Photo: Supplied
In this special edition of Postcards, New Zealand based pop musician Pat Piasta takes us on a tour of her childhood in Poland, a place where history, tradition, and music blend to shape the artist she is today. From her hometown of Sosnowiec to the farmland of Słochodniów, Piasta reflects on the cultural influences that continue to resonate in her music and identity.
Roots in Poland
While Piasta has called New Zealand home for many years, her story began in Poland—a country rich in contrasts and cultural depth. Born in Katowice and later moving to Sosnowiec, Piasta’s childhood was shaped by the vibrant yet intimate atmosphere of a city that may not be as well-known as Warsaw or Kraków, but holds a unique charm. Sosnowiec, with its tight-knit community, was a place where neighbours knew each other, traditions were honoured, and family played a central role.
Piasta’s musical upbringing was steeped in Poland’s rich heritage, blending the classical compositions of Chopin with the lively folk songs sung at family gatherings. This combination would leave a lasting impact on Piasta’s creative path. “Growing up in Poland, I was immersed in its rich musical traditions,” she reflects. “I’ve always admired the coexistence of the traditional and the modern, and I’ve tried to bring that into my own music.”
A young Pat Piasta back home in Poland Photo: Supplied
Life in Słochodniów
Piasta's visits to her father’s family in the small village of Słochodniów offered a peaceful respite from the bustling city life. The farmland, with its vast fields and slower pace, left an appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of rural life. “These visits were often filled with music—whether it was my family singing folk songs or listening to the radio.”
Poland’s Resilient Musical Legacy
Poland’s history of political and cultural resilience also played a crucial role in shaping Piasta’s musical perspective. From the challenges of occupation to the social upheavals of the 1980s, music has long been a source of strength for the Polish people. Artists provided hope and a voice during turbulent times. This tradition of resilience is something Piasta carries with her in her own music, weaving themes of strength, unity, and identity into her songs.
Piasta’s latest release, Small Talk, encapsulates her musical evolution, shaped by both her Polish heritage and her experiences in New Zealand. The song, alongside its music video, was a collaborative effort, involving people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. “This song speaks to the unity I value deeply—a value that I feel Poland instilled in me,” she shares. “It’s about connecting with people, staying true to your roots, and embracing the blend of cultures that make me who I am today.”
Pat Piasta- Small Talk
Soundtrack of her Childhood
Piasta’s connection to Polish music is also reflected in the songs that resonated with her during her childhood. Natalia Przybysz’s "Nazywam się Niebo" evokes memories of family gatherings, where folk songs, classical music, and modern hits would fill the air. “This song takes me back to the times we’d sing together as a family, harmonising like performers on stage,” Piasta remembers. These experiences, often accompanied by hearty Polish meals like pierogi and bigos, were foundational to her growth as a musician.
Natalia Przybysz’s- Nazywam się Niebo
Similarly, Piasta was moved by the powerful messages in Polish songs that called for resilience and transformation. "Napraw" by Lemon, in particular, struck a chord with Piasta, motivating her to use music as a tool for change. “The song embodies the spirit of resilience, much like Poland itself,” she reflects. “It’s about finding hope in the face of adversity and using music to create a lasting impact.”
Lemon- Napraw
Throughout her musical journey, Piasta has found inspiration in artists like Brodka, whose song "Granda" exemplifies the vibrant and quirky energy that resonated with her as a young artist. “This song gave me the confidence to experiment and be bold in my music,” she recalls. “It was the first time I felt free to let loose and be myself on stage.”
Brodka- Granda
Another source of inspiration for Piasta is "Nic Dwa Razy" by sanah, which combines the timeless poetry of Wisława Szymborska with modern melodies. For Piasta, the song is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, urging listeners to cherish the present moment. “Moving from Poland to New Zealand, I often reflect on how every stage of life shapes who we are,” she shares. “This song reminds me that even as I carve my own path in music, I’m part of a long-standing tradition of Polish storytellers.”
Piasta’s music continues to be shaped by her dual connection to Poland and New Zealand. "Szary Świat" by sanah and Kwiat Jabłoni was a particularly meaningful song for Piasta as it rekindled her connection to Polish music after years abroad. “Hearing it for the first time brought me back to the rich soundscapes of Poland,” she explains. “Performing it at my music video premiere in Ponsonby was a moment of pride, as it reminded me of the deep connection I have to my Polish heritage.”
Sanah and Kwiat Jabłoni- Szary Świat
Piasta’s music serves as a bridge between two worlds—her Polish roots and her New Zealand home—drawing on the values of resilience, community, and storytelling that are at the heart of both cultures. Whether performing in Polish or English, Piasta’s work is a celebration of her heritage.
Pat Piasta meeting her musical heroes as a child in Poland Photo: Supplied
