Pankoi shares five songs that inspired the storytelling and sonic world-building of their new EP, ‘Memory Lane’
Phoebe Bridgers, “Motion Sickness”
“Motion Sickness” influenced the emotional world of “Memory Lane”, particularly in its exploration of the contradictions and confusion that can arise in relationships. Both songs sit somewhere between vulnerability, frustration and reflection, capturing the strange feeling of looking back at something that once meant so much.
Billie Eilish, “Everything I wanted”
Billie Eilish’s “everything i wanted” inspired the dreamlike atmosphere of “Memory Lane”. I was particularly drawn to its underwater-sounding piano, which creates a surreal, almost weightless feeling. This became a key inspiration for the piano throughout “Memory Lane”, alongside Billie’s intimate and expressive vocal style.
Mitski, “Goodbye, My Danish Sweetheart”
Mitski has always been one of my biggest songwriting influences, particularly in the way she can hide heartbreaking lyrics inside bright, almost bubbly arrangements. “Goodbye, My Danish Sweetheart” shares “Memory Lane’s” themes of regret and looking back on a relationship, questioning whether some mistakes are simply impossible to undo.
Hayden James & Tudor, “Don’t Let Me Go”
“Don’t Let Me Go ” represents the influence of producer Giulio Catena, who brought a lighter electronic palette to the song. While my music often leans darker and more atmospheric, Giulio helped me explore a brighter, more pop-oriented side of my sound.
“What Once Was” is one of my favourite songs of all time and a major influence on “Memory Lane”. Her’s create dreamy, nostalgic soundscapes that sit beautifully alongside heartfelt lyrics. Despite its sadness, “What Once Was” has an uplifting quality that always puts me in a good mood, something I wanted “Memory Lane” to capture too.
You can hear Pankoi‘s new E.P, Memory Lane, on all streaming platforms.
You can find more PLAYLIST interviews on I Don’t Blame You Media.com
