging pop singer/songwriter from New York. When you first observe this artist you may notice her neon pink hair. This is more than a bright hairstyle or fashion statement; this is a reflection of her animated personality that just happens to shine through her music. Shaped by the San Francisco Bay Area punk scene, Bebe Panthere’s has come into her own creative voice and persona, and now she’s bringing energy and individuality to the music scene. It is clear that Bebe Panthere is here to have fun and to express herself in the truest way possible. Find out more about Bebe Panthere in the interview below, and be sure to check out her recently released music video for “Competition.”
Gadfly Online: Can you provide us with some background? Where are you from? What made you pursue a career in music?
Bebe Panthere: I grew up in the Bay Area, California, but I live in Brooklyn now. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music the moment I first heard No Doubt’s “Just A Girl”. It was such a powerful moment in which I first related to a song and was like oh man, whatever she is doing, I need to be doing that too! My parents had me taking piano and violin lessons as extracurriculars growing up so I was familiar with the classics. Then, one day when I was about 13, my dad snuck me over to Guitar Center against my mom’s will to purchase a guitar. I taught myself pop punk jams and began to write.
Despite my newfound passion, my family was against me taking a musical route in life. I tried to compromise by going into fashion, which was still creative and another love of mine. I didn’t find myself completely happy, so I made the jump to play music for keeps. Here I am, voila!
GO: How would you characterize your music? Do you fit into a stock genre or create a fusion of genres?
BP: My music is a strawberry souffle with Pop Rocks inside. It’s definitely a bit of a fusion because I’ve been influenced by so many different styles of music that I love. From spaghetti western to punk, surf to 80s pop; I like exploring all that when creating.
GO: Who would you cite as your musical influence?
BP: Ennio Morricone for making whistles so bad ass, The Little Mermaid for triggering my initial interest in music, and Gwen Stefani for making me always think about live performance while writing.
GO: What project are you promoting right now? How does this fit into your overall career arc?
BP: My video for “Competition” just came out recently, and Pink Sweat, my debut EP, is dropping very soon 😀 It’s the beginning of the yellow brick road. I’m about to stain it pink though.
GO: What do you hope to communicate to listeners through your music? What does music mean to you?
BP: I don’t know where I would be in this life without music. I just want people to feel something, to identify with what they hear and the feeling behind it. Pink Sweat is mostly just fun and upbeat. If it makes people feel warm and fuzzy inside, and dance around a bit, it will put a smile on my face.
GO: What can we expect from you in the future?
BP: In the near future, you can expect more music videos, and of course Pink Sweat. As for the long term, expect more jams and shows. We’ve only brushed the surface so far. 🙂
For more information on Bebe Panthere go to bebepanthere.com
Update: Check out Bebe Pantere’s new track called “What Do I Have to Do” on Soundcloud.
