Fresh off the back of her earlier track 'Switch Sides', Australian R&B force PANIA returns with the soul-baring new single, 'Pity Party', released via Say Less and Warner Music Australia. This track sees the two-time ARIA nominee delving into the raw emotions following a challenging relationship, offering listeners a glimpse into her journey of seeking closure and self-acceptance.
The song itself finds PANIA navigating the difficult space after a breakup, marked by feelings of being let down and a cycle of self-pity. Her smooth, melodic delivery glides over a layered production that captures the introspective mood of the lyrics. PANIA doesn't shy away from vulnerability here, touching on the common experience of friends later admitting they saw red flags all along – a moment that prompts both validation and self-questioning.
Sharing her thoughts on the track, PANIA explains, "'Pity Party' reflects on a past relationship where I often found myself seeking closure and stuck in a cycle of self-pity. This person really let me down, and as someone who’s always willing to work through challenges in love, it felt like I was being strung along. It also dives into the aftermath of the breakup, when my friends admitted they’d always known he wasn’t right for me and that I deserved better. While their confessions made me question my judgment, it was ultimately a lesson I had to learn for myself."
Accompanying the single is a striking visual directed by Shae Sterling. The video is particularly poignant, filmed at her Marae, Maungatapu, surrounded by her family. This setting adds a powerful layer to the narrative, grounding the personal themes of the song in a sense of place and community.
'Pity Party' offers another taste of new music from PANIA since her acclaimed 2023 EP, 'WE STILL YOUNG'. It arrives as PANIA continues to cement her status at the forefront of the burgeoning Australian R&B landscape. Known for her compelling lyrics and distinctive sound, she's garnered significant attention both locally and internationally, supporting major acts like Kehlani and RAYE, and even joining Coldplay on stage. With undeniable talent and a willingness to explore complex emotions, PANIA continues to prove why she's one of the most exciting voices emerging from down under.
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