Melbourne R&B singer PANIA courtesy of Warner Music Australia

Words by Bree Stewart

SOUL & WINE
Our favourite bops, paired with delicious drops.

It’s Sunday afternoon, the weather is brooding, Netflix is bone dry and the Sunday scaries have truly settled into my psyche. Sunday is God’s day, and one of the gifts she gave our complex souls is the experience of music. Our first true language, society's conduit for relating to the chaos of life. Sunday in my world, is a sacred day. There are two things only that can soothe the anticipatory tension of the week ahead, beats and wine. In this Soul & Wine segment, I’ll be pairing our favourite fresh cuts with my favourite Australian drops.

Every fire song deserves a crisp wine in hand.

I’ve seen a healthy dollop of local artists perform recently, from the deep cuts of Miiesha to the velvety vocals of Akosia. In 2023, I have had the privilege of enjoying a double dose of West Melbourne’s own R&B queen, Pania. Pania recently supported Kehlani on her Blue Water Road Trip (AU) tour; a live performance offering sheer authenticity underpinned by the full spirit of Pania's touring DJ, Sana.

As a Naarm based hip hop lover, I got caught up in Pania when she dropped her hard-hitting R&B track, My Crew. Today however, I’m pairing one of Pania’s more recent releases ‘P STANDS 4 PLAYA’ from her double single drop ‘P Pack’. This release offers a subtle guitar riff nothing short of an aphrodisiac, while a no-nonsense beat underpins the originality of Pania’s lyricism. ‘Ima distance myself as a favour, I hope u on ur best behaviour’, P STANDS 4 PLAYA is an anthem to navigate choppy relationships, yet the song holds an air of confidence amidst its half broken heart. As the track progresses, it offers a hint of spice, the light yet refreshing melodies steady alongside the sweetly notes of Pania’s vocals.

P STANDS 4 PLAYA is the perfect pairing for Melbourne’s own Paringa Estate PE Pinot Noir (pure wine lover fam, no sponsors). This red drop provides hints of forest berry and subtle spice. Keen for an optional food pairing? Chuck a slab of ciabatta in your grill, then lather it with philly cream cheese and roma tomatos.

As the day comes to a close with a vino in hand, Pania amidst my soundbar alongside the authenticity of the moment, Sunday ain’t so scary after all.

Listen to P PACK by Pania on Spotify.

Words by Bree Baker.

Review: West Melbourne's Pania returns with soul infused ‘P STANDS 4 PLAYA’