The story of Annika Catharina is one of quiet determination and the search for answers that often linger in the background. Sometimes, a voice doesn’t shout — it just gently stays. That’s how it was with Annika. “These songs brought me closure. That chapter of my life is being set aside, thanks to the healing they’ve given me.”
She grew up on a farm just outside a small town in British Columbia. Music was never just sound — it was company, memory, escape. But the path to her own songs was anything but smooth. After a serious accident that made singing difficult, she came to a place where giving up felt real. And yet, she didn’t. I don’t know if I would’ve had that kind of strength — but life, as so often, surprises us. We think we can’t go on, and somehow, we do. More than we ever thought possible.
With her debut EP “You and Me”, she pauses — not to look back, but to look inward. These five songs don’t try to tie things up neatly. They speak of love without resolution, goodbyes that never really landed, and the strange way writing can sometimes do what time cannot. There’s a quiet kind of joy in listening to each track — a feeling of being let into something unfiltered. “I sing and write with my heart — and I love that it sounds different simply because I’m being myself.”
In our interview, Annika speaks about writing from the gut, the comfort found in sadness, and why the stage doesn’t just feel like a spotlight — sometimes, it feels like home.
photography by Laura Zeke
Hey Annika, congratulations on the debut release of “You and Me”! How are you feeling now that this deeply personal project is finally out in the world? (smiles)
I am feeling super proud, grateful and excited! For me, I have been with these songs for a while, but having this work of art out in the world feels amazing – like these songs are given new life, new listeners, and a chance to connect with others.
“You and Me” feels like a collection of emotional afterimages — moments that never fully faded. Were there any songs on the EP that you found especially hard to finish because the memories were still too raw?
“Dishonest” was a song I was hesitant to release because it was so personal. I was unsure if I was ready to show this raw side of myself. Being in the country space, I wasn’t sure it was something that fit into the genre, but I loved writing this song despite its personal nature. It was very therapeutic to write, and I knew it was special to me. It was also a song that made me believe in myself as a songwriter.
“You and Me” is my favorite song on the EP — there’s something about it that feels both intimate and universal. What does it personally mean to you?
It tells a story about me and my experiences with love. In fact, two of the songs were written about the same person. This person played a big role in my life and my experience with love. It feels like now I am finally getting some closure. I’m likely not done drawing inspiration from my past relationships for writing songs, as I have more stories to tell. However, for now, that chapter of my life is being set aside, thanks to the healing these songs have brought me.
“Some of the saddest songs have the most beautiful melodies and lyrics.”
You’ve said these songs are about relationships that never really got resolved. That’s something I can relate to — even with friendships. So many connections end with unanswered questions. Do you think that’s just part of life? And what helps you cope better with that kind of lingering uncertainty?
As I grow older, it becomes just a part of life. What helps me cope is writing honestly and getting different perspectives on situations. Many things are also beyond our control, and sometimes, you have to throw your hands up and say it isn’t up to you anymore, which oddly enough comforts me during periods of uncertainty.
Do you write lyrics more with your head or your heart?
I write more with my heart. A lot of my writing is based on emotions and feelings. Later, I use my head or gain other insights from my co-writers, which is extremely important as it allows you to take a step back and consider how others can relate to the song. But for me to write it starts with my heart.
What made country music feel like home for you?
The storytelling. I grew up on a farm outside of town, so all those songs about life in the sticks, bonfires, and falling in love in a small town are super relatable. Country music also evokes a sense of nostalgia, which always brings back feelings of joy for me when I think about the memories I’ve made with country music in the background.
“Many things are beyond our control — sometimes you have to throw your hands up and say: this isn’t mine to carry anymore.”
I can really see your passion when you’re on stage. Would you say that performing gives you a sense of having arrived — like you’ve found where you’re meant to be?
Yes, that is a great way to describe the feeling I get when I’m on stage. I love how at home it feels to be singing and entertaining on stage. I am being my best self when I am singing. I sometimes feel like I zone out while I’m onstage because I am so into the music and singing.
What’s the most meaningful compliment someone has ever given you about your music?
I love it when people say they find my voice or my songs to be different and unique. I love these compliments because I sing and write with my heart, and I love that it naturally sounds different to people when I’m just being myself.
This might sound strange, but — do you ever find comfort in sadness? I sometimes write best when I feel that way. Does that resonate with you?
I find a lot of comfort, and my best work comes from periods of sadness. Some of the saddest songs have the most beautiful melodies and lyrics. I love the experience sad songs give to me as a listener. Listening to sad music also makes me feel less alone. The mind has a way of making you feel isolated in your feelings sometimes, and no matter how many times you tell yourself you’re not the only one, it doesn’t feel that way until a song evokes that feeling inside, reminding me that I am indeed not alone.
“The world does need artists and music. It connects and heals us.”
Surviving an accident that affected your ability to sing — and coming back stronger — is deeply inspiring. Were there moments when you wanted to give up? And what helped you keep going?
There was a time when I almost accepted the fact that being an artist or making a career out of music was not going to happen. I am so glad I kept going and fought that negative voice in my head, saying the world doesn’t need another singer/artist when, in fact, I know the world needs artists and music. It connects and heals us, and I feel incredibly grateful that I get to put music out into the world that could do something like that. I’d be lying if I said I don’t have periods of imposter syndrome and self-doubt, but again, I know I am not alone in those feelings, thanks to music.
What’s a small daily ritual that keeps you grounded between the whirlwind of shows, streaming, and songwriting?
Long walks with my mom and spending time with my family. Daily exercise is super important. I need movement daily.
The most important thing in life is?
For me, it is my faith that gives me the belief that I have a purpose, and my family, they are everything to me.
Follow Annika Catharina for more:
Instagram: @AnnikaCatharinaMusic
Facebook: @AnnikaCatharinaMusic
TikTok: @annikacatharinamusic
X: @AnnikaCatharina
