Today, we’re proud to premiere ‘Panda’, the new single and music video from Calista Kazuko. The London musician released an album, titled Empress, back in 2019 which was peppered with themes of her Japanese heritage and culture. Similarly, ‘Panda’ is all about celebrating the line of women who have passed down their love and wisdom along the maternal line of Kazuko‘s of the family. In keeping with that theme, the artist invited her mother to the music video shoot in which the pair wear black-and-white panda inspired clothing while miming and dancing along to the music. It’s a really heartwarming expression of a mother/daughter relationship soundtracked by the quirky alt-pop sounds of ‘Panda’.
The single starts out subtly with airy echoes of “mama” and “panda” over minimalist percussion and a theatrical piano, which builds as the song progresses. Kazuko‘s powerful voice also becomes bolder and bolder as we move through the track, until everything is in full flow, perfectly timed for the reveal of the the next generation complete with adorable matching outfit.
“‘Panda’ is a celebration of Motherhood. A thank you to my own fabulous Mama and a thank you to the magical little Bean growing in my tummy. Now, having taken a few months dedicated to milk-stained maternal bliss, I’m so excited to share this very special song and video to celebrate Mother’s Day 2022.
My beautiful baby girl is named after her Great-great-grandmother if you go straight up the female line on my Japanese side. The super loveable, super-kawaii panda is deeply loved in our family, in fact my Granny had a whole room devoted to them!
It’s true what they say… becoming a Mother really does make you feel invincible, it’s the greatest gift I could have ever asked for!”
With British Mother’s Day just around the corner, take this as your musical reminder to thank all the motherly figures in your life.
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