From the beginning, Don’t Panic has known no boundaries, bending and blending mainstream, pop, progressive rock, EDM and all-around weird.
As collaborators, Jeffrey Robens, Dylan Rowe, and Ryan Obermeit’s multidimensional artistry is captured perfectly. Robens drives the band’s creative process and studio efforts, having written and produced the fresh and sophomore EPs, DOS Robot Circus and The Sleepy EP. Obermeit underpins the project with a motoring rhythm and captivating flair. Rowe enlivens it all with her haunting perspectives, emotional performance, and handmade visage.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Don’t Panic about the new music, memories, dream collabs and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know
The name of our album 42 was carefully chosen, not only referring to the meaning of life, but paying homage to Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, which is also the inspiration behind our band name. Our album isn’t directly related to anything in particular about the books by Douglas Adams, but our lyrics usually have a recurring “space” theme. We are, however, considering the next album for Don’t Panic to be themed after tHGttG. We shall see…
How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
I think we took a completely different approach than DOS Robot Circus & The Sleepy EP this time. Our consistency lies in trying new things, adding a few pop songs and less progressive rock, is somewhat expected of us nowadays. You still get those polyrhythms and double kick here and there, but overall I think our focus was writing catchy hooks and melodies.
What motivates you to create music?
I wouldn’t say we’re “motivated”, it’s an obsession really, we simply can’t help but continue to write music, it’s lunacy. With that said though, it’s incredibly humbling to find that other people enjoy what we do as much as we do, it’s unreal.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
The first time music gave me goosebumps, it was probably Radiohead. It ignited some sort of spark in me for sure. – Dylan Rowe
Watching Nirvana or Radiohead on MTV. It was intense and inspiring. – Jeffy Robens
When I was in middle school I got a bass guitar and began teaching myself. I was inspired to write after hearing heavier stuff like System Of A Down and Lamb Of God. – Ryan Obermeit
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Dylan would definitely say Sleep Token, she’s obsessed with his vocal style. But honestly, Freddy Mercury hands down.
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
Chelsea Wolfe “Spun”
Tesseract, Deftones, Portishead, Enter Shikari
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
IG @dontpanictheband
Facebook https://m.facebook.com/dontpanictheband
Bandcamp https://dontpanictheband.bandcamp.com/
ITunes https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dont-panic/1496234985
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
We’d really like to thank everyone who’s supported us along the way, you’ve made us feel like we’ve won in life. So long, and thanks for all the fish.
