Sound of the City: Vancouver radio host Nina Panini sounds off on phone calls from listeners, mental wellness, and dance parties
The volunteer programmer at UBC’s campus radio station, CiTR 101.9FM, hosts a weekly show dedicated to the local music scene
SOUND OF THE CITY is a series created in partnership by the City of Vancouver and Stir that showcases Vancouver’s diverse music scene, highlighting BIPOC and underrepresented artists and acts. Each edition features a Q&A and a Sound of the City playlist curated by the artist that features some of their favourite local musicians.
Nina Panini
NINA PANINI IS a volunteer programmer at UBC’s campus radio station, CiTR 101.9FM.
She hosts Deliberate Noise, a weekly hour of music dedicated to showcasing the local scene.
“I focus on playing local bands, especially punk or rock music,” Panini says. “The point is playing good stuff, highlighting shows that people can see and getting people into the local music scene. I want to recognize how much good music there is, even though a lot of it is underground and not always easy to find. There’s a lot of good stuff here!”
Read what’s on Panini’s mind these days and listen to her Sound of the City playlist. below.
Nina Panini’s Playlist
1. Future Star - I’m So Alone
2. Jarah Femi - Rule my Mind
3. Prado - DRIP
4. Missy D - Rollin
5. Rudy - Reeboks
6. Dumb - Submission
7. DEBBY FRIDAY - Runnin
8. Horsepowar, LMNOP - Perfume
9. Schwey - Special
10, Fretgau - Tous Coupables
11. Devours - Poltergeist
12. Prado - Gucci Store
13. Necking - Drag me Out
14. Bedwetters Anonymous - Keep 6
15. JB the First Lady - Red
16. Cyrus Jordan - Stretch
17. Kid Monday, Lil B - Yu-Gi-Oh?
18. Tonye - Wholly
19. Edzi’u - Halfbreed Special, Pt. 2
20. Yu Su - Melaleuca
21. Baby Blue, Dviance, OFlash - Vancouver
How are you feeling about life right now?
This is a difficult question to answer, lol... I guess mostly hopeful, but also lost, and weird.
How has the pandemic affected your work?
The nerves; the fun; the messiness of live radio; learning on the spot; chatting with my old co-host, Clare; and taking phone calls from listeners who ask us if we’re sweaty... All that’s been replaced by hours of audio editing, which has turned the show into a more polished but somewhat contrived project.
What are you working on right now? Do you have any plans or projects lined up for 2021?
This year I want to challenge myself to do more interviews on the show. What am I working on... This sounds selfish but, myself I guess? Doing some long-overdue mental maintenance.
Where are you finding solace and comfort?
Conversations and time spent getting closer with friends and family.
What are you most looking forward to once the pandemic passes?
Sleepovers and dance parties.
What song or album has been in your heavy rotation recently and why?
“Fresh Fro” by Exmiranda: I love the power of her voice and the feel of the tune.
“Dream Girl Concept” and “Working” by Cartel Madras, and the mesmerizing music vids. Honestly, everything Cartel Madras makes is gold. I didn't add them to this playlist as I wanted to keep it to solely Vancouver artists :)
Can you give a shoutout to one of your favourite Vancouver musicians or artists? What about them inspires you?
Prado: the quality of every aspect of her artistry, from the songs themselves to the music videos and photoshoots with her equally talented sister, Zuleyma, plus the confidence and fearlessness they exude… I can't wait for the album and to eventually see Prado play live. One time I saw Prado at Metrotown and she waved at me, I'm still star-struck.
What would you like to see change in Vancouver?
I would like for arts venues to not have to struggle so much just to stay open. And for arts organizations to have better funding so that the employees aren’t just the people who have the time and resources to be able to work for low pay.
Who is your dream collaborator?
My dream collaborator is my friend Catina, an incredibly intelligent, hilarious, thoughtful friend who makes the best playlists probably in the world and would be an amazing DJ.
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