VIVID Live Sucks: Getting Deep With PANIA, Maina Doe, And Pirra
Can you really say that things suck when you’re performing at the Sydney Opera House?
It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the world — so famous, in fact, that it earns some (very) begrudging respect from the other Australian states. The Sydney Opera House is forming a key part of this year’s VIVID Live festival, acting as the backdrop for performances from some truly amazing artists. If you rock up to the Sydney Opera House at any time during VIVID Live, chances are you’re in for a special night.
Of course, for the artists that are playing such a prestigious festival, there are still things that don’t always go your way. Junkee spoke to R&B stars PANIA and Maina Doe, and lead singer Jess Beck from the excellent synth pop quartet Pirra, to get the lowdown on what sucks and what rocks. Whether it’s PANIA pretending to be Don Toliver, Maina Doe’s punk phase or Jess from Pirra’s KFC addiction (a trait she shares with the rest of the band), these chats are reminders that we’re all shaped by the decisions we make along the way.
PANIA
Junkee: A mistake that turned into an opportunity?
When I was in the studio I was playing around and randomly sang the hook of ‘ICYY’ pretending to be Don Toliver — but it turned out to be lit and became a single!
Cringe quote you used to live by?
I live by a lot of cringe quotes; I feel like quotes are so cringe, but they can be so deep at the same time so I definitely fuck with them.
The worst failure you’re comfortable sharing, and what you learned from it?
When I first started releasing music as an artist, I would see international artists coming to town so I would track down the promoter and send them random emails to the reception desk thinking I would have a chance of getting the opening spot. Lol.
My first opening spot ended up being supporting Kehlani so I learnt that patience is key and it’s going to happen one way or another, but it takes a lot of work.
Anything you used to be wrong about?
Avocados!
Something very off-brand for you?
Something off-brand for me is talking about my feelings… which is ironic, because it’s super descriptive in my music. But, generally, I don’t talk about my feelings.
Bad health decision?
My acupuncturist said I can’t eat cold things and they’re bad for me, but acai bowls are life and I still live off them.
What do you waste money on?
Belts!
Worst procrastination habit?
I’m literally the Queen of multitasking, but I genuinely can get distracted by a pole. It’s my worst trait — I still manage to get the job done.
Maina Doe
Junkee: A mistake that turned into an opportunity?
Working a horrible restaurant job where I met my manager. Not exactly a mistake but it was a horrible experience [that] turned into a positive one.
Cringe quote you used to live by?
I have literally never lived by a cringe quote [laughs]. But my fave funny quote ever is “are you silent? Or were you silenced?” – Oprah.
Worst advice you got and blindly followed?
“You need to find someone new to get over someone”.
The worst failure you’re up for sharing, and what you learned from it?
There have been at least two times in the past that I’ve gotten on stage and was underprepared for that particular gig and I failed (according to my own standards). I don’t regret it because they really solidified how much I value preparation.
Anything you used to be wrong about?
I was wrong about many things. No-one ever really stops learning right?
Embarrassing Internet habit?
I watch really weird lectures on YouTube to fall asleep.
Ideal morning routine versus actual morning routine?
Ideal morning routine consists of waking up near a beach, going for a run and swim, meditating, eating a nice little brekky and having the time to read for at least an hour. But, in this reality, I don’t live near a beach and I only have time to run, meditate for 20 minutes and eat something quickly.
Something very off-brand for you?
I had a whole punk phase when I was younger.
Bad health decision?
I am sadly a vaper.
What do you waste money on?
Really delicious top tier food.
Worst procrastination habit?
Scrolling on TikTok.
Pirra
Junkee: A mistake that turned into an opportunity?
Jess: One of the standout mistakes was early in our career. We were using a real lemon of a car to tour in and on the way to a festival gig it died! We were five hours late and missed our set time completely. The organisers were pretty good about it even if a little annoyed and managed to squeeze us in later in the night as the headliners! Unfortunately, this approach never worked again…
Cringe quote you used to live by?
We don’t live by quotes. We have real world problems like ‘How will I pay rent?’, ‘When will I buy groceries?’ and ‘Do I need that cute top?’.
Worst advice you got and blindly followed?
To only get one pug. My little girl Marlot is amazing. But I think I’d really thrive with a second little snorter!
The worst failure you’re up for sharing, and what you learned from it?
Coriander. Couldn’t understand what that weird flavour was in the salad made by my Aunty when I was a kid. But now I love it and you can never have too much on anything.
Embarrassing Internet habit?
I like to have up to 100 tabs open at all times. It’s unreasonable and ridiculous. There’s no way I can keep track of all those tabs. Why am I like this?
Ideal morning routine versus actual morning routine?
Ideal involves coffee in bed, a dog walk and a smooth transition through shower, blowdry and makeup to get out the door on time. Actually, it involves a lot of guilt about waking up too late to walk the dog, skipping breakfast and doing makeup in the car.
Something very off-brand for you?
I’m a huge fan of a Happy Socks and Birkos combo.
Bad health decision?
Definitely my KFC addiction. The whole band has the same problem. We even have a rule where you have to report to the group when you visit one…
What do you waste money on?
Reusable shopping bags. I have a whole cupboard full of them now. But, on the flip side, I always use my keep cup at cafés so I’m not a complete monster.
Worst procrastination habit?
Scrolling [Facebook] Marketplace instead of doing the work. I was doing it right before answering these questions. It’s 10pm the night before they’re due!
VIVID Live is on right now in Sydney, bringing amazing Australian and international artists to the Harbour City. Maina Doe is playing The Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday, June 3, while Pirra are playing The Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, June 1. PANIA already slayed The Utzon Room on Saturday, May 27. You can check out the rest of the program here!
Like our Sucks column? Check out our full catalogue of chats here.
Illustration credit: Matt Lauricella, @pigeonboyart