West-Melburnian artist Pania is a key member of the recent RnB movement bubbling in the Western suburbs of both New South Wales and Victoria. Having grown up in a Polynesian household, the alt-RnB purveyor has been building momentum with a handful of neo-soul tinted releases. Last year, Pania’s released her critically-acclaimed single “Icyy”, a velvety number that saw her enlisted enlisted by Adidas for a campaign focusing on the creative community in her hometown.
Drawing inspiration from her Māori and Indian roots, Pania’s approach is drive is steadfast and her music is fiercely intimate, tapping into 2000s RnB nostalgia and delivering it through a fresh lens. Pania’s forthcoming EP has been produced by fellow Melburnian HAMLEY, and if her latest single, “proof”, is anything to go by, we’re in for some luxurious listening. We caught up with Pania to chat through her artistic process, the artists who inspire her art, and the cultural mixing pot that she calls home.
Best Before: What’s your earliest memory of making music?
PANIA: Trying to learn covers with my guitar in year seven. I used to love watching Tori Kelly, Jeremy Passion — all the YouTube OGs — they inspired me heaps.
What artists did you grow up listening to?
Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Missy Elliot, P!nk, 2pac, Britney Spears — so many more.
How would you describe the music you make?
An insight into my deeper feelings, thoughts and emotions. The beats and sounds just help elevate the message
When you’re not making music, what are you doing?
Working out, going to spots with the homies, listening to music, eating! I don’t like to sit around, so I’m always tryna do something. As long as I’m with good company, I’m set.
“I try and take aspects of my culture, whether it’s certain instruments, looks, or experiences, and allow it to flow through parts of my artistry naturally.”
You can hear a lot of 2000s RnB in your music. What is it about this era and sound that you love?
When I was a kid VH1 & MTV was all I’d watch for hours on end and, of course, RnB was thriving, so it was just iconic to me — the looks, the production, and award show outfits were everything to me. I wanted to be engulfed in that era.
Can you tell us about the underground West Melbourne producers and scene that helped kick-start your career?
HAMLEY has been my guy for a few years now. He’s allowed me the space and time to really hone in on my sound and writing, and he’s just been there from the jump. We got some crazy stuff coming. Eleftherios is another producer who I first started with when I knew nothing about making songs. I wouldn’t be where I am without those two!
Take us through your songwriting process.
Whatever is in my mind prior to the session is usually what will come out. It’s mostly freestyles, or sometimes I’ll write to the beat whatever flows, it really just depends. But I don’t like to plan it out too much, or it psyches me out.
How does your Maori & Indian heritage influence your creativity?
I try and take aspects of my culture, whether it’s certain instruments, looks, or experiences, and allow it to flow through parts of my artistry naturally.
Can you share the story behind “proof”
“proof” is about me lending enough of myself to someone and it never being enough for them. It’s kinda reassuring that if I fuck with you, it’s only you, kinda thing.
How has the COVID landscape impacted your creativity?
Just made me wanna go 10 times harder with everything I do.
What artists do you have on high rotation at the moment?
Amaarae, Don Toliver, D-Block Europe and Aya Nakamura
What are your plans for 2022?
PANIA everywhere.
Listen to “proof” below:
Photos by Sophie Hill.