The brainchild of songwriter/producer/arranger Sean O’Hagan, the High Llamas, has recently unveiled exciting news about their upcoming album, “Hey Panda,” scheduled for release on March 29, 2024, via Drag City. Simultaneously, the group has treated fans to the release of the title-track single. Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Hey Panda,” O’Hagan shares, “I spent lock down and recovery as a TikTok fan of a Panda bear who ate giant carrots every day. It made me so happy. I think as crazy as TikTok is, it also fosters a community, especially between us and animals… not sure if the animals know. I wanted it to be a Khalid meets Disclosure tune. The subs picking up every beat. But as it’s High Llamas… the key changes are there…sorry.”

In a broader sense, O’Hagan provides insight into the overarching vision of the project, stating, “I’m 64. Have made 40 records. Scored 8 films. And arranged for many. I love the pop aesthetic, especially the fresh and the naive. When I heard J Dilla in the early 2000s, I thought that was the great renewal of contemporary pop production. I did not have the language or skill set to go there. I was also afraid of being judged. So I avoided, or only hinted at this sound. I’m mainly an invisible contributor to music in my day job. I probably have one artistic record left at 64. So this record had to address what I have come to love. Dilla reshaped the world. We live in the finest non-judgmental musical times where the legacies of soul, jazz, and lo-fi indie have produced a hybrid of generous and stunning creativity. I want ‘Hey Panda’ to be of this generation.”

Instead of dwelling on the past successes of the High Llamas, Sean O’Hagan chose to embrace new influences. He was inspired by the music his adult children brought home and the sounds he encountered while working on arrangements. In addition to his contributions to The Coral’s 2023 album and the score for the Safdie Brothers’ 2022 film “Funny Pages,” Sean drew inspiration from collaborating with artists like Fryars, Rae Morris, King Krule, Pearl and The Oysters. He also enjoyed the work of Tierra Whack and Chicago’s Pivot Gang, and received encouragement from long-time admirer Tyler, The Creator.