St. Panther has been quietly shaping a genre-defying world for years - experimenting with a blend of funk, hip-hop, soul and pop, the Los Angeles based artist hones in on the most resonant elements of each genre, shaping a hybrid sound that feels instinctive, personal and entirely their own, something they’ve done consistently and authentically throughout their career. With a strong ear since childhood, their influences of a range of artists such as Sly and The Family Stone, and Thundercat are evident in their work. In 2025, that long-running artistic clarity arrived in full form with the release of their EP, Strange World, a record that feels both urgent and deeply resonant in current times. Strange World reflects the unsettling realities of the present moment without surrendering to despair. Instead, the project balances realism with optimism, pairing sharp social observation with expansive, groove-led production. The title track Strange World, co-written with Erik Bodin of Little Dragon and featuring Rae Khalil, acts as the emotional anchor. Built with a close-knit group of collaborators, the song captures the tension between chaos and care, grief and belief. The second release from the EP, American Dreams cuts deeper, confronting numbness, distraction and moral disengagement in an age of doomscrolling. Beyond any single release, St. Panther stands out as a genuinely rare artist. A true creator, and multi-instrumentalist, who moves fluidly between producing, singing and rapping. There’s a quiet fearlessness in the way St. Panther creates: non-conforming, intentional and unconcerned with trends, yet deeply attuned to the moment. Their work carries the sense of an artist thinking beyond immediacy, making music with the kind of depth, care and conviction that lasts. In an era of surface-level engagement, St. Panther feels committed to leaving something meaningful behind, with work grounded in honesty, craft and lasting impact. -Rachel Fryer