On June 20th, Mission Jupiter will unveil Aftermath, their latest chapter in sound. I spoke with Kate about the path that led her here, the echoes of her musical past, and the threads that bind it all together.
Pre-save or Pre-order ‘AFTERMATH’ here
Lucy
Hello Kate! You joined Mission Jupiter before Aftermath was written. What kind of space did the band feel like when you first stepped in?
Kate
Hi, first if all, thanks for having me. I do appreciate the opportunity to be interviewed by FemMetal. When I joined Mission Jupiter, it felt like stepping into this beautiful mix of perfectionism and deep emotion — like a universe in the middle of expanding. The band had a strong identity, but there was also this openness, a hunger to evolve and explore new sonic landscapes. It wasn’t just about fitting in — it was about adding something new to the story.
From day one, the chemistry was real, and that creative spark turned into something powerful. Aftermath became our way of capturing all of that — the transition, the growth, the emotion, and melancholy — and I’m incredibly proud to be part of that journey.
Lucy
Did you feel like you had to adjust yourself to fit their world, or did they open space for yours?
Kate
Honestly, it never felt like I had to adjust myself to fit into their world — Vlad and Eugene opened up space for me from the very beginning. It was a truly collaborative process. We built Aftermath together, and vocally, they gave me so much freedom to explore and express myself.
We were constantly bouncing ideas off each other, shaping the sound as a team. It wasn’t about blending in — it was about creating something new that reflected all of us. That trust and openness made the whole experience incredibly inspiring.
Lucy
The new album brings together so many moods like softness, urgency, and even hope. Which part of that emotional palette do you feel most drawn to?
Kate
Good question! I’d say urgency — and maybe hope. It’s definitely a dark album, but there’s an aftertaste of hope and a brighter future.
You know, Vlad wrote most of the songs — in terms of structure, composition, melodies, and so on — and he’s always been deeply reflective about what’s happening in the world around us. But I really feel like there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and this album gives us a glimpse of that, especially when the final track, “This Is Not the End,” kicks in.
Lucy
You’ve performed in different projects before Mission Jupiter. What’s something you’ve carried with you from your previous projects into this one?
Kate
To be quite honest with you, those projects were more like tribute bands (I performed just a couple of times). At the same time, I fully understand that playing live with Mission Jupiter will be a whole different level — and it’s definitely going to be a new experience for me. We will hopefully play gigs together soon, and since we’ve never done that as a group before, it’s going to be a big responsibility – but without a doubt, an inspiring one too.
Lucy
If you had to explain your band’s sound to someone who’s never heard it before, how would you describe it?
Kate
Nice question!
I’d subtly slip some headphones onto this person and say, “You’ve got to hear this band — they’ve got the drama of the ’80s, but with modern alternative/prog metal production.” Then I’d add, “So, what are your thoughts?” (laughs)
Lucy
Which song on Aftermath felt the most emotionally intense for you to bring to life with your voice?
Kate
“Self-Destruction” and “Sometimes It Hurts”—both are powerful songs! But if I had to pick just one, it would definitely be Self-Destruction. I’m a huge fan of bands like Halestorm and Guano Apes, so the choice feels pretty natural (laughs).
Lucy
Coming from your own musical background, what part of Mission Jupiter’s world felt most familiar, and what part was completely new territory?
Kate
One of the most unexpected aspects for me was the recording process. I anticipated that recording an album would be challenging and require a great deal of effort—but I didn’t expect it to be so layered, creative, and engaging. Vlad and Eugene (the guitarist and drummer) taught me a lot and really helped build my confidence throughout the process. We collaborated closely, communicated often, and worked on many elements together.
At the same time, I fully expected the atmospheric quality in their songwriting approach—and I wasn’t wrong. Mission Jupiter is more than just a band name; it feels like an entire universe, from the way we communicate to the music we create. I’m really looking forward to sharing the band’s unique vibe on stage. It’s going to be an exciting journey—and I genuinely feel a sense of responsibility for what’s to come.
Lucy
How do you usually prepare mentally before performing live? Is there a ritual, a quiet moment, or just chaos backstage?
Kate
Before going on stage, I almost always feel nervous—no matter how many times I’ve performed. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s definitely there, like a quiet tension under the surface. That’s why I try to give myself a quiet moment before every show. I find a small corner backstage, close my eyes, and focus on my breathing. It helps me slow everything down and center myself.
I actually drink some orange juice before going on stage. I heard somewhere – can’t even remember where – that it lowers blood pressure. It’s probably not true, and most likely just a placebo… but it kinda helps me. (laughs)
I usually go over the first few lines of the opening song in my head—it’s like a mental anchor that helps me feel more grounded. While there’s often a bit of chaos around me with final sound checks and energy running high, I try to tune it out for a few minutes and just connect with why I’m doing this. Once I step on stage, the nerves slowly transform into focus and emotion (a bit of adrenaline), and that’s when everything starts to feel right.
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