Meeting with PANGO, an artist who is establishing himself on the music scene with rare authenticity and depth. Nourished by a family heritage anchored in music, PANGO was able to transform his affection for rap into a unique artistic language. Marrying his varied influences, ranging from the jazz of his saxophonist father to the captivating rhythms of Sexion d'Assaut, he has developed a style of his own. This interview immerses us in the world of PANGO, where music is more than a passion: it is a way of life, a means of expressing one's deepest thoughts and sharing stories that resonate beyond words.
When and how did rap become your preferred mode of expression?
It was in the family melting pot, to the sound of my father's saxophone, that my passion for rap took root. His jazz melodies were the foundation on which I built my love for music. Rap has always been obvious to me, a way of telling stories on a rhythm that suits me. This passion was revealed during my college years, where groups like Sexion d'Assaut showed me that rap was accessible to everyone. My first freestyles and clashes with friends were just the beginning of a journey that led me to participate in rap competitions and share my music on the Internet. Bathed in French rap and inspired by artists such as Joey Badass, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne, my path naturally gravitated towards this art form.
Can you describe the genesis of your collaboration with Czego and what makes it unique?
The signs of destiny have often guided me, and it was one of these signs that sealed my meeting with Czego. He came to me with productions that immediately resonated with me. As soon as I immersed myself in his musical universe, I knew that there was an alchemy there that was just waiting to be expressed. Our project was born from this almost telepathic connection: every time one of us had an idea, the other already had it in mind. Czego brings a new dimension to my music, and our association creates a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. All this was done remotely, proving that music has no borders.
What musical influences have shaped your artistic identity?
Inspiration is everywhere for me: in the stories my father shared, in the rhythms that rocked my childhood, and in the music of the rap pioneers who taught me the power of words. The artists who have influenced me the most are those who are not afraid to push the boundaries of their art, who use music to paint complex emotional landscapes. Contemporary beatmakers like SEIZI and visionary producers like Mike Dean inspire me with their ability to bring entire worlds to life with synthesizers and beats. I am constantly in search of this musicality which tells a story, which carries within it a cinematographic dimension and which does not allow itself to be confined to a single genre.
How do you create an immersive atmosphere in your music?
My writing process is very organic: I only write when I'm inspired. I never force myself. Often, I launch a production on YouTube and let my mind wander freestyle. I observe the world, I capture emotions and I transform them into words. Although I haven't explored beat production in depth, I have chosen to focus on writing and mixing. Mixing is essential for me, it's the moment where the song comes to life, where the artist can really leave their mark.
How did you design “Misanthropia” so that it would stand the test of time?
Creating “Misanthropia” was a natural process, but it was at the end that we realized the power of what we had accomplished. The album has a cinematic quality, with universal themes and elaborate interludes that weave a narrative. We wanted to create a story, not a moral lesson. It’s the feeling that matters to us. We did a lot of testing to make sure each song had its place and impact. The project doesn't tire me no matter how many times I listen to it because it was created with authenticity and heart.
Can you tell us about the characters in the EP and their origin?
The characters in the EP were born from my vision of the world, my smiles and my personal writings. Life is hard but beautiful, and these characters express the darker aspects we observe. They are a mixture of my own experience and my imagination, like an alcoholic whose perspective I try to share, while remaining true to my own interpretation. The project is personal, but its themes are universal, touching on solitude and the search for meaning in life.
What technical difficulties did you encounter when creating the EP?
The technical challenges lay in staying true to my vision while experimenting with new sounds. An additional difficulty was bringing each character's mood to life through the compositions. Czego, in his role, was able to handle the transitions between pieces brilliantly, bringing a fluidity and coherence which reinforce the immersion in “Misanthropia”.
How do you perceive the current music industry?
I see an industry in full change, where the underground is taking up more and more space. It's time to stand out, to create work that stands the test of time. Innovation is essential and the underground is becoming the new mainstream.
How do themes of loneliness and non-acceptance affect you personally?
These themes are at the heart of the EP as they reflect not only my personal experience but also my view of the modern world. They are the expression of what I feel about a society that often asks us to hide our true nature.
How is alcoholism dealt with in your EP?
I approach alcoholism with empathy and sincerity, immersing myself in the experiences of the characters to present a nuanced perspective on this often tragic refuge.
Czego, can you enlighten us on the technical aspects of production?
The main difficulty was to find the sounds that kept us hooked to the narrative while aiming for different moods. As for the musical aspect, I decided not to limit myself and to go in various directions: film music, G-funk, piano, new wave, synth. For the listener's feeling, the use of the 435 Hz frequency was a deliberate artistic choice to enrich the auditory experience because providing a luminous feeling, this frequency allows the EP to give an almost tangible dimension, which reinforces the listener's immersion in the universe of "Misanthropia".
What are the upcoming projects after this EP?
The future promises to be an even more intimate extension of “Misanthropia”. I am determined to share deep values and to work on universes that invite you to travel, to offer a musical experience that evolves and remains faithful to my art.
