PANIA is back with a new single “Switch Sides”.
The West Melbourne artist lays it all bare on the dark, heavy track, unpacking personal struggles and the confusion that comes with fractured relationships.
“’Switch Sides’” is about coming to terms with the people I’ve lost along my journey,” PANIA explains.”Being a confident, ambitious woman with potential in Australia seems to have been a threat to some, and I’ve had people turn on me the moment they felt intimidated.”
She continues, “From lies and attempts at public humiliation online from strangers and people I called friends, and even gatekeeping within the industry – it’s all been deeply hurtful, but I never spoke out about it until now. This song channels all of that hurt and all of that energy. I feel the song is a bold statement: I’ve learnt to protect my energy so you’re either with me or against me, pick a side.”
Arriving alongside an official visualiser, Switch Sides marks PANIA’s first new music since her 2023 second EP, WE STILL YOUNG.
Over the past two years, PANIA has supported artists like Kehlani, Raye, Givēon, and Anees. Last November, she joined Coldplay on stage for two nights in Melbourne.
She has also headlined shows in Sydney and Melbourne, including a sold-out performance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid Live.
PANIA has received two ARIA nominations for Best Soul / R&B Release, first for “P STANDS 4 PLAYA” and again for WE STILL YOUNG.
Beyond music, she has featured on a Times Square billboard as Spotify’s Equal AU Ambassador and appeared in campaigns for Converse, Platypus, and Nike x Footlocker.
In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, PANIA, dubbed one of the rising stars of Australian R&B, talked about her journey from past jobs to dropping her new EP and heading out on a national tour. She also shared what it was like supporting Kehlani and performing at the Sydney Opera House.
PANIA’s “Switch Sides” is out now via Say Less and Warner Music Australia.
