PANEB Talks Passion, Playlists, and “The Right Path”

The artist shares the stories behind his songs and music career overall.

Photo credit: Instagram

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “PANEB is ___” or “PANEB’s music is ___”?
“PANEB’s music is about being true to myself.” There was a time when I tried making music that just sounded “cool,” but honestly, those songs didn’t feel genuine. Now, I focus on expressing myself as I am, staying honest and capturing my real emotions in music.

How did you choose your stage name?
“PANEB” comes from a character in the Egyptian novel Ramses, which my father loved. Paneb was a passionate and fiery pyramid architect. I found his way of building things in his own style really inspiring. It made me want to create music like building a structure, with intention and layers.

Who or what first inspired you to pursue a music career?
Honestly, it wasn’t a decision I made. I just loved singing so much that I naturally ended up here. When it came time to choose a university, I followed my love [of] singing and entered a music school. I only sang other people’s songs at first, but eventually, I wanted to tell my own stories, like the artists I admired. That’s when I began writing my own music, and here I am now.

What career would you be pursuing today if it could not be music-related?
I’d probably be running a restaurant! I absolutely love food. I’m always on the lookout for delicious places. Eating good food is one of my simplest but biggest joys in life.

Please talk about each of these songs: 

“Better Days”: We all sometimes ask ourselves, “Am I on the right path? Can I really keep going like this?” I made this song hoping that listeners could put their worries down and tell themselves, “It’s okay. Better days will come.”

“All The Way I Go (ATWIG)”: This one [has a] similar theme to “Better Days.” It’s about questioning your path and feeling uncertain, but in the end saying, “Just do it, just go.” It’s encouragement to keep moving forward.

“What To Do”: This track is about the feelings you go through after a breakup, wondering, “What should I do? Should I reach out? And if I do, what do I even say?” I tried to explore those thoughts in a fun and honest way.

“OLAO”: This is actually about my cat! I wanted to make something special for her birthday, so I wrote a song.

What is on your playlist lately?
Lately, I’ve been starting my mornings with Childish Gambino’s “Redbone.” I’m completely hooked on it.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
In the short term, I’d love to release another EP as soon as possible. Long-term, I hope more people will get to know my name and my music.

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?
I’m really honored to have this opportunity to introduce myself. I’ll keep making good music, and I hope you’ll stay with me along the way. My new EP is [out now]. I’ve poured a lot of effort into it, and I truly believe there are some great songs on there. I’d really appreciate your support! Thank you so much!

Check out PANEB’s new music here!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.