Old Problems, New Bricks: Sonic Panda's Ode to Stonewall

What begins with a beat ends with a brick.

Electronic-rock duo Sonic Panda are taking Pride Month by storm with their most politically charged release to date: “Stonewall 1969”. A blistering, industrial-tinged anthem. The single throws a sonic spotlight on the spark that lit the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement — the Stonewall Riots. 

“We want to remind everybody of a key moment in history that, like a domino effect, has changed for the better the lives of millions of people,” says Pere Ibañez, one half of the fierce duo.

The track dropped June 20th, just in time for the anniversary of the uprising that began in New York City 55 years ago. While the music pulses with defiance, the message is razor-sharp: Pride didn’t begin with parties and glitter. It began with resistance and riots.

Known for their genre-hopping sound that blends electronic pop with darker industrial shades, Sonic Panda aren’t strangers to pushing boundaries; but “Stonewall 1969” hits different.

Sonic Panda's new song, art pictured here, released on all major platforms 20th June 2025

Their previous single, ‘King Cobra’, was unapologetically camp. This time, the tone is sober, urgent, and deeply rooted in queer history.

“Yes, coming from our last single it may look like quite a leap,” Pere explains. “But it’s not the first time that we’ve touched serious issues. In fact, our first single, ‘Foreigners’, was a song against xenophobia and racism. We talk about themes that are important to us, or that we think are important to talk about.”

Musically, “Stonewall 1969” retains Sonic Panda’s DNA, heavy beats, dramatic synths, electronic textures, but also leans further into a sharper, more stripped-down aesthetic. This change was to let the true message ring through.

 “We originally thought about recreating the time period visually, but we didn’t want it to turn into parody,” says Pere. “The weight of the lyrics had to lead the way.”

Even the video (releasing alongside the single) pulls back theatrics in favour of authenticity. It features rare archival footage from a 1970s Pride parade, kindly licensed by the daughter of activist John Carlson, and avoids overly stylised interpretation.

“Originally we thought to visually ‘recreate’ some of that time period, but we feared it might be perceived as parody. We tried to keep it down this time… as much as we can,” Pere admits, “We didn’t want to distract too much from the message.”

More than a nostalgic rewind, “Stonewall 1969” feels disturbingly timely. The duo were spurred into action after overhearing dismissive comments about modern Pride parades. 

“Basically, I thought that many people not only didn’t understand the meaning of Pride, but they had no idea how it all started,” Pere says. “This song is both tribute to the brave people who decided to stand up for their rights and ours when nobody else did and a call to arms. There are sectors in society who are trying to bring us back to that era. For example, in the US, under the orange man’s administration LGBTQ+ establishments are being raided on a daily basis again.”

While “Stonewall 1969”  avoids first-person narrative in favour of broader storytelling, Pere confirms other songs on the album will dive deep into personal queer experience.

“There are gonna be other songs that completely come from personal experiences, especially from our teenage years — when we are at our most vulnerable and certain events stay on you just like a scar or a tattoo.”

As for their collaborative process, it's a true queer balancing act. Pere and Seni’s influences and styles flowing together.

“Ultimately, I write the music and the lyrics and Seni comes after and proposes changes or corrections until we are both happy,” Pere says. “I’m way more edgy and dramatic; Seni tends to reign over the chaos and craziness that I create and make it make sense.”

And when asked about dream collaborators?

“David Bowie would be my first choice. He was my father’s favourite singer and a great influence to Sonic Panda. “Peaches, electroclash is a weakness of mine. And how could I forget Bambi Thug — Eurovision 2024 left me speechless.”

In an era where rainbow-washing and capitalism can overshadow radical roots, “Stonewall 1969” is a reminder of what Pride truly stands for. Not just parties. Not just parades. But the people who stood up for the community first, trans people, drag queens, queers of colour. 

Sonic Panda are using their platform to honour those voices. 

Stream & Support

 “Stonewall 1969” released 20th June 2025 on all major platforms.

Music video premiered on the same day on YouTube.

Follow Sonic Panda on Instagram, Spotify, Bandcamp.