Recently, Sechelt musician Janet Panic performed before one of her largest audiences ever in what she calls an amazing experience. Though she has played big folk festivals before, on March 6 she sang at the annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards show in Winnipeg's Centennial Concert Hall in front of 2,000 people and she will later reach more audience when the show is broadcast on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and Global TV on March 21.
Panic was in a recording studio in Winnipeg when a friend called to alert her to the Aboriginal Award people across town who were scouting talent for their forthcoming show.
She was an instant hit.
"I played a few songs for them and they wouldn't let me off the stage," she recalls. After her performance at the award show, she was interviewed by the media and schmoozed with many of the show's stars, including host Adam Beach (Smoke Signals), who is "kind of like the Indian Brad Pitt," she said.
It's all part of an exciting year for Panic. And yes, that's her real name. She kept her ex-husband's married name, which is traditionally pronounced Panich in the Serbian style. But she pronounces it Panic, like the state of alarm, because "it sounds cooler." It also suits her frank, intelligent style.
Coast fans have seen her at the Wild Bistro or at the Sechelt Arts Festival and will likely be seeing her again on Earth Day in Roberts Creek when she and Delphine Snakeskin will perform in a native hand drumming group. She has released a few recordings, notably Janet Panic, The Girl Who Passed for Normal.
Her lyrics usually have lots of meat on the bones. Listen to Lousy Wife, for example: "I spend all your money on sushi and clothes." Occasionally they are softer, such as Encore J'Attends. Panic is of Métis heritage, though she learned her French through immersion school and by working and studying in Montreal. The lyrics come from life's experiences and are a natural outgrowth of the poetry she likes to write. "The best stuff gets turned into songs," she said.The future is looking good. "This year it's all happening because I've decided to really ask for what I want," said Panic. "And to be bloody persistent about it."
It is a confidence that she would like to see in more women, especially those in the music industry. The newfound assertiveness has got her an APTN First Tracks video grant and the production, to be made in the next few months, will feature her original song Out On a Limb.
"It talks about how much support we get from our parents," she said. "We haven't a lot to complain about in Canada. There are means, if you're passionate enough, to always get what you want."
The video will receive initial screening on the First Tracks series of APTN, an aboriginal network that Panic credits with helping to develop the careers of many First Nations talents.
Her new album, entitled You Look Good Naked, should be out before the summer. It's tongue in cheek, a little harsh, a little overt, but has some country style, softer tunes and more slow stuff. Panic's songs can be heard on www.myspace.com/janetpanicmusic.
