Germano
I first interviewed Germano four years ago for the release of his song “Cool”. He’s now back with new music. Following “sorry i’m a mess” released in March, the new single “panic!” is the self-written/produced record about the pressure we put on ourselves while pursuing our goals. “panic!” offers a different side of his artistry and musicality. While most of his records are pop records, this one explores a dark and experimental sound, which is something I really like. Congrats Germano on this new single !
“panic!” is out now.
Hi Germano, how are you? What have you been up to since our first interview?
Hey! I'm doing great, I'm just happy to be releasing new music. So much has changed in the past four years, not just in my music, where I'm exploring new sounds, but also in my personal life... I've gone through a lot of ups and downs and I have a lot to share with my new songs.
"panic!" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
I wrote the song at a time when I was regaining my confidence as an artist and musician. I realized I had to keep doing music for one reason only – because I love it. The pressure I had put on myself to succeed was taking a toll on my mental health. Writing "panic!" was a turning point from having terrible anxiety about failing. In the song, I'm telling myself that I have just what it takes to accomplish my goals.
What made you want to release "panic!" as a single?
I kept coming back to it with time and still enjoyed listening to it which is always an indicator to me that a song is solid. It has a hip-hop element to it like my previous single while still being different so it felt right to release it as a follow-up. I've also learned to just go with my gut and trust it, and this is what it was telling me to do.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it? When did you start working on it?
I found the beat on Youtube over a year ago and it instantly pulled me in. I wrote the chorus and the pre very quickly that same day and the verses a few months later. But I kept changing the lyrics even as I was recording the vocals and the meaning behind the song changed last minute too in some ways. I then added some production elements myself and Alex Aldi (Goo Goo Dolls, Troye Sivan) mixed and mastered it.
What's your favorite lyric on "panic!"?
"I'll tell you what you want, you're gonna have it." I believe this was one of the lyrics I changed at the last minute in the chorus. Writing this song also helped me realize I don't need anyone's approval or opinions on my music, I recognize my own talent. Ultimately, I make music that I like, and find interesting, and believe in. And in that lyric, I'm basically saying I'm not asking what you want to hear from me, I'm giving it to you regardless.
What did you feel when recording this song?
I didn't have to tap into a feeling to record this song which I've done in the past because I was writing some of it during the recording process. It felt liberating and at the same time scary, but I grew to like the song even more after recording it. Sometimes I write a song I think is good, then I record the vocals and realize it won't be a match, but the opposite happened with this one.
What message do you want to deliver through this single? What do you want people to feel when listening to it?
I want people to feel the same way I felt while writing and listening to it, which was empowered and confident that they too can accomplish what their heart is telling them to do.
What can you tell us about the visualizer?
I always create and direct my own music videos but for this one, on top of doing that, I had no crew at all – I was the cameraman this time too. It wasn't the way it was supposed to happen but in the end, it was the only way I was able to make it happen. Filming it was challenging but feels very rewarding now. It's pretty simple but I find it cool and I had fun bringing my vision to life.
How did your sound evolve over the years? How would you describe it today?
It has evolved tremendously. My first two singles were straight "pop" in every way and very influenced by what I listened to at the time I wrote them. Not to say it wasn't original – I have more songs like that coming. But I wanted to create something that I wasn't hearing a lot and so I was naturally drawn to these beats that I found online that weren't traditionally pop on their own. It's been creatively fulfilling to make a pop song on those terms. I also exercised a new songwriting muscle by just letting words and melodies come out without worrying about finding a chord progression.
What biggest lessons have you learned since the release of "Cool"?
After Cool, I was supposed to release another single and music video in the same vein as my first two. It was the beginning of COVID and the shoot fell through just days prior and, honestly, I was very sad and unmotivated after that. I developed anxiety and had to work through it for a while. Going back to writing songs with these beats I started finding online is what helped me push through. I also went through a lot of other new personal experiences during that period which was when I wrote some of the music I'm releasing now. So coming out on the other end of that phase taught me to keep pushing and to do it for myself only and my inner child.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
What bothers me the most is that now more than ever, it seems like label people don't care about anything other than numbers and money. There are so many talented artists who are putting themselves out there, posting on social media, trying their best, but they don't have the biggest numbers. And it's sad because not only do they not get the recognition they deserve but as a result, we as music consumers get some terrible music that has the numbers for whatever reason, but no quality. If I could change one thing, it would be putting people in charge who see talent and potential instead of just spreadsheets.
What can we expect to hear/see next?
I'm already preparing for my next music video shoot for a new single. I'm looking forward to putting out music more consistently because I feel like I have so much in the vault. I'm more creatively free now than ever before and trying to prove my own identity as an artist, which makes the work I'm doing very exciting.
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