Calista Kazuko, a distinguished singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with training from London’s Royal Academy of Music, has carved a unique and captivating sound that blends her classical background with bold, immersive artistry. Her debut album, Empress (2019), showcased her intriguing musical depth, and Kazuko consistently leverages her platform to champion important causes, from Refugee Week to frontline NHS workers and the prescription drug epidemic.
Her recent track, “Panda,” stands out with its theatrical flair and heartfelt emotion. It’s a vibrant ode to motherhood and family, a theme deeply personal to Kazuko, as she explains the song’s unique origin and inspiration.
The Dreamy Birth of “Panda”
Many songwriters can relate to those middle-of-the-night voice memos. Sometimes, song ideas emerge from the depths of sleep, prompting the crucial decision: is it worth waking up to record? Kazuko shares this relatable experience, admitting that while some nocturnal inspirations turn out to be “total garbage” or accidental lifts from Aretha Franklin, the idea for “Panda” proved to be a delightful exception. The catchy “panda, panda” hook, which became the song’s foundation, arose from one such dreamlike state.
Calista Kazuko
Alt text: Calista Kazuko, award-winning songwriter, shares the inspiration behind her panda song, a heartfelt tribute to motherhood and family.
The news of her pregnancy sparked a desire to create a song dedicated to her unborn daughter. Becoming a mother ignited reflections on her own mother’s incredible influence and sacrifices. This heartfelt gratitude permeates “Panda,” transforming it into a thank-you note to mothers everywhere.
The panda theme itself is deeply rooted in Kazuko’s Japanese heritage. Her grandmother, also named Kazuko, held pandas in special affection, even dedicating a room, “The Panda Room,” to these beloved creatures. This family connection, combined with naming her daughter Minoë after a great-great-grandmother in her matrilineal line, made “Panda” a perfectly fitting title, weaving together personal history and familial love.
Lyrical Love Letter to “Mama Grace”
“Panda”‘s lyrics are a tender love letter directed to Kazuko’s “incredible, inspirational, FABULOUS mother.” Lines like “Mama grace you’re fearless with your love…” and “Always connected yin to yang/Always protected in your hands, Sakura Queen…” reveal the song’s intimate and appreciative nature. The “Sakura Queen” reference subtly nods to “Sakura,” a Japanese lullaby and her mother’s favorite, adding another layer of personal significance.
Calista Kazuko
Alt text: Calista Kazuko describes her songwriting process for Panda song, born from a dream and perfected through voice memos and piano sessions.
The lyrics also express a daughter’s aspiration to emulate her mother’s nurturing spirit. The line, “…And as I grow, I hope that I can growl just like you…” is both playful and profound, capturing the desire to inherit her mother’s strength and love. Inspired by panda facts, the opening line, “Learning to climb was easy cause I learnt to climb on you,” poetically illustrates the foundational support and guidance received from a mother’s love, turning “Panda” into a universal anthem for mother-daughter bonds.
From Vocal Hook to Piano Harmony: Crafting the Music of “Panda”
Kazuko’s songwriting process for “Panda” diverged from her usual piano-centric approach. She began by recording the “panda, panda” vocal hook and layering harmonies, creating a loop that served as the song’s rhythmic and melodic seed. This computer-based starting point allowed her to experiment with chords and melodies, gradually building the song’s musical architecture.
While the initial spark was digital, the piano remained integral to the song’s development. Returning to the piano, Kazuko explored chord progressions and refined the melodies, capturing these evolving ideas in voice memos. This blend of digital and traditional methods showcases her versatile approach to songwriting.
The song’s structure follows a classic verse-chorus pattern, a framework Kazuko embraces for its effectiveness. However, she enjoys experimenting within this structure, exemplified by the melodic variations between the first and second verses leading into the pre-chorus. Inspired by Tori Amos’s instrumental bridge in “Up the Creek,” Kazuko incorporated a “fun piano breakdown” into “Panda,” adding a dynamic instrumental layer to the song’s arrangement.
Studio Magic During Lockdown and Beyond
The production of “Panda” took place during the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the lockdown provided an opportune time for Kazuko to develop production ideas for several tracks, including “Uchi,” the larger project to which “Panda” belongs. She navigated the challenges of remote collaboration, relying on virtual communication, including “frustrated phone calls” with her mentor Guy Dagul, to overcome technical hurdles in Logic Pro.
When lockdown restrictions eased, Kazuko was able to record at Temple Music Studio with producer Ru Lemer. Together with her band, drummer Fred Claridge and bassist Sam Weston, they refined the song, blending Kazuko’s home production with live instrumentation. Despite being heavily pregnant and facing COVID-related anxieties, the studio sessions were a “beautiful time” and a welcome return to in-person music creation. Ana Gracey’s support at Temple Studio, even providing a makeshift nap space in Kazuko’s car due to a COVID scare, highlights the collaborative and supportive environment surrounding the song’s creation.
“Panda” Born in Studio and Motherhood
In true Calista Kazuko style, the final stages of “Panda”‘s creation were intertwined with significant life events. Following the recording sessions, Kazuko gave birth and embraced “four months of dedicated maternity leave.” During this period of “milk-stained blissful mayhem,” she and Ru Lemer continued to refine “Panda” remotely via Zoom, proving that creativity and motherhood could beautifully coexist.
Calista Kazuko with her baby girl Minoë.
Alt text: Calista Kazuko with her baby daughter Minoë, the inspiration behind her heartfelt panda song celebrating motherhood and family bonds.
Adding another layer of personal expression, Kazuko created a “super-fun music video” for “Panda” featuring her mother and daughter. Filmed by Philip Reinking and Thomas Linton, the video shoot was filled with laughter and joy, perfectly capturing the song’s celebratory spirit. “Panda” is more than just a song; it’s a multi-faceted expression of motherhood, family history, and the joyous intersection of life and art.
