Anna Katarina is quickly becoming one of Canada’s most promising new talents, known for her captivating voice, heartfelt lyrics, and genre-blending style inspired by icons like Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks. With roots in both the rugged mountains of British Columbia and the soulful Appalachian hills of North Carolina, her music weaves together Indie Pop, Rock, Folk, and Soul, forging deep connections with listeners. As she works on her second album, set for release in 2025, Anna reflects on the experiences that have shaped her path, the artists who inspire her, and the importance of her Plunge Audio IEMs in bringing her performances to life. Let’s dive in!
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music has always run through my blood; ever since I can remember, I've had this innate knowing that it would be the centre of my life. It's partially nature but also nurture: I grew up with a single mom on welfare who valued music education and prioritized putting me in piano lessons and choir my whole childhood despite our tight financial situation. It instilled in me a sense of priority and possibility in pursuing music: I'm willing to take risks, invest time and money, and do whatever it takes to create a sustainable career.
Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey that has had a significant impact on you?
Being hired to play Sand & Strings Festival in Sayulita, Mexico in 2024 as a 4-piece band. I am an avid traveller and getting to combine my love of adventure with my music career is an absolute dream come true!
What influences have shaped your style of music?
Travel, lengthy struggles with anxiety and depression, other artists' music that makes me feel something, my relationships, music I grew up listening to: Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac, Etta James, The Rolling Stones, Joan Armatrading, Joni Mitchell.....I feel inspired listening to music with feel-good grooves and good vocals. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I choose groove and melody over lyrics any day. I never got into Bob Dylan's versions of his own songs for this reason.
If you could create a soundtrack for any historical event, which one would it be and why?
This is a tricky question. Most historical events have movies associated with them, and their soundtracks are hard to beat! While it may not strictly qualify as a historical event, the turning of the millennium is certainly memorable. I was a kid at the time, and it stands out as one of the few New Year's Eves that I will always remember. Most humans don't get to experience it in their lifetime. The soundtrack would be a cool combo of the 90s and early 20s, combining nostalgia with modern sonic risks. Fun, epic, chill and catchy.
If you could teleport to any concert in history, which one would you attend and why?
The Last Waltz... I love The Band; plus, my dad was there, so it would be cool to hang out with him in his musical prime.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Sheryl Crow. I've loved her music since I was a kid -- I would listen to her CDs on repeat, pretending I was her on stage. Growing up in the 90s was cool because so many bad-ass women musicians were making significant strides in the scene.I met Sheryl in 2020 (right before the pandemic); she hugged me.... I wonder if she remembers....
What's the most memorable feedback or reaction you've received from a fan?
A common feedback I get is that my show is a "journey of emotions," I lead the crowd through sometimes heavy topics, lacing them with human relatability, groove and lighter humour. Impacting others who have struggled with mental health is very important to me, and I get a lot of feedback about that, which is such a reminder of how powerful music can be. time I'm compared to Joni Mitchell or Amy Winehouse, I'm tickled!
What made you choose Plunge Audio IEMs for your performances?
I chose Plunge Audio IEMs because they'd been recommended to me by my vocal coach (Carol-Lynne Quinn) and guitar player (Keith Sinclair, you probably know him because he sucks up to you on Instagram all the time. I like to give him a hard time because I'm jealous of his cool new leather Plunge pouch). When choosing IEMs, my top priority was sound and fit quality, but I also support local as often as possible. The fact that Plunge is made in Canada and is a smaller company is fantastic. I am such a fan of the IEM -- my whole band uses them now, and I will recommend them every time.
What specific features do you look for when choosing IEMs for your performances?
#1 sound clarity. As a vocalist, it can be hard to hear yourself and to not over-sing. #2 fit: I have tiny ear canals. Plunge took back my initial IEMS and replaced them with a special smaller version -- for free, a year after purchase! #3 customer service/business model/country of manufacture.
What advice would you give to other musicians who are considering using IEMs for the first time?
The first few times can feel very strange - it took some time to get used to having my ears "plugged," AKA not being able to hear the room. If you can, set up an audience mic so you can hear them. It can feel disconnected if you can't. Otherwise, pop one ear out between songs if you're talking or doing any crowd participation. DON'T only use one in your ear - sometimes it's inevitable, but generally, it's bad for your hearing long-term.Make sure you have a good sound check, and maybe use them at some lower-consequence shows for the first few times so you can get used to how it feels!
Follow Anna Katarina's journey online:
Instagram |
YouTube |
Website
Which IEMs does Anna Katarina use?
Unity IEMs
