For those who don’t know Panda Island, what kind of music do you make?

I would describe the music of Panda Island as electronic pop music. Or just electropop. I try to keep it on the border of alternative though, I think the lyrical content and vocals show that part of our sound the most.

Where does the name originate from?

Panda Island is all about escaping the real world and drifting off to a magical place. Pandas are my favourite animal so I thought it would be awesome to be on an island full of them just hanging out doing Panda stuff.

There are two official members in the band. How did you meet?

We went to college together years ago. Devon sat next to me in class one time and started passionately speaking to me about Animal Crossing which I thought was cool.

Did you both grow up in musical environments or did you find a love for music off your own backs?

We both grew up with video games as our main thing and that has never really changed. With all the gaming marathons we constantly partake in where we don’t leave the house or shower for like eight weeks straight, it’s pretty crazy to try to understand how music ever found its way to us. But I’m so glad it did.

You haven’t had the chance to tour yet. Any particular reason for that?

We’ve been focusing on writing and recording music and putting it out on the internet but if the people want us to tour we’ll make it happen for sure.

You recently released a new track, Sky Kids. Can you explain what it’s about and why we should give it a listen?

Sky Kids is a reflective song about my personal battles with depression. I hope that listening to it can inspire you or someone you know who might be struggling to take steps towards getting the help they need.

Your bandmate, Devon, has a very defining fashion style and clearly has a penchant for all things Kawaii [the Japanese cuteness culture], which is perfect for your sugary-sweet sound. How did she get into dressing so individually?

Devon has spent a lot of time in Japan throughout her life and has immersed herself into elements of styles that are particularly popular out there through feeling inspired by experiencing it first hand.

Who inspires your sound?

Alt electronic pop artists like Owl City and Lights are my primary influences. I adore the way that style of music often combines beautiful synth arrangements with heartfelt and emotional lyrical content in such a unique way and I want to add another piece to that special world with Panda Island. I’m also inspired by J-Pop artists like Perfume and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

You’re also in Ocean Embers, a metal band. Aside from the obvious differing sounds, what does Panda Island offer you that Ocean Embers does not?

Panda Island allows me to express myself emotionally in different ways to how I would in Ocean Embers, and it’s really good for me to have both as this means that nothing ever gets tired as I’ve got that constant variation. This is crucial to a guy like me who loves a wide spectrum of music.

Seeing as you’re in two bands, what’s the aim for Panda Island? Do you want to go far with it, or is it merely a well-loved side project?

I love creating music for Panda Island, just sitting in my little bedroom studio having fun with synths and stuff. It’s pretty self indulgent.

But with that being said, I don’t see it as a side project at all, and I’d love to take it as far as the ones who hear it and connect with it want it to go.

How would you define success?

Being happy with yourself and making a positive impact on those around you.

Can we expect any new music soon?

Yes. Sky Kids was the first of many new songs that will be released over the course of this summer.

If you aren’t playing music, what else do you spend your time doing?

I like to spend most of my time going to corner shops and buying really tertiary looking fizzy drinks, especially if they’re blue. I’m currently collecting these canned Pokemon drinks, and I’ve also got an active quest to track down a Bubblegum Jones in the UK that I’ve been stuck on forever. If you happen by one at any point can you please call me?