From British Columbia is a new voice in country music, and she is showing no sign of slowing down. Annika Catharina began releasing original music in 2022 and has been recognized in editorial playlists and streaming milestones since.
She released her debut EP You and Me earlier this spring, describing her experiences in love. In You and Me, she has the emotional vulnerability found in diary entries but with the sonic versatility of someone who refuses to stay in one box.
‘Under Covers’ is evidence of her reaching new heights, and we are living for this era. We are so excited we got to talk to her about her music inspirations and her recent releases!
About Annika Catharina
Congratulations on releasing your debut EP! We are happy to have you at The Honey POP. Could you introduce yourself?
Hi! Thank you! My name is Annika Catharina. I’m a country singer-songwriter from Deroche, British Columbia in Canada. I’ve been singing and performing for as long as I can remember, but I only started releasing music in the past few years.
You started your music career later than some. If you could give yourself advice for when you began, what would you say?
I knew I was a bit late to the game when it came to releasing music and really putting myself out there, but growing up has taught me to be patient with myself. I’ve always had big dreams, but back then, I didn’t fully believe in myself. Fast forward to two years after releasing my first single and I’ve already hit some major milestones much sooner than I ever expected. If I could go back, I’d tell myself: believe in yourself. I knew this was what I wanted and that I was willing to work hard for it, but there was still a lot of doubt in the back of my mind.
Your inspirations span across genres. Are you interested in experimenting outside of country music for future songs?
I grew up listening to so many different genres and really appreciated what each one brought to the table. When I started releasing music, I knew I wasn’t going to shy away from trying something different or blending styles. It’s always been important to me to stay open creatively and follow what feels right. What’s really exciting right now is that so many artists in country music are experimenting and trying new things.
For me, growing as an artist and exploring different sounds has always been something I’ve loved and I can say that the next song I’m putting out has some fresh elements and a new vibe — and I’m really excited to share it.
In an interview with Authority Magazine, you said entertainment is “meant to be seen, heard, and appreciated.” Are there people who have inspired you and/or contemporaries you would like to shout out across media forms?
Yes, Shania Twain has always been someone I’ve looked up to. She is fascinating to listen to and watch perform, and I’ve always admired how bold she was — both musically and in her fashion. Another artist I really look up to is Noah Cyrus. Her songwriting is so emotional and raw, and the way she delivers her lyrics really hits. She’s definitely inspired me to tap into my own emotions more when I write. And then there’s JJ Wilde — her lyrics are unapologetically honest, and she’s an incredible performer. I’ve been a fan ever since I saw her open for The Glorious Sons, who are one of my favorite bands.
Country music originated in the United States but has an audience around the world. What do you think it is about country music that appeals to people across countries and cultures?
I think it’s the storytelling in country music that really draws people in. When I first got into the genre, I was struck by the wide range of emotions it made me feel. The songs were so relatable — whether it was about small-town life, falling in love, getting your heart broken, bonfires with friends, or dealing with grief. There’s just something powerful about the way country music tells stories, and I think as humans, we all connect with those real, emotional experiences.
About You and Me
From streaming successes to award nominations, your singles ‘Bandit,’ ‘What if I,’ ‘Dishonest,’ and ‘Love and Hate’ were well-received and put your name on the map. Do you feel pressure to surpass those accomplishments, or are you enjoying the moment of creating and releasing music?
I’m so happy that these songs are out in the world and that they’ve been received so well. When I think about what’s ahead, I look back at these songs as markers of where I’ve been — and they help guide where I want to go next. I want every song moving forward to feel fresh and different from what I’ve already done. I also make sure that, with each release, I’ve done everything I can to make the song the best it can be. At the end of the day, you never really know how a song will be received, but if I can stand behind it and feel proud, that’s what matters most to me.
How did you decide on the name of your debut EP?
When I first started writing the song ‘You and Me,’ I told myself that one day it would be the title of my EP. The songs on the project are all about love and relationships, and of course, relationships are about “you” and another person. The title track, in particular, was a very personal song about me and someone else, so the name just felt right. It really captures the heart of the whole EP.
You and Me is a memoir of your romantic experiences. What was the songwriting process like as you navigated a relationship that was almost there, to an explosive one?
It was such a relieving process. Honestly, I wish I had been writing songs back when I was a teenager — that’s where a lot of the inspiration for this EP really started. I probably could’ve saved myself a few tears and some heartache if I had learned to process those feelings through writing earlier. But it wasn’t something I started doing until later in life. Now, with this EP, it feels like I’m giving those memories the closure they needed. It’s helped me heal, understand love better, and see relationships through a different lens.
Is there a lyric from You and Me that is your favorite out of the whole EP?
There are a few lyrics in ‘Dishonest’ that really hit home for me. One of them is: “I loved you at your worst, even when you lied / I ignored the hurt that you caused inside.” That line is exactly how I felt — it’s so true to the experience I had with that person. Another lyric from the same song is: “Now I hate the way my brain works, don’t know how I lost my self-worth.” Every time I sing that, I feel a wave of compassion for my younger self. I wish I could go back and give young Annika a hug — tell her how far she’s come, how much stronger her sense of self-worth is now, and that love doesn’t have to feel the way it once did. It truly does get better.
There’s also a lyric from ‘You and Me’ that stands out: “I had a whole life before I had you / Now I can’t picture myself without you.” Now that I’m married, that line has taken on a deeper meaning. It’s wild to think about how I had this full life before meeting my partner, and now, the idea of life without them feels unimaginable. It’s a beautiful feeling, but also a little scary — because it shows just how much someone can become a part of your entire world.
Is there a thought or emotion you want to linger with your listeners after hearing You and Me?
I hope everyone feels whatever they need to feel when they listen to this EP. My hope is that it gives people a little insight into who I am as an artist, but also as a person. These songs come from past experiences — chapters that have shaped me — but what’s coming next will be something new. I’m excited to keep growing and sharing the journey with you.
About ‘Under Covers’
You just released a new track, ‘Under Covers.’ Can you talk more about the writing process for that song and how that came to be? Did it differ from your previous songwriting experiences?
Writing this song was a unique and memorable experience for me. Wes Mack came in with a strong verse and chorus idea, and right away, my producers (The Renaissance) and I knew it was worth pursuing. I usually spend hours alone with my thoughts before bringing an idea forward. Having someone come in with something fun and fresh almost allowed me to step into another version of myself. The process was a lot of fun — watching the song come together felt so right!!
‘Under Covers’ is all about confidence and going after what you want. I’ve heard so many songs written from someone else’s perspective, but this one tapped into a different side of me, which made it feel fresh and personal.
What do you hope fans take away from this track, which is a strong focus on empowerment and going after what you want?
I hope people take away the message that if you want something, go for it. Take control of the moment and go after it, and do it with confidence. I also want this song to feel like a summer anthem for the girls, something bold, fun, and empowering that we can shout at the top of our lungs!
Thank you for talking with us, Annika! ‘Under Covers’ is on our summer playlist for sure. 🙂↕️
Let us know your favorite song of hers – from You and Me or ‘Under Covers’ – over on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNIKA CATHARINA:
FACECBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
