What's On! Music: Annika Catharina

"No matter what I'm doing, if music is involved I'm happy. My musical past and accident, although if felt like a setback, have led me to where I am today - being able to record music and share it with the world."

Although pop and rock were the genres Annika first loved, Patsy Cline's music drew her to the country genre, where she was introduced to many female powerhouses. After hearing songs like 'Walking After Midnight' and 'Crazy,' she began singing country covers and other classics. Annika pursued opportunities to perform country music at every chance she got. She was fortunate enough to have multiple sets at the Rockin' River Music Festival Hell or High Water fundraiser, and she even had the opportunity to open for Canadian country star Michelle Wright when she was younger. Annika also achieved recognition in various competitions, such as Varieties Got Talent, PNE Star Showdown, and BC Youths Talent Search.

In 2017, Annika was in a serious accident that required multiple surgeries, including reconstructive facial surgery, which made singing challenging. However, nothing was going to stop her from pursuing her love for music. Annika Catharina currently plays and regularly sings in a working band for multiple events all throughout BC. She released her debut single, "Better," in March 2023. Better gained attention from Spotify's Fresh Finds and is regularly spinning on Sirius XM Country 171 radio station. Annika released her second single “Broke It” on July 28th and is already working on getting to release more music very soon!

While creating "Broke It’, Annika drew inspiration from personal experience; lessons about self-discovery, relationships, and trust that it brought. She says “most of all, I learned how hard getting over your first heartbreak is; some people can move on quickly, while others, like myself, may need time to heal. I wondered why moving on from that initial heartbreak was so hard. Being young and  in love can be confusing, yet nothing prepares you for the break.”

Annika brought the chorus melody and hook to collaborators Dan Botch, Garrett Ward, and Parker Graye. Together, they delved into her past, exploring the memories entangled with her first heartbreak. They penned the song, crafted a demo, and recognized its universal resonance - capturing the sentiments shared by many. "Broke It" was produced by The Renaissance in Vancouver and was written by Dan Botch, Garrett Ward, Parker Graye and Annika Catharina.

Find out more about Annika’s upcoming gigs and her new song “What If I” being released this September at www.annikacatharina.com

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