Katerina Nicole is a very interesting figure in modern Rock, with a captivating ambient Rock sound. She has recently released her debut EP Serene in Violent Oceans. We had the opportunity to speak with her before the release to discuss her musical background, inspirations, and more.
Reuel
Hello Katerina! I’m happy to chat with you. How are you doing?
Katerina
Hi Reuel, I’m doing really well. Things are happening fast and the excitement is building up!!
Reuel
Amazing! With the release of your debut EP, “Serene in Violent Oceans,” just around the corner, you must be excited! What emotions do you hope listeners will experience when they hear it?
Katerina
I still have the same emotions coming up for me listening to this EP. It’s like a turbulent wave of self reflection, depths of despair, and learning to live again. I believe listeners will feel that journey come to life.
Reuel
You’ve already released “What I Know Now” as a single and music video. Would you say the rest of the EP follows a similar style and sound or does “What I Know Now” stand out stylistically from the rest of the tracks?
Katerina
What I Know Now is an important track to place at the end of the EP. It has a very triumphant mood and leaves you wanting to relisten to the EP, or take a moment to self reflect on your own life.
Reuel
Interesting! Is there a track from your upcoming EP that you’re especially excited or curious to see how fans will react to?
Katerina
I am so curious to hear the reactions for the single ‘House Of Cards’. There is also a fantastic music video that we made with Black Wolf Imagaing again.
Reuel
Oh wow! What themes, concepts, or personal experiences inspired you while writing “Serene in Violent Oceans”?
Katerina
I spent a lot of my years pushing music away as almost a way of protecting it from the outside world. I rarely felt safe enough to give the most sacred parts of myself away. I realized along the way that i was only hindering my own heart by doing that so this was a very cathartic experience to go on.
Reuel
Which musicians influenced you the most while growing up and inspired you to become an artist?
Katerina
I grew up in a very small town with mainly the local music festivals to enjoy and Much Music and MTV became my church. I was always glued to the TV waiting to hear what band or song was being showcased. Avril Lavigne was the first artist to tour through my area so that was a pivotal moment in my life. Seeing a young woman be up on stage and influencing the crowd the way she did was insane to me. I actually made it up on the big screen during her song Complicated. I was singing my heart out front row against the bars. I even caught her guitar pick that night.
Reuel
What an experience! Do you still enjoy listening to music as a fan, or has working as a musician changed the way you experience it?
Katerina
I enjoy music in every mood I’m in. Some days it’s Lamb Of God, and some days it’s The Lumineers.
Reuel
How do you see the representation of women in heavy music today, and what more can be done to promote inclusivity and support for female musicians?
Katerina
I believe there is major progress and respect towards female musicians. However, I feel that there is always work to be done by those surrounding an artist. The team players, the interviewers, the tabloids etc. I see that we as women are responsible for the progression thus far.
Reuel
If all the songs “Serene in Violent Oceans” came to life and became humans, which song would you imagine as your best friend?
Katerina
Emotionally. That girl got me through some tough days, and taught me I’m safe enough with myself to open up and let emotions pass through me. Inhale and exhale!
Reuel
Beautiful! Thank you for your time and this interview, Katerina! Is there anything you’d like to add?
Katerina
Thank you so much for taking the time to get to know me!
