We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Panico and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I think the most important factor in art is that there is no end goal. It’s a lifelong career that never dies even after our life force has extinguished. There are instead chapters in a never-ending book that grows and evolves from various experiences, inspirations and experimentations. Ten years ago, I would have been shocked at how I not only have reached my goals of the time, but broken through them in beautiful ways. Some goals shifted, others revealed themselves, others are now a sweet memory. That constant drive to change, experiment, express is an unending goal that will never expire.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music has been my second language. In many ways, it speaks better than words can. As a child, I fixated on the musicality and tone of voices rather than the words and this continues to this day. Often, I don’t comprehend lyrics in songs right away because the instrumentals speak louder to my ears. I try to speak this same language in my music to communicate the deep, genuine emotions of the human experience. The desire for musical expression has always come easy, but workshopping my skills and experimenting in the craft continues to come with endless challenges. The only way to overcome challenges is to embrace them head-on. Simply being satisfied with one’s work can provoke stagnation, there must always be a challenge. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that there will always be a new door to walk through, a new lesson to learn. Just because you’ve reached a goal, doesn’t mean the story ends. A new chapter has now begun.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is more than just an entertainment town, it has some of the most charming hidden gems I’ve ever seen as a world traveler. Personally, I love a quiet walk through the Venice Canals or a visit to the various gardens in the city, large and small. And if your timing is lucky enough, do a night-hike up Echo Mountain during a meteor shower. It’s one of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever see!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I lovingly give a huge shoutout to my parents and brother for their undying support my entire life in pursuing and achieving a career in music and film. Without them, I couldn’t have gone to such heights.

Website: robertpanico.com
Instagram: robpanico
Youtube: youtube.com/ScorpiusMusic

Nominate someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.