aaamusic | On 09, May 2011

“Some kind of otherworldly passion ghost whose vehement voice could chop you almost as swiftly as her wild dance moves.” – The Fader

The truly unique and unconventional can be hard to come by, but Berlin-based Barbara Panther is both of the above and then some. Rwandan-born Panther grew up in Brussels, Belgium, before making her home in Berlin five years ago – the product of these unconventional beginnings is an unparalleled artist who blends musical influences and crosses boundaries of musical style innovatively and effortlessly.

She releases her debut self-titled record on City Slang on May 16th 2011 and is set to make her mark as one of the most unique and enrapturing artists of the year. Her exquisite video for ‘Empire’ is already online and has had upwards of 10,000 views, spreading only by word of mouth thus far – this is just the beginning.

Her debut full-length was produced by the legendary Matthew Herbert, renowned house music maestro, and producer of both Róisín Murphy’s and The Invisible’s debut albums, also counting artists as diverse as Björk, R.E.M. and Yoko Ono among his list of past collaborations. Together, Panther and Herbert create dark and exciting sonic landscapes, fraught with vivid imagery and fierce beats. “Matthew had the idea of throwing real chains against an electric heater which, in ‘Rise Up’, conveys the feeling of living in a prison in this world. However, the song ‘O’Captain’ communicates a very physical atmosphere as it gives the impression of being on the sea, literally feeling the wind on board”.

Considering her off-the-wall style and the air of mystery surrounding her, it comes as no surprise that Barbara Panther has already been compared to the likes of Grace Jones, Fever Ray and Bjork. The singer’s futuristic melodies and style are implemented into a truly unique and explosive live show, seeing Panther set her vocal styling, eccentric costumes and expressive movements to visuals. In September, she played a one-off show on the City Slang stage at the Berlin Festival, accompanied by a five-strong live band of cellos, violins and trumpet, followed by an ‘Electronic Beats Presents…’ tour supporting Caribou.