In this interview spotlight, I chat with Panama Mint about the latest music, technology, adapting during the pandemic and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?

I’m a Georgia Native. I’ve resided in Florida, as well right out of High School for a couple years too. I have an affection for ATL, my admiration and awe of the city is why my website, and platforms end in ATL. (panamamintatl.com)  Amongst my music peers ATL is our music Mecca, our Music Hollywood!

If I had to describe my music style, I’d say it is ‘authentic’. I approach each song differently, letting my feelings, and the instrumental lead me.

How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?

I’ve had a hand in music since grade school. Then, a couple years ago, I had a cancer scare, right before I had taken a hiatus from recording. The booth became my therapy.  I released my burdens through each session, and ultimately found my music and voice in ATL.  Between “Soul Asylum” and “Patchwerk”, I’ve laid over one hundred songs, and shot at least a dozen high quality videos.

How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)?

It doesn’t compare at all.  A few years ago, I felt accomplished- musically. I enjoyed studio life and sharing my music with close friends and family. In retrospect, my music was in its infantile stage when compared to present day. Although, I personally considered it quality music at the time. When I listen to my old music now, I’m not as impressed. I was in a different place in life then, a brighter place. My ascension into darkness spearheaded my new works, and I’m excited about the current catalog I’ve built. Instead of destroying me, my personal challenges strengthened me. I’ve risen from my ashes both personally and musically… like a Phoenix!

Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?

I want to leave an impression in the music arena. I have songs crafted in different genres, and complete albums in a few of them too. I want to have music charting in traditional hip hop, conscious rap, pop, gospel, and my own genre that I’ve created an Ep of work towards at the same time. I’m sure this reads laughable, but I believe in speaking things into existence. I’ve accomplished other goals musically, simply by envisioning them, and inching towards them daily. I’m practicing the same approach now.

Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented times? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?

The biggest challenges during these unprecedented times have been navigating being able to create and to market music in the Covid era. There were times when shows and travel were completely halted. It allowed me to grow as an artist, as I focused on crafting songs daily, in hopes of recording them later when restrictions had lifted. I was motivated by losses, but rather than succumbing to them, I vented creatively. Music saved me. As I mentioned previously, music became my therapy. It was my confessional and my release.  I found ‘me’ through song.

What was the last song you listened to?

Mase Oracle 2, Conway the machine.  The song is a beef song, as long as it stays on wax, I don’t pay attention to that part. Mase’s delivery and his energy has always impressed me.  He switched his rhyme pattern numerous times throughout Oracle 2, and he’s remained relevant despite being sidelined. He’s been a prolific ghost writer throughout his career, and through the years I noticed his style in other mainstream artists’ work. I know his rhymes even when someone else delivers them. I want to leave my mark one day, in the same way. He has fun on every song and is not afraid to dance a step or two. I miss him and Puffy, and the Bad Boy era that made it okay to smile in hip hop, and dance in a rap video. That’s what I want to do, to bring that same energy back!

 I feel as though I have commonalities with Conway the Machine as well. He overcame tragedy to catapult into stardom. I love his hooks, and I want to be sought after and known for my hooks. I feel as though one of my gifts is catchy hooks. I’m anxious to share more of my work soon and feel like all my hooks stand out. His story is very compelling, and I have scars as well, however, mine are beneath the surface. I did the video for “Hip Hop Blues” dressed down like a bum in downtown Atlanta at the video’s onset. My thinking behind this was to bring attention to the plight of the homeless. Every time I see a homeless person, I hear the old saying in my head (there but for the Grace of God Go I.)  Over a decade ago I had my last bout with depression. As a teenager and young adult, I had struggled with depression. Until I learned how to care and love myself correctly. I know a lot of people wouldn’t be homeless, if they had the love and support that I had to overcome my own depression. 

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?  WHY?

I prefer cds, and MP3’s.  As a performing artist, it’s more personable, to place a cd or jump drive in someone’s hand. I love having a hard copy.  To me, it feels more like giving a gift to someone than just sending them to an internet platform. As a CEO and artist, I also recognize the freedom and control streaming platforms bring. If I market correctly, and if my product is accepted and good enough, I have more revenue and control as an artist, which is every true artist desire. 

Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?

I’m on everything snap, twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.

Google panamamintatl  I’m listed as such on Instagram, snap, twitter, YouTube, my website is panamamintatl.com and I am just Panama Mint on Facebook. I’m accepting bookings all over through my website and my business email as well which is panamamintatl@gmail.com.

I guarantee energy and passion every performance. Please leave me a review on my platforms, and on my website, I have lots of content to critique!

I really appreciate Your time. Anything else you wish to add before we sign off?

Thanks for the opportunity for this interview. I want everyone to be on notice. I have a lot of projects on the way that are completed.  I’m releasing them later this calendar year. If nothing else I think my quality of work, and consistency will eventually get the industry to take interest in my works.