Though pop and rock were the genres that Annika Catharina first loved, it was the songs of Patsy Cline that drew her to country music. After hearing “Walking After Midnight” and “Crazy”, she wanted to perform country songs any chance she got.
Based in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Annika started singing country covers along with other classics, placing in various competitions, such as Variety’s Got Talent, PNE Star Showdown, and Youth Talent Search BC. Eager to release music as a solo artist, Annika’s first single, “Better” arrived in 2023, gaining Spotify editorial placement on the “Fresh Finds” playlist and also being added to rotation on SiriusXM Canada’s Top of the Country.
Today we are very excited to be teaming up with Annika Catharina to give our readers an exclusive behind the scenes look at her new EP, ‘You and Me’!
Behind The EP : “You and Me” By Annika Catharina
My debut EP, You and Me, has 5 songs that are really close to my heart. Each one tells a different story about love—whether it’s wondering about the ‘what ifs,’ the excitement of falling for someone, the pain of heartbreak, dealing with gaslighting, or the struggle to move on. This EP is my way of sharing all those emotions and experiences.
“You and Me”
This came to life when I shared the song idea and melody with my producers Dan Botch and Garrett Ward (The Renaissance) and Parker Graye. It’s about loving someone so deeply that even when you try to move on, you feel as if it is impossible. It’s that feeling of being completely helpless when it comes to moving on.
“Bandit”
This one was written by my producers Dan Botch and Garrett Ward (The Renaissance) and Amanda Couture. I remember the moment The Renaissance first sent me the song — I instantly fell in love with the lyrics. The idea of stealing someone’s heart like a bandit really hit home. That feeling of deeply wanting someone is something I’ve felt myself, and I know so many others can relate to it, too. The demo had this dreamy, haunting vibe, and the second I heard it, I knew I had to record it.
“What If I”
This song was written by me, my producers Dan Botch and Garrett Ward (The Renaissance), along with Brettyn Rose and Parker Graye. It was my first release of 2024, and the timing felt perfect—a fresh start to the year with a hopeful, new perspective on love. The song is all about taking a chance on the “what ifs,” especially when it comes to love. Fear can hold us back, but this song explores what might happen if you pushed past that fear and just went for it.
“Dishonest”
I’ll never forget writing “Dishonest.” It was late August, near the end of summer, and my apartment didn’t have AC, so I’d get up early to write before the heat became too much. Most of it came together while I was sitting on my couch, reflecting on past relationships that were full of lies, betrayal, and self-blame. I did a lot of questioning about my own self-worth during that time, and it left me feeling really broken. This song is super personal, and I’m so glad I got to finish it with my producers Dan Botch and Garrett Ward (The Renaissance), and Zach McPhee. Writing it felt like finally closing a chapter on a lot of unresolved feelings.
“Love and Hate”
This is a really special song to me. It actually started as a simple voice memo with just a verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. Thel song idea came to me when I heard someone talking about a relationship that was full of highs and lows — it instantly reminded me of one I had in the past. It made me reflect on how some moments felt incredible, and others felt completely off. That mix of love and hate is something you can’t always explain or fix. I finished writing this song with Dan Botch and Garrett Ward (The Renaissance) and Parker Graye.
Thank you to Live in Limbo for the chance to go behind my debut EP!
Connect with Annika Catharina : Twitter/X || Facebook || Instagram || TikTok
