Audiovisual artist Pere Ibañez, known for his emotionally charged photographic series Dream On, We’re Almost Home, has shifted his creative pursuits to a new sonic dimension with the debut of his music project, Sonic Panda. Partnering with Chinese musician Seni Ren, Ibañez has taken a bold leap into the indie rock scene with their first single, Life Is A Flower. The track, now available on all streaming platforms and digital music stores, is a fresh take on the iconic 90s pop song by Ace of Base, reimagined with the depth and edge of alternative rock.
Ibañez’s choice to transition from photography to music was inspired by a desire to connect with fans on a new, visceral level. His acclaimed photography had already captured audiences worldwide, earning numerous international awards. However, he felt a pull toward music as an art form that could offer an even broader canvas. Putting his photographic career on hold, Ibañez has dedicated himself to creating sounds that resonate with the same emotional intensity as his visual work, forming Sonic Panda to bridge those creative realms.
Life Is A Flower isn’t merely a cover; it’s a reinvention. By blending nostalgic lyrics with grittier, alt-rock instrumentation, Sonic Panda revamps the song into a powerful anthem that captures the fleeting beauty and challenges of life. Ibañez and Ren’s connection to the song runs deep—it was a track they both connected with in their formative years, and revisiting it now reflects their mutual journey of artistic evolution and self-expression. Through distorted guitars and powerful drum lines, they’ve managed to bring a sense of urgency and introspection to Ace of Base’s original upbeat tune, inviting listeners to experience the track in a completely new way.
Now signed with No Where Records, Sonic Panda is set on a path that promises originality and edge. An EP featuring all original music is already in the works, expected to expand on the duo’s signature fusion of classic rock influences and modern alt-rock sounds. The project’s focus on emotionally driven music aims to capture life’s raw moments, much like Ibañez’s photography did, only now with guitar riffs and immersive beats.
With Life Is A Flower as a glimpse into Sonic Panda’s world, fans of alt-rock and indie rock alike can look forward to a dynamic, genre-blurring debut.
