Rocky Paterra is a musician, theatre actor, and comedian who always tries to see the potential in what he's doing -- even a former part-time job at Panera Bread.  

In his YouTube series "Pop Goes Panera!," the New York City singer uses his experience behind the cash register at the restaurant to inspire his cover versions of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" and Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You." Of course, both songs have a bagel-themed twist on the lyrics.

"People always seemed to enjoy my misadventures as a cashier there when I would post about them on Facebook, and so when I stopped working there, I thought about how I could use that experience musically and creatively to make people smile," Paterra told FloVoice.

Hence, POP GOES PANERA was born!

"Parody is a tricky avenue, so when I do it, I try to be careful and specific!" he said. "Did I feel incredibly silly stringing bagels to my bed frame at 8 AM and walking along a sidewalk with a bagel tied to a pole? I did. But even though I felt uncomfortable knowing that people on the street may have been watching, that wasn't going to prevent me from carrying out the vision I had for the project."



Before starting the YouTube series, Paterra performed his original cabaret set "Waiting for Groff" at Feinstein's/54 Below in November, which he described as a "dream come true."

"I've come to really love and respect comedy," he said. "I am very happy when I'm making people laugh. It's always wonderful when I can find opportunities to blend those worlds."

Waiting for Groff at Feinstein's/54 Below

Paterra is also writing songs for his first original EP, which he plans to record later this year.

"For a long time, I've never done anything with the music I've written, so establishing my voice first and foremost as a pop singer/songwriter has been very gratifying," he said.

I can't wait to record and have that come to fruition. And, of course, I hope to have Panera cater the release party! Any other option would seem foolish.

Bieber Meets Hamilton

Keep up with Rocky on Facebook and his YouTube Channel!

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