Annika Catharina shares debut single “Better”
By: Sydney Hise
Drawing musical inspirations from female powerhouses like Patsy Cline, Etta James, and Maren Morris, singer-songwriter Annika Catharina is an up and coming artist to keep on your radar. With a big love for country and rock n’ roll, she’s spent her time performing multiple gigs in the British Columbia (BC) area with her band. Today, Catharina finally shares her debut single “Better,” and we got the opportunity to discuss the details about her first release.
777 Collective: “Better” is your debut single. Did you have any other tracks that you were considering using as your first? What made you decide to go with 'Better'?
Annika Catharina: When I first heard “Better,” I immediately loved the song. I connected with the music directly, returning me to a time when I felt I could have done better in a relationship. I knew I wanted to record “Better,” along with other songs. However, when I flew to Ontario to record an EP worth of songs, right before I walked out the door to record my songs, I got a notification I was exposed to Covid and missed my recording time. It was a blessing in disguise because it gave me time to work with "Better" some more and write more music!
“Better” was written by the talented Makayla Lynn and David Borys. What drew you to its lyrics? How did the song come to be yours?
AC: The lyrics are very emotional, raw and honest. I remember hearing the line, "Nobody cheated, nobody lied, people fall out of love sometimes", and feeling moved and choked up over the words. I remember thinking, “Yes, this can happen when you are in love with someone, and then suddenly, that love fades, or you feel like roommates rather than lovers.” Sometimes those feelings come and go, and unfortunately, reacting too quickly might result in a wrong decision where you regret breaking up or leaving. Before you know it, you're hurting more than you were when you thought your love was fading, and you're stuck rewinding every possible situation where you knew you could have done better and it wasn't the other person's fault, or worse watching them move on with someone else. The song is heartbreaking yet offers hope to do "Better" in the next relationship and learn from past mistakes.
When I heard the song, I knew I wanted to share this message with everyone else. The song became mine when my producer Shawn Moore connected with the writers' when I was looking for pitches.
Can you tell 777 Collective readers a little bit about your recording process for this track?
AC: The recording was a dream. I recorded this song at the world-renowned OCL studios in Calgary, AB; quick flight for me, being from BC. The studio was beautiful, and I watched the songs come to life. Recording Better was very inspiring and emotional, and I remember times when I almost felt like bursting into tears because of how connected I felt to the song, a feeling I hope others will feel and have it mean whatever they need it to mean to them––everyones different.
You live in Canada, which is not typically what people think of when they hear "country." What is the country music culture like in Canada? Does Canadian country music differ from the honky-tonk American idealized version of country music that comes to mind when someone thinks of the genre?
AC: Many people who love country music love it for the stories and songs that come out of the genre. I think American Honky Tonk Country has certain elements and cultural influences, such as accents, location, history that differs from Canada. Still, many of us Canadians grew up with the music and connected with this music. Those stories about farming, working hard in the fields, and local dive bars ring true to many Canadians and for me. Growing up on a farm being part of a great local farming community taught me a lot of life experience and the importance of hard work and music.
In your press release, you mention Patsy Cline as a major influence. What other artists inspire you?
AC: Patsy Cline initially brought me into the country realm of music. Other inspirations are Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Martina McBride. I am a big fan of many vocal powerhouses across all genres, from Maren Morris to JJ Wilde; for my love for rock ‘n roll.
You play in a band in British Columbia currently doing gigs and events. Do you have any plans to ever tour as a solo act? Do you currently perform as Annika Catharina, or does your band carry a different name?
AC: I love playing music all over BC. My goal is to tour as “A N N I K A C A T H A R I N A” with my band. I have one of the best bands in the Fraser Valley. I have a wicked guitarist who can shred like no other and a fantastic drummer who comes from a heavy metal background, and he's currently on tour with a band called 2 Shadows! I have a great utility guy who can play almost every instrument and a very seasoned, groovy bassist—like Meghan Trainer said, "I'm all about that bass. " When my band plays gigs, we go by a different name, Annika & the Earthlings, but we still play my original music. I recently started playing the guitar and love it when I get to bring it out on stage.
I am also a passionate concert goer and spend way too much money on concerts! When watching live music, I love to look at everyone on stage, and I am always in awe of those with musical talent. I love to see how everyone rocks their musicianship on stage, so, I am so grateful that I have a band full of members who are passionate about music.
Finally, what can we expect from you for the rest of the year? Anything else in the works for more new music?
AC: Yes, more music is coming, hopefully in late spring. I am just getting started with putting out music as an independent artist, and can't wait to keep sharing and making music! The next song that is coming out is a song I wrote with Canadian recording artist Jamie Stever and was inspired by an experience I had that left a bad taste in my mouth. It was one the fastest songs I have written because I was actively working through my emotions while writing it. This song is special to me as I incorporated my love for rock ‘n roll into a country song. Can't wait for that one to come out!