"My voice hadn’t even dropped properly yet! Our biggest obstacle is trying to reach the same heights as that first song."

NEW SINGLE ‘ALWAYS WANNA SAY (YOU'RE MINE )’ RELEASED 12TH JUNE 2026

W: Carol J King I: Max Morgan

There is a distinct, shape-shifting energy coming out of Stockport right now, and it goes by the name of The Panamas. A six-piece indie outfit with a refusal to be boxed in, they are a band built on a brilliantly simple philosophy: "If it feels good, do it." Sitting down with frontman Charlie, we dig into the band's identity crisis, their hunt for jamón-flavoured crisps, and why their biggest obstacle is a hit song they wrote before his voice even dropped.

"We have been working on this EP for well over a year... I think it will be our best release by far."

For a band that struggles to describe their own sound, they carry an undeniable confidence. Charlie admits that he always finds the question difficult but likes to think that listeners won't know what to expect next. He does not believe they ever do the same thing twice yet notes that you will always be able to tell that it is a track by The Panamas.

That sonic versatility is precisely what makes them so magnetic, with an identity built on a massive, generational melting pot. Early on, their musical foundations were built on classic indie royalty, drawing heavy inspiration from the likes of The Smiths, The Stone Roses, and The Cure. Lately, however, the writing has leaned into the jagged edges of the Pixies and the modern, post-punk grit of Fontaines D.C. It is an eclectic mix that allows them to slide seamlessly into any lineup. Charlie feels they have always been quite versatile and can slot in wherever, making friends with all sorts of bands because their catalogue offers something for everyone, whether it is rock-heavy or on the poppier side of things.

"No crazy rider demands—just a packet of Jamón Ruffles, a couple of beers, and Van Halen to get us ready."

When asked about their greatest strength as artists, Charlie does not hesitate to point out that they have never stuck to one thing. Curiously, he lists this exact same trait as their greatest weakness. This double-edged sword has defined their journey so far, particularly when looking back at their debut single. Written when they were very young, Charlie describes it as the work of a teenage boy with no experience trying to write about a fictional heartbreak.

"Our greatest strength is our greatest weakness."

The track blew up on Spotify, a milestone most emerging bands would kill for, but for The Panamas, it is a benchmark they are desperate to outgrow. While they are incredibly grateful for the streams, the song still sits at the top of their Spotify profile. Charlie notes that the band has developed significantly since then, and he believes the music they make now is far better. He jokes that his voice had not even dropped properly yet, admitting that their biggest obstacle now is trying to reach those same heights with their new material—a challenge they are still actively trying to overcome.

"There is something for everyone within our catalogue, whether it be rock-heavy or on the poppier side of things."

The process of overtaking that early success happens in the rehearsal room, where the band rejects any rigid formula. Typically, Charlie will get a basic song together consisting of just chords and lyrics. He then takes it to the rest of the six-piece, and they all play around with the track together to see what sticks. If they had the chance to collaborate with anyone artistically, they would opt for something completely unexpected, like trading riffs with Daft Punk on the Random Access Memories album.

They have spent the last year road-testing the results of these sessions, and the payoff is finally here with the arrival of a brand-new EP. They have been working on the project for well over a year, and Charlie confidently promises that it will be their best release by far.

To catch the new material in its natural, loud environment, fans will not have to wait long. The band are gearing up to headline Soup in Manchester on 15th August, and they are actively looking to book a few more shows around the UK before the end of the year. As for their backstage demands before hitting the stage, do not expect any Hollywood diva antics. Charlie smiles, revealing that they do not have any crazy pre-show rituals or rider demands. Instead, they just bring a packet of Jamón Ruffles to share, down a couple of beers, and listen to Panama by Van Halen to get themselves ready to face the crowd.

Catch The Panamas live at Soup, Manchester on 15th August 2026. Keep your eyes peeled for their upcoming EP dropping later this year.