Canadian-Greek metal artist Katerina Nicole is steadily carving out her place in heavy music, shaping a sound where punishing metalcore collides with melodies that linger long after the final note. In the wake of the deeply personal “Ladybug,” she returns with “Black on White,” a fierce collaboration with Johnny Ciardullo that pushes that contrast even further. We spoke with the vocalist about the grief woven into her songwriting, her conscious decision to embrace the nu-metal label, and the barriers that continue to confront women making their way through the music industry.

Lucy

Hello Katerina xxNo one reads the title “Ladybug” and expects a heavy, earth-shattering beatdown! What’s the story behind this gorgeous collision of delicate imagery and absolute brutality?

Katerina Nicole

Yeah, it’s a little unexpected! I have been grieving a loss in my life for a while now and I felt like I wanted to create a track around them that gave more life and honored their existence. I felt influences from my early pop punk days and thought that kind of energy could go really well! Some days are harder than others and there’s no timeline on grief. “Ladybug” represents the short but beautiful time that we have with someone. I was truly lucky to have them around when I did.

Lucy

A lot of musicians dodge genre tags like a trap, but you’re out here wearing “Nu-Metal” and “Metalcore” loud and proud on your social media bios! What made you want to claim those labels instead of leaving your music open for interpretation?

Katerina Nicole

I am inviting those genres into my world! I do come from EDM and rock, so it’s a new moment to let everyone know where I’m at. This is a very exciting time to be in the metal community!

Lucy

Whenever I’m working on new pieces for the magazine, I have to blast music to stay in the zone. Does that trick work for you as a musician? What kind of art, or which specific artists, do you turn to when you need to fuel your own writing sessions?

Katerina Nicole

I also do the same. I sing loudly at home or in my car, I dance, I write random current feelings and thoughts, and quickly if not eventually I come up with material to use!

Lucy

Picture this: the streaming algorithm works its magic and serves “Ladybug” to someone who has never heard your name. When the track ends, what is the very first thing you hope they understand about who you are?

Katerina Nicole

I believe I was put on this earth to share feelings with others. To bring together emotions and experience them. I am a vessel of vulnerability and story telling that seems to resonate with others well. It’s also very comforting for myself to not keep it inside. When I give it to the world, it’s a way of letting go of some stuff.

Lucy

What question do you absolutely hate being asked in interviews? (Hoping I haven’t already asked it… or worse, that it’s this exact question)

Katerina Nicole

I don’t really like small talk, I would much rather get into the hard stuff and dissect them so listeners can also leave with some perspective that might be valuable.

Lucy

Women in the arts have fought incredibly hard, from having to use male pen names centuries ago to fearlessly tackling intimate topics today. But looking at our community now, what barricades do you think still need to be smashed before we can finally say gender discrimination is dead in the scene?

Katerina Nicole

Currently as I’m transitioning from a solo female act to a full band, it feels like I’m taking a sledge hammer with me wherever I go. Doors don’t just open, unless you’re relentless on the pursuit. And that’s what I’m here to do. Just maybe it can get a little easier and more enjoyable in the process for the next artist.

Lucy

The ladybug has landed, so what comes next? Are you planning to drop more crushing singles on our heads, or are you secretly cooking up something massive behind the scenes? *cough* an album *cough*

Katerina Nicole

A new track is releasing JULY 31st! One that I’m really excited to have out in the middle of summer. Filmed all over Las Vegas with Dark Frame Productions, we really brought this song to new heights for my audience! I can’t wait!!!

Lucy

Thank you for your time! xx