Stella Panacci’s music now used in local podcast

The area’s newest podcast is partnering with the area’s newest, acclaimed singer-songwriter, Stella Panacci.

Panacci’s music will now feature regularly in episodes of Wards Legal Matters, the monthly podcast that launched earlier this year and describes itself as “as a show about the law and lawyers that the average person can connect with.”

Panacci, who started out as an indie pop drummer before graduating to fronting her own bands as a lead singer, relocated to Kawartha Lakes from the GTA in 2021. In that move she brought with her a massive catalogue of music, generated during her more than two decades of performing and touring. Her most recent album, “Patchwork” is a showcase of the artist’s stand-out voice and thoughtful writing.

It’s that polished and unique sound that piqued the interest of Denis Grignon, host/producer of Wards Legal Matters, who learned about Panacci’s arrival in the community from an article in The Advocate Magazine

“I was a fan, right from the get-go,” says Grignon. “Her songs are such that you listen once, then take it in, then immediately go back to listen again….the lyrics, and her voice, are that rich.”

“Her songs stay with you.”

For Melissa Wemyss, CEO of Wards Lawyers, and executive producer of its podcast, Panacci’s music is the perfect fit for the show’s approach.

“Kawartha Lakes is home to some truly wonderful musicians,” says Wemyss, stressing the law firm’s commitment to working with artists from the community. “But the music has to reflect the overall tone, the feel, we strive for with (Wards Legal Matters). And Stella’s music delivers exactly what we were looking for.”

For her part, Panacci says she’s equally judicious about where and, with whom, she chooses to have her music featured.

“I know the show well,” says Panacci, specifically mentioning a recent episode that explored the laws surrounding stalking and intimate partner violence. “It’s smart and well-produced. That was important to me, when choosing where people will hear my music. And Wards Lawyers is all in, when it comes to community. That’s equally important to me, especially because I’m now part of this community.”

With the addition of Panacci, Wards Legal Matters now features two locally-based musicians. Sean Jamieson is a singer-songwriter who has been with the show since its launch.

Panacci’s music makes its debut in the August 1 instalment, a special episode featuring a candid and revealing conversation with now-retired lawyer Jason Ward.

Wards Legal Matters is available to stream, for free, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts.