Panther Chan doesn’t walk into a room unnoticed and neither does her music. There’s something very real about her presence. It comes from years of hard work, self-reflection, and staying true to who she is as an artist. She speaks thoughtfully, not because she has to, but because she means what she says.

Over the past decade, Panther has built a great place for herself in Cantopop. From her early days finding her way through the uncertainties of the industry to becoming one of its most distinctive voices, her journey has been anything but linear. Her latest album,《凝》, released earlier this year, is a continuation and a turning point for the artist.

When asked about the meaning behind the album’s title – often loosely translated as “to gather” or “to turn inward” – Panther offers a thoughtful explanation, placing the project within a deeper conceptual context.

“After finishing my previous album 念, I decided to continue using the concept of ‘念’ (In a more artistic or philosophical context, the translation often leans towards “inner thoughts,” “state of mind,” or “focused awareness.”) from the anime Hunter X Hunter as the theme for my next project, which became 凝. 念 was an album inspired by the external world around me, while 凝 is more inward-looking, a project that explores different facets of myself.”

This move from looking outward to looking inward is clear throughout the record. Where her previous work absorbed the energy of the world around her, 凝 is more reflective, yet no less powerful.

Panther’s songwriting process reflects this same sense of purpose. While many artists experiment with different entry points into a song, she has developed a method that is structured and natural, based on melody but guided by meaning. “I usually start with melodies. I also keep notes on my phone with themes or song titles I want to write about. When I decide to complete a song, I’ll choose a melody that fits a particular theme and then write the lyrics around it. This album was created in much the same way.”

Something is revealing in this approach; the idea that melodies come first, almost like emotional sketches, waiting to be given language. It shows her natural way of working as a musician, one that values feeling before explanation. I love that the ideas she explores are never random; they are carefully written down, gathered over time and returned to when the moment feels right. Despite being deeply involved in the emotional and lyrical core of her music, Panther is equally aware of the collaborative nature of production. Her relationship with producers is built on trust, but also on an understanding of what each song needs to fully come together.

“Since I mainly focus on melody and lyrics, the arrangement is usually handled by the producer. However, before arranging, we discuss the song’s direction and the mood or character we want it to have”, Pather says, then adds, “I also tend to have a specific producer in mind for each song quite early on, so once I hand it over, I trust their decisions in shaping the arrangement.”

This balance is crucial. It allows her to maintain the integrity of her vision while giving others space to enhance it. It is perhaps this dynamic that gives 凝 its rich and detailed sound, where each track feels different yet still fits together as a whole. Two songs in particular, 空無之地 (A Place of Emptiness) and 求救的勇氣 (The Courage to Ask for Help), feel special not just because of how they sound, but because of the strong emotions they carry.

When asked about their origins, Panther points to an unexpected source of inspiration: literature.

“As for 空無之地 and 求救的勇氣, both titles were inspired by content from different books. A lot of the inspiration came from reading, which I then combined with my own experiences and emotions to create the songs.”

It is a reminder that her creative world extends far beyond music alone. Books, stories, and external narratives become a great material re-expressed through her own perspective. This mix of influences gives her work a depth that is relatable to many. Yet, for all her openness to inspiration, Panther remains an artist who prefers solitude in creation. Collaboration, while valuable, is not where she feels most at ease.

“I prefer working independently. I’ve tried collaborating with others before, but I often felt a bit uncomfortable during the process. After a few attempts, I realised I’m better suited to creating quietly on my own at home.”

There is no hesitation in her words. It shows how well she understands her own creative process; she works best in calm, quiet moments rather than in busy or pressured environments.

“I also find that I’m most creative when I’m relaxed. Without pressure, I can think more freely. When I don’t have inspiration, I’ll simply stop and do other things – like reading, gaming, watching films, or anime. Interestingly, after taking in those experiences, inspiration often returns. Many of my songs come from my daily life and interests, and most of my work in recent years has been created through this kind of cycle.”

That emotional processing is central to her songwriting. Instead of writing right away in the moment, Panther takes a step back and lets time help her see things more clearly.

“When I notice that my emotions are fluctuating, I’ll first record how I feel. Then, when I’m calm and more rational, I’ll整理 those emotions and turn them into melodies and lyrics.”

This mix of emotion and reflection gives her music depth, so listeners can both feel it and understand it. As a Cantonese-language artist, Panther’s reach extends far beyond Hong Kong. In an increasingly globalised music landscape, language can often be seen as a barrier, but for her, it is not.

“I’ve always believed that music goes beyond language. I personally enjoy listening to songs in languages I don’t understand, simply to feel the music and the emotions expressed by the singer. So if my music can resonate with listeners who don’t understand Cantonese, that would make me especially happy.”

Among the tracks on 凝, one feels especially personal – a quiet, almost hidden piece of her story.

“I would choose 撲克. It’s a very personal song that captures memories of playing poker with my father when I was young. It feels so personal that I’m almost a bit shy about promoting it, so I just quietly included it in the album.”

There is something profoundly moving in that choice; the idea of placing such a personal memory into the world, yet not drawing attention to it. As Panther prepares for her upcoming performance in London, there is a growing excitement, not just for the audience but for her as well. Performing for an international crowd brings new challenges, but her focus remains unchanged.

“No matter where I perform, I believe the most important thing is to focus on conveying the message and emotions of the songs. I hope I can do that well in London too. For this debut London show, I’ll try to perform as many songs as people are looking forward to as possible. Since many fans there may be seeing me live for the first time, I really hope to meet their expectations.”

Even when faced with lighter, more playful questions – such as which of her songs could survive the chaos of everyday Hong Kong life – her answer carries an optimism.

“I would choose 五瓣玫瑰. Every time I listen to it, it naturally lifts my mood. So in the midst of a busy and repetitive daily life, I hope that, at least through your headphones, you can create a little rainbow for yourself.”

It is a simple image, if you ask me, but a powerful one, a reminder that music, at its best, offers moments of escape, however brief. Looking ahead, Panther shows no signs of settling into familiarity. If anything, 凝 is a foundation for further exploration rather than a conclusion.

“After completing 凝, I’m now preparing to work on music that I’ve never tried before. They’re all new experiments, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

There is excitement in her voice when she speaks about the future. It is the same curiosity that has driven her career from the beginning, pushing her to evolve and to create without limitation. Looking at today’s music industry, Panther clearly sits outside the usual trend box. She trusts her own way of working and creates from feeling. Her music isn’t always meant to be understood right away; it’s meant to be felt, thought about, and returned to over time.

That’s what makes 凝 so powerful. Her newest release feels like a pause, a collection of thoughts and emotions coming together, a journey into oneself. It gently reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones that bring us back to ourselves.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image © Warner Music Hong Kong

You can purchase tickets to Panther Chan’s London show here.

_{Big thank you to Emanation Entertainment and Chessman UK for their assistance with the interview.}

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. As we continue to grow, we aim to deepen our coverage of Asian music while remaining committed to exploring and celebrating creativity across the global arts landscape.}