Roo Panes

Roo Panes

Roo Panes is the recording name of Andrew Panes, a singer-songwriter from Wimborne Minster in the United Kingdom. Born in 1988, he works within classical, folk and pop-influenced music, and is also described as an English and British songwriter.

Background and style

Panes plays guitar and mandolin. His writing is shaped by personal reflection, and he says his songs come from situations he experiences rather than from listening closely to other artists. He grows up around arts and culture: his grandmother is a classical pianist, and his mother works in a travelling theatre company. He also has a strong connection to Dorset, where he is born and raised, and to the Lake District, which he visits and which influences his writing. He lives in London, but describes the countryside and open spaces of Dorset as especially important to his work.

Little Giant

His debut album, Little Giant, is recorded at home in the family music room rather than in a large studio. Rupert Coulson produces the record. Coulson also has soundtrack credits and has worked on recordings by Portishead, Robbie Williams and Oasis. The album uses 12-string guitar, percussion and strings, and is presented as direct, personal songwriting that aims for emotional clarity and a sense of hope. Panes describes the songs as vulnerable but expansive, and several are built around themes of optimism, self-understanding and resilience.

Band and performance

In performance and recording, Panes is accompanied by Georgie Harris on viola, Joanne Sy on cello, Sean Hatton on drums, and Deborah Panes on vocals.

Selected songs and themes

The single Tiger Striped Sky focuses on choosing a positive approach to challenge. The title track of Little Giant centres on recognising vulnerability as part of becoming stronger, and on the idea of carrying both determination and humility.

Other work

Panes is briefly the face of a Burberry campaign, which he describes as a short and unexpected episode in his career. Despite that, he presents himself primarily as a musician and songwriter.