Lou Panico, a Linden, New Jersey native with a penchant for performance, began his musical journey at an early age.
In middle school, Lou discovered punk rock, particularly Blink-182, and began playing the guitar and crafting his own music. By high school, he had formed Blue Star Drive. While attending Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, NJ, he connected with like-minded musicians and eventually joined Socratic, a band signed with Drive-Thru Records. This marked the start of his global journey, performing original rock songs in places like Japan and Australia.
Lou's musical path crossed with industry heavyweights, including Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, who produced Socratic's 2008 album, "Spread The Rumors." He has also shared stages with acts like Incubus, All American Rejects, The Offspring, and more.
Additionally, Lou collaborates with his wife, pop singer Natalie Farrell, based in Asbury Park, NJ.
Photo Credit: Julianne Markow
Earlier this month, Lou Panico released "SMH," a beachy, irresistibly catchy jam that captures the exhilarating rush of falling in love during the summer. Combining rock-and-roll charisma with classic pop-punk energy, this infectious anthem celebrates the magnetic allure of summer romance.
The song's music video showcases playful interactions among sun-soaked beachgoers and comically dramatized scenes of infatuation. Filmed in Lou Panico's hometown of Asbury Park Beach, the video draws inspiration from the humorous music videos of the late '90s and early 2000s, evoking memories of classics like Blink-182's "What's My Age Again," "All The Small Things," and Foo Fighters' "Learn To Fly."
Adding a delightful twist to the story, Panico's wife and fellow musician, Natalie Farrell, stars as the lifeguard of his dreams in the video, directed by Mike Monto of Burning Wick Studios. Through "SMH," Lou Panico aims to inject joy and playfulness into his audience's lives, offering a reminder not to take life too seriously.
Music Video: Mike Monto of Burning Wick Studios
This week, Stef caught up with Lou to talk about the "SMH" music video.
SJ: Hey Lou! We’re so excited to talk about your latest single and music video.
Earlier this month you released your end-of-summer track “SMH.” Can you tell us a little bit about what the track is about?
LP: Thanks so much for having me! "SMH" is a song I wrote about the aristocratic society of Russia in 1812. I pulled most of my inspiration from the movie Hot Tub Time Machine… AND ALIENS TOLD ME TO DO IT! Just kidding. "SMH" is about hanging out in the summer on the Jersey Shore boardwalk in Asbury Park, kissing moms, and falling in love!
SJ: You currently live in Asbury Park, NJ. How did your geographical location affect the songwriting process of this track?
LP: This song is my first-hand account of summertime on the Jersey Shore in Asbury Park! Also… I heard Bruce might show up!
SJ: You’ve previously worked with many notable acts like Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 when he produced the 2008 Socratic album, “Spread The Rumors.” Who did you work with with for the production of “SMH”? Was it a more individual or collaborative process?
LP: Unfortunately Mark Hoppus wasn’t available to produce this latest track since he’s a bit busy on a world tour with Blink-182. I wrote and arranged this track on my own with some help from my buddy Mike Neglia on drums. We recorded it at Portrait Recording Studios in Pompton Plains, NJ with producer and head engineer Chris Badami.
SJ: Who were your musical inspirations for your latest single?
LP: Van Halen and Fall Out Boy
SJ: The music video for “SMH” is such a fun watch. What was the inspiration behind the music video?
LP: All I did was bring a video camera to the Asbury Park Boardwalk. The rest simply happened on its own! Pretty wild stuff. I met a girl and fell in love! We got married and are going to have three babies.
SJ: You captured so many aspects of carefree summer love. What was your favorite part about filming the music video?
LP: My favorite part of filming the music video was when the bass player (football player) Frankie broke the wall of the set. You see that at the end of the video in the behind-the-scenes clip. I also really enjoyed smashing a guitar over his head when he tried to pick up my girl. Kids, don’t try this at home!
LONG STORY SHORT: Lou Panico's"SMH" is a flirty and fun end-of-summer bop. The music video is a hilarious tongue-in-cheek depiction of summer love on the beach, complete with even a Baywatch reference! It's an upbeat, singalong earworm of a tune, that will have you wishing summer could just last a little bit longer.
Stream "SMH" below!
Credits:
Written, Performed: Lou Panico
Production: by Christopher Badami
Music Video: Mike Monto of Burning Wick Studios