“W’re trying to minimise online stuff and push for real life posters on walls, billboards, radio, all that pre-millennium, old school, pre-social media marketing techniques,” Pete Kember, who you may know at Sonic Boom, says of his and Panda Bear (Noah Lennox)’s decision to not release their great new album, A ? of When, on streaming services. (You can however order it in the BV shop.) “It takes a hell of a lot more work, I have to say. It’s not the easy option, but it’s been really rewarding so far.” Their label, Domino, has been supportive for what is certainly a brave experiment in 2026.
“We’re doing the bio vinyl, it’s more expensive, it’s not the easy route to do, it’s not the way to make a profit more easily,” Pete adds. “Anything you can do to not use petrochemical, I think there’s no option. I’m a little embarrassed really to be part of…I think what we’re handing over to the next generations is criminal really. For me, that was the same as streaming. It was just, you know, I think this, I don’t think it’s, I don’t think it’s being good for culture.” The no-streaming also ties into the album’s theme’s of trying to enact positive change when so much seems to be going down the tubes.
A ? of When is Panda Bear & Sonic Boom’s second collaborative album — their first was 2022’s Reset — and I talked to Noah and Pete from their respective homes in Portugal about how the two albums differ, and how new sonic elements came into play this time, like steel drums, yodeling, and harp. We also discussed how the police sirens on A ? of When‘s title track have caused some problems at radio, enlisting acclaimed designer Julian House (Stereolab, Broadcast) on the artwork, plus Brian Wilson’s influence, five records they think everyone should hear, and more.
You can check out my whole conversation with Panda Bear and Sonic Boom on the July 6 episode of BV Interviews, which is available wherever you get your podcasts. Listen and subscribe HERE and below.