The mix is 30 minutes of almost exclusively his own productions, including a ton of unreleased IDs. Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing PANDO! for the first time, this is the perfect showcase of his sound. As for the interview, we dive into his journey as an artist, his connection with nature, the importance of being true to yourself, what drives him to create, what’s next, and so much more.

Talk us through the mix. Where are we going when we press play?

This mix is a collection of who I am. It captures where this project has been, where it’s headed, and everything in between. Every transition, every track, and every moment was chosen with intention.

This reflects chapters of my own life: the highs, the uncertainty, the growth, the late nights, the moments of clarity, and the moments of chaos. Music has always been the way I’ve made sense of those experiences, and this is my way of sharing that journey with you.

Tell us about your journey as an artist. When did you start producing? How has your relationship with music evolved over time?

Before I ever made music, I was completely immersed in it as a fan. I spent years discovering artists, going to shows, and chasing the feeling that only live music could create.

I first started producing in 2018, making hip-hop beats and recording pop songs. At the time, my understanding of electronic music was pretty limited. I thought bass music began and ended with artists like Excision and Subtronics. I had no idea there was an entirely different world waiting to be discovered.

That changed in 2021 when I attended Lightning in a Bottle for the first time. I found myself constantly drawn to a stage called The Stacks, where artists were playing a style of experimental bass music that completely challenged everything I thought electronic music could be. The sound design was unconventional, the arrangements were unpredictable, and every set felt more like an immersive experience than a performance. It was unlike anything I had ever heard.

I left that festival with a completely different perspective. From that point on, I became obsessed with understanding this corner of electronic music. Every day was spent studying the artists who inspired me, breaking down sound design, experimenting with new techniques, and pushing myself to become a better producer. What started as curiosity quickly became an obsession, and that obsession became the foundation of the project I’m building today.

Music has taught me patience in a way nothing else has. It’s shown me that growth isn’t always obvious, and that the most meaningful progress happens when you’re willing to keep showing up even when no one is watching.

When you launched the project, you said that there was “a need for something I could pour positive energy into and step away from some of those toxic traits I was carrying.” How has your life changed since?

Launching this project gave me something I didn’t realize I was missing: a sense of purpose outside of the expectations I had placed on myself.

Before music became the center of my life, I spent a lot of time chasing validation and comparing myself to other people. I was carrying around a lot of insecurity, impatience, and a constant feeling that I wasn’t moving fast enough. Having a creative outlet forced me to shift my focus from proving myself to simply creating something that felt honest. Since then, I’ve become much more intentional with how I spend my time and where I put my energy. Music has taught me patience in a way nothing else has. It’s shown me that growth isn’t always obvious, and that the most meaningful progress happens when you’re willing to keep showing up even when no one is watching.

The project has also introduced me to incredible people and experiences that I never would have found otherwise. More importantly, it’s helped me become someone I’m genuinely proud of. I’m still growing, and I still have plenty to work on, but this project has become more than music. It’s a reflection of the person I’m trying to become.

You’ve seen some pretty incredible success in the past two years since launching your project. What do you see as the keys to your success?

I don’t think there’s one secret to success. More than anything, it’s been consistency and genuine curiosity. I’ve never been the most naturally talented producer in the room, but I’ve always been willing to put in another hour, watch another tutorial, finish another track, or start over when something didn’t feel right. Over time, those small improvements compound. I also think staying true to what excites me has been really important. It’s easy to chase trends or make music because you think it’s what people want to hear, but the projects that last are usually the ones built on authenticity. Every release, mix, or live set is something I genuinely connect with first. If it resonates with other people, that’s the best feeling in the world.

Another big part of it has been accepting that growth isn’t linear. There are weeks where everything clicks and weeks where I question every sound I make. Learning to trust the process instead of chasing instant results has made a huge difference.
At the end of the day, I still feel like I’m just getting started. The past couple of years have given me confidence that I’m on the right path, but they’ve also shown me how much more there is to learn. That mindset of always being a student is probably what’s contributed to my success more than anything else.

Huge congrats on the co-headline with zero point at The Black Box in Denver! What did the show mean to you? Are there any particular special moments?

That show meant a lot for a few different reasons. About a year before it happened, zero point and I had met online and talked about collaborating, but life got in the way and nothing ever really came from it. Then I moved to Denver and found out he lived just up the road in Boulder. We had our first studio session together, and from that point on we were pretty much inseparable. We’ve pushed each other creatively ever since, so getting to co-headline a show together felt like a full-circle moment.

The Blackbox is such a pillar of the underground music that inspires me. One could argue it’s one of the biggest reasons the underground scene is where it is today. Standing on that stage with one of my close friends, in a room that played such a huge role in shaping my sound and the community that I pride myself about being in, was one of those rare moments where you stop and realize you’re living something you used to only imagine.

Nature has a way of putting things into perspective. It reminds you how small you are, but also how connected you are to something much bigger than yourself. As the project has evolved, that philosophy has become just as important as the music.

