Jump into the realm of Dutch artist I Panic, in which we enter a fascinating story from his recent single Laughing, Talking and Loving. With a style as natural and unadorned as its title–Laughing, Talking, Loving–the composition of the piece itself appears to be an intimate conversation between two lovers who have grown apart.
It describes the pain of separation in such loving yet alluring language, that finally even your heart needs your head to protect it from falling dangerously within earshot or sightline range.
The track begins with an emotionally charged melodic piano progression, groovy basslines and intricate guitar motifs seamlessly intertwined. All are working in concert to further the emotive journey that the song takes from beginning until end.
This melodic effort testifies to I Panic’s musical versatility. It is full of fine details, warm stories and a sure ear for the artistry of sound. Here he takes listeners on a journey into an emotional world in which love breeds distance, and passion recalls faded memories.
I Panic, whose real name is Marcel van Tetering, traces his musical history back to the source of it all–the record shop he grew up in. His musical style itself–Alternative Theatrical Rock can best be described as such a magpie like accumulation of various elements.
Listen to Laughing, Talking, Loving
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What is your stage name?
My name is Marcel van Tetering, a Dutch singer and multi-instrumentalist.
Is there a story behind your stage name?
I started I Panic back in 1987, together with two lifelong friends, as band to play our own, original songs, next to the cover bands we were also playing in. And even though as band we existed for about a year, I retained the name I Panic as a solo project, to write, record and release my songs.
After years of songwriting and recording my music as home demos, besides playing piano, guitar, and singing in various bands, because Corona I gave up the idea of reviving, I Panic as a “real” band but adapted the concept of being a one-man-band and turned the home demo’s in proper productions.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Because I grew up in my grandmother’s record store, I have many diverse musical influences, and this make my songs sometimes difficult to categorize. As self-taught composer and performer, I was able to explore several different styles, but my music is best described as Alternative Rock with a touch of theatre. Or in short: Alternative Theatrical Rock.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Musically I find inspiration in some of the great composers and storytellers, ranging from Tom Waits, Cole Porter, Randy Newman, and Jacques Brel to David Bowie, Joe Jackson, Echo & the Bunnymen, Elvis Costello, Fischer-Z, and R.E.M.
Where do you find inspiration?
Typically I find inspiration in day-to-day life. Sometimes relates to my own experiences, but also in things I hear or see – and in the stories that pop up in my mind because of that.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
As I grew up in a record store, music was always around me. And at a very young age I started making sounds & recordings as well, which later evolved into using instruments and creating songs.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I am a self-thought pianist and guitarist (since 40 years now) and I play various other instruments with either keys or strings. However, to master singing I took lessons (which is much fun to do as well).
Writing songs is what I have been doing even before I could play an instument. And actually, a lot of what I learned on piano or guitar, came out of writing songs I wasn’t able to play at the time of writing.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
The first concert I ever visited was Elvis Costello, in a solo concert in one of the bigger theaters in the Netherlands. I think I was 15 at the time – and I was blown away!
How could you describe your music?
As I blend many styles (even when it always has a 80’s/90’s vibe) I call it Alternative Theatrical Rock
Describe your creative process.
I don’t have a fixed way. Sometimes a song just comes to me (for example while driving), sometimes it starts with just some improvisation on the piano and sometimes it’s based on a line or quote I heard. However, I tend to start recording a song very early. And often I end up writing and finishing a song while recording it.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
Laughing, Talking, Loving started with a the first line of the verse and two chords on the piano. And while playing, the rest of the song arose almost by itself.
After I finished the lyrics and basic music, I decided to use this title – even when I first called it Simple Things, but that felt too obvious to me 🙂
What are your plans for the coming months?
In January a next new single will be released (called “Never Be My Wife”) and in february I will release an EP with 5 new recordings of previously released songs (and one yet unrelreased song as well). This EP is called “Growing Up in Public”.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Thank you so much for listning & playing my music! It means a lot to me and I would love hear what you think of it.
