Annika Catharina
“I really feel like there’s a shift happening, and it makes me feel hopeful and excited for the future of women in country music and for myself as I really feel like I am entering the industry and have a lot of optimism.”
Annika Catharina fell in love with country music the moment she heard Patsy Cline - but it’s her determination, hard work, and heart that carried her to where she is today. After surviving a serious moped accident in Southeast Asia, she was reminded that life is short, and you’ve got to give it everything you’ve got. Navigating a male-dominated industry, Annika has blazed her own trail. She’s released an EP, landed on major playlists across Spotify and Apple Music, earned a spot on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country, and climbed to #1 on Canadian country radio. She’s undoubtedly one to watch - but for Annika, the real win is sharing her music with the world, and she’s just getting started. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself.
A: Hi, I’m Annika Catharina — a singer-songwriter from Deroche, British Columbia, Canada. I’m mainly in the country genre, but I really just love any kind of music that makes me feel something.
I grew up on a farm and played a lot of sports, especially golf — my family’s really into it. I also spent a lot of time performing in musicals, talent shows, and playing gigs with my old band.
P: Tell us a story - have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
A: When I was 20, my friends and I booked a trip to Thailand to do some traveling! Unfortunately, I got into a moped accident because the brakes on the bike failed. I was seriously injured, and it really forced me to stop and reflect on life in a way I never had before.
That experience made me stronger in my faith and reminded me how short life is — you’ve got to give it everything you’ve got.
It really hit me hard, especially when it came to music. At that moment, I knew I wanted to try and pursue music seriously. I always loved my relationship with music and singing but I never tried or truly believed that I could pursue it. It also made me incredibly grateful to be alive.
No matter how tough things get, I always try to look at life through a positive or optimistic lens.
P: Can you share your journey into country music? Did you always know this was the path for you?
A: It all started when I heard Patsy Cline singing “Walking After Midnight.”
The way she sang and delivered that song completely blew me away — it was amazing.
I didn’t always know that country music would be my path, especially since I grew up listening to a lot of Top 40 and rock and roll, but I always loved country as a listener. I really fell in love with it during my early high school years. Any chance I got, I’d try to cover songs like “Redneck Woman”, “Walking After Midnight” or “Crazy”.
Now, being in the country genre and putting out country music feels extra special to me. I love the storytelling, the feel-good energy so many of the songs have — and honestly, the heartbreak songs are my favorite. There’s just something about the emotion in them that really sticks with me.
P: You’ve had such a successful year! What's been one of your top highlights?
A: There have been so many unforgettable moments that I still can’t believe really happened!
Putting out an EP, for starters, was a huge goal I set for myself around this time last year — and to see it out in the world now feels amazing.
Getting the call that I was part of the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition was surreal. Recording and performing my single "Love and Hate” for the competition is something I’ll never forget.
Being nominated for a BCCMA award and getting to perform at the show was incredibly special.
The support from streaming platforms has also meant so much — especially Apple Music, who’s featured me on the cover twice. Their support and love is something I still can’t fully wrap my head around, and I’m so grateful for it!
I’m also super thankful for SiriusXM — having them play my music and support independent artists like me is truly amazing.
P: Historically, country music has been a male dominated industry. Have you faced any hurdles as a woman in country music?
A: Country music has definitely been a male-dominated industry, and I think the music industry as a whole comes with a lot of hurdles — especially when you're an independent artist. I’ve definitely noticed the lack of representation and how much harder women often have to work to be seen and heard.
That said, I really feel like there’s a shift happening, and it makes me feel hopeful and excited for the future of women in country music and for myself as I really feel like I am entering the industry and have a lot of optimism! I’m so inspired by the incredible female artists who’ve paved the way — icons like Shania Twain and Taylor Swift have really shown what’s possible.
P: Of all the songs you’ve released, do you have a personal favourite? Why?
A: “Dishonest” and “Love and Hate” both came from very real experiences in my life, so having them out in the world for others to connect with means a lot to me. These songs have had a big impact on me — not just as a songwriter, but as an artist too.
When “Love and Hate” was released, I felt like it helped expand my reach and really connect with more listeners. It was also the song I recorded and performed for the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition, which was such an unreal experience. I’m so glad I chose to record it at the iconic Warehouse Studio in Vancouver — that alone felt really special.
“Dishonest” is a deeply personal one. Writing it gave me a sense of closure on a relationship that had been lingering in the back of my mind for a long time.
P: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone aspiring to pursue a music career?
A: Work hard, be patient, let yourself fail, have fun and focus on doing what makes you feel happy and alive! I also believe trusting your gut is super important!
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: To me, being a woman means embracing who I am fully—my strength, my softness, and everything in between. I love fashion and expressing myself through style, and I see femininity as something powerful. Being a woman also means being independent and standing on my own two feet, while still being kind, loving, and supportive to the people around me.
It’s about a balance of being confident in who I am, while also caring deeply for others.
Connect with Annika:
Instagram: @AnnikaCatharinaMusic
Facebook: @AnnikaCatharinaMusic
TikTok: @annikacatharinamusic
X: @AnnikaCatharina