From the inspiration behind your name to your sound and visuals, a connection with nature seems to be a central theme. Can you speak to that connection and the impact it has on your life?

Nature has always been a huge part of who I am, so it naturally found its way into every aspect of this project. The name itself comes from both my last name, Pando, and the Pando Forest in Utah. What fascinates me about the forest is that what appears to be thousands of individual trees is actually a single living organism connected by one massive root system.
On the surface, everything looks separate, but underneath it’s all connected. I call this “The Invisible Network” (easter egg for later?). That idea resonated with me deeply. Whether it’s people, experiences, music, or nature itself, I’ve always believed we’re more connected than we realize.

A lot of my music tries to explore that feeling, the invisible threads that tie everything together. Growing up, nature was always where I felt the most grounded. Some of my favorite memories are outside, whether that was camping, hiking, exploring new places, or just finding space away from the noise of everyday life.

Nature has a way of putting things into perspective. It reminds you how small you are, but also how connected you are to something much bigger than yourself. As the project has evolved, that philosophy has become just as important as the music. The visuals, the artwork, the sound design, and even the community around the project are all influenced by that idea of interconnectedness.

In many ways, Pando isn’t just a name. It’s a reminder of the values I want this project to represent: growth, connection, resilience, and the understanding that none of us exist in isolation. Just like the forest, we’re all part of something larger than ourselves.

A massive drop means a lot more if you’ve earned it emotionally. If you’ve spent the last minute building tension, telling a story, or creating vulnerability, that release feels so much more powerful.

How do you balance injecting emotion while making your tracks still knock?

I don’t really sit down thinking, “I need to make a heavy drop.” I think about a feeling, a memory, or a moment in my life that I want to capture. Once I know what I want someone to feel, the sound design and energy naturally fall into place.
At the same time, I love making music that hits hard. I think the most impactful moments happen when those two things exist together. A massive drop means a lot more if you’ve earned it emotionally. If you’ve spent the last minute building tension, telling a story, or creating vulnerability, that release feels so much more powerful.

What drives you to create music?

Creating music has never felt like a choice for me. It’s something I feel called to do. Even if no one ever heard another song I made, I know I’d still be in my studio creating because it’s how I process the world around me. It’s how I make sense of my experiences, my emotions, and the things I struggle to put into words. There are moments where inspiration comes easily, and there are moments where creating feels incredibly difficult, but I’ve learned that neither changes the calling. Music is the one thing I keep coming back to, no matter what’s happening in my life.

Creating something that sounds unmistakably like you, something people can identify within a few seconds, that’s a much more difficult pursuit. The artists who have had the biggest impact on me are the ones who took risks, trusted their instincts, and built worlds that only they could create.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a producer?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that being unique is harder than being the best. You can become an incredible producer by studying what’s already working, mastering the techniques, and refining your craft. But creating something that sounds unmistakably like you, something people can identify within a few seconds, that’s a much more difficult pursuit. Early on, I spent a lot of time trying to make music that sounded like the artists I admired. It taught me a lot technically, but I eventually realized that no one needs another version of someone who already exists. The artists who have had the biggest impact on me are the ones who took risks, trusted their instincts, and built worlds that only they could create.

What brings you the most happiness outside of music?

Outside of music, the things that bring me the most happiness are the simple moments that make me feel connected and present. A lot of that comes from being outside. Nature has always been a huge part of my life, and spending time in the mountains, exploring new places, or just being away from the noise helps me reset and reconnect with myself. There’s something about being surrounded by something bigger than yourself that puts everything into perspective.

What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

I have a massive year ahead, and my team and I have been working relentlessly behind the scenes to bring everything to life.
I can’t reveal too much just yet, but I can say there’s a lot to look forward to: an EP, some incredible collaborations with artists I’ve admired for years, immersive pop-up experiences, new merch, and a lot more that we’re excited to share.
I also want to take a moment to give a special shoutout to my manager, Seth. None of this would be possible without him. He is one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met and someone who believes in this project as much as I do. Having someone by my side who shares the same vision, work ethic, and passion has been invaluable. I’m incredibly grateful for the team we’ve built, and I’m so excited for everyone to see what we’ve been creating. This is only the beginning.

Life can get really difficult sometimes. There will be moments where things don’t go the way you planned, where you feel lost, overwhelmed, or like you’re falling behind. But those moments don’t define you, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out.

Any final words?

I think the biggest thing I would leave people with is to be kind to yourself. Life can get really difficult sometimes. There will be moments where things don’t go the way you planned, where you feel lost, overwhelmed, or like you’re falling behind. But those moments don’t define you, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Be intentional about how you speak to yourself and to others. The words you tell yourself matter. We’re often our own biggest critics, and sometimes we forget to give ourselves the same patience, compassion, and understanding that we would give to someone we love.

Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. Everyone is carrying something, even if you can’t see it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the people you trust and let them know when you need support. Vulnerability is not weakness. It’s one of the most human things we can do. And if you ever feel like you don’t have anyone to talk to, you can always reach out to me.
I may not have all the answers, but I’ll always listen. Take care of yourself, take care of the people around you, and remember that even the hardest chapters are still just chapters. There is always more to come.

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ARTISOMA

While Berlin is in the global spotlight thanks to Skrillex’s Contra, we’re taking you to another part of Germany, deep in the south, specifically to Ravensburg. This is the home of ARTISOMA, a self-described “soundscapes creator” and, above all, the creator of one of my favorite EPs within the bass music spectrum this year. Mobilya (released via YUKU) shows ARTISOMA’s ability to move fluidly between dubstep-rooted styles, while filtering these sounds through a very personal lens. Just as a beam of light enters a prism only to emerge refracted, so too do influences from grime, garage, breakbeat, footwork, and juke enter the German producer’s DAW, only to emerge in completely different forms. There are no rules. There is no script. Nothing predictable in any of ARTISOME’s tracks. Hers is music to be listened to with curiosity, an open mind, and, why not, an Italian G&T in your hand.
– AA

Fake Two Piece

One of Portugal’s finest; a producer duo that has got it all. Fake Two Piece has, without a doubt, one of the freshest sounds and production styles of the moment, that spans so many genres and BPM’s. If you’re a regular reader of Focus 5, you’ll know that this isn’t the first time we’ve spoken about Fake Two Piece – as they’ve collaborated with a previous artist we’ve highlighted, ‘Lokal’, so it’s only right that we shine the spotlight on this Portuguese outfit too. To have a unique sound across every track you make is hard, but these two can bring their individual sound to anything they want. You have tracks like ‘Break A Sweat’ which, despite its upbeat garage and breaks feel, still carries the eerie dark tones that Fake Two Piece are so good at. Their use of syncopated percussion and FM-sounding bass lines are not necessarily an unknown production use across many other great artists, but these two seem to bring something different in their own magical way. Their recent flip of Little Simz’ track ‘Torch’ is unreal. The glitchy production on the drop is quite frankly evil & is a vastly different track to ‘Break A Sweat’ – yet it still could only be these two on the production. That’s real talent.

LOSTMANE

Creating gorgeous atmospheres and stories through crisp and powerful sound design, LOSTMANE’s passion shines with every release. Making your hearts flutter and minds expand in an organic and emotional sense. Coming from Germany, he’s created a well-known name within the underground. Pushing the wave movement in a wonderful and euphoric fashion. From delicate melodies, earth-shattering drums, and a burst of fuel through his arrangements, he’s a force to be reckoned with. His newest releases will blow you away as well. His newest album, HEARTWAVE, created together with yell. and Senkya is something to behold. Each track differs from the last and completely showcases their styles blended in pure harmony. Having anyone feel inspired and alive. No matter what you find in his discography, you’ll be taken under a spell you won’t want to wake up from!
– JD

MAKENIX

One of the most underrated compilations of 2025 was THE SOUND DESIGN CLUB II from good dub. What first attracted me to the collection was Leotrix’s contribution, but what makes me return time and time again is the variety and quality of tracks from each individual contributor. I hadn’t heard of over half of these names before landing on the compilation, and it is a gold mine for Focus Five favourites. This month, I’m highlighting MAKENIX, a Brazilian producer who first landed on my radar as part of the collection on a track titled ‘nostalgic reflections’ alongside luviate. Raw emotion in dubstep is truly hard to find, and I always find myself coming back to ‘nostalgic reflections’ for exactly that. It’s a simple yet moving track that carries a heartwarming energy via a future riddim vessel. Further diving into the artist’s discography, one can find a variety of styles from MAKENIX, and while not every track is as gentle as ‘nostalgic reflections,’ the quality at which he produces heavier tracks is equally noteworthy. ‘EUPHORIA’ is but one example of this. Don’t sleep on MAKENIX.
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Hailing from Denver, Colorado, PANDO! has captivated our ears with his unique approach to bass music. Blending organic instrumentation, ethereal soundscapes, hip-hop samples, and bumping bass, his sound is somewhere between Qualia and bouncey trap with hints of downtempo and experimental bass. Each track is an engrossing journey that invites you into his sonic world before unloading a barrage of bass that’s assured to have your head nodding with ease. ‘2HAWT’ and ‘Drift’ served as my introduction, as they are collaborations with recent FUXWITHIT favorite zero point, and I can assure you that they will not disappoint. If you’re looking for something a touch deeper, ‘Pull Up’ is your ticket, and if you’re in the mood for his heavier side, be sure to check out ‘Keep Dreaming’. Oh, and if you want to hear Future over some wonky, beautiful vibes, ‘Covered in Money’ is a must-listen. Everything PANDO! touches as of lately is gold, so smash that follow on his SoundCloud and get familiar.

Written by Alessio, Colin, John, Paul & Steph

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