Upbringing: Panic! At The Disco • DIY Magazine

In just a handful of weeks, Panic! At The Disco’s Brendon Urie will be releasing the fifth album of his career. His newest offering also lands ten years on from the release of the band’s debut, ‘A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’ so what better way then, to prepare for the release of ‘Death of a Bachelor’, than by taking a look at some of Urie’s past inspirations and influences.

From going to hardcore shows as a kid to (not so) secretly wishing he could’ve been in Queen, here Urie delves into his musical upbringing.

Panic! At The Disco release ‘Death of a Bachelor’ on 15th January via DCD2/Fueled By Ramen and will be returning to the UK for a handful of shows in 2016. Check out the dates, and Brendon’s Upbringing, below.

JANUARY
12 O2 Academy Brixton, London

MAY
28 Slam Dunk North - Leeds City Centre
29 Slam Dunk Midlands - Birmingham NEC
30 Slam Dunk South - Hatfield, University of Hertfordshire

What was the first gig you ever went to?

The first show I ever went to was a hardcore show for a band named Curl Up And Die.

Were there a good supply of venues in your hometown?

There weren’t a lot of venues to play in Vegas, especially for younger kids in bands. Venues closed down all the time.

Can you remember the first song you ever developed an obsession over?

I think the first song I developed an obsession over was ‘24 or 6 to 4’ by Chicago.

‘24 or 6 to 4’ - Chicago

What was the first song you purchased with your own money, and why did you choose it at the time?

I don’t remember the first song I purchased, but I remember the first album; Weezer’s ‘Blue Album’. I loved the metal guitar tones and the surf rock vibe. I still love that album.

What’s the story behind you getting your first instrument?

I grew up with instruments in the house; piano, acoustic guitar, cello. Out of curiosity and boredom, I just started playing each instrument and slowly figured out what I liked. But the first instrument I actually got was a baby acoustic guitar from my parents. Thanks, mom and dad.

What’s your worst musical habit?

I think my worst musical habit is the use of dominant 7 chords. I’m a sucker for a dominant 7.

Panic! At The Disco - Victorious

What kind of inspirations outside of music have an impact on your songwriting?

Everything I do has an impact and/or influence on my songwriting. I watch a lot of movies and I pull a lot of inspiration from those.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?

The best advice I ever got concerning music and songwriting was, “Just show up.” That still holds so much power to me. The hardest part is getting outta bed, but once you’ve done that then you can pretty much do whatever.