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.
Today we are excited to be teaming up with Annika Catharina for an exclusive behind the scenes look at her new single, “What If I”. Check it out below!
Hey Live in Limbo, my name is Annika Catharina. I am a singer-songwriter from Abbotsford, BC, Canada. I am so excited to share my brand new single, “What if I” and dive into the details behind the song!
The Inspiration
Initially, Dan Botch, Garret Ward, and Brettyn Rose brought the idea of “What if I” forward along with a very catchy chorus melody. Immediately, I was hooked. I loved the positive nature of the song and could already envision what we could say in the song. Shortly after, we all started brainstorming and reflecting on the song. I love sad and slow songs but have always wanted to create something upbeat and fun.
After the song came forward, we continued to work on it with Parker Graye. Writing the song made me reflect on my past and some of the situations I have been in. I remember being in a situation where I knew we both wanted it to be something more, but we were too scared to say anything. Unfortunately, neither of us took the chance to say something. We both were stuck in the friend zone, where it’s comfortable, but what if you just said, “Why not”? What if it could be something more? It’s hard to know where you stand with someone, specifically when figuring out if you’re ready to take the next step with someone. Nothing is worse than looking back at something and being disappointed that you never gave it a shot – which is relatable beyond relationships.
The Creation
After Dan, Garret and Brettyn brought the idea forward and finished writing the song with songstress Parker Graye, we moved forward with a demo, then production; I wanted the music in this song to be fun and upbeat, which meant the song needed a high-energy sound. I love how the song starts with an exciting banjo riff before the verses. The verses have this sweet and subtle steel guitar, which sets the stage for the chorus, where big drums and vocals come in. I kept picturing other people dancing around, shouting the lyrics “What if I” at the top of their lungs, an anthem for all the optimistic folks or a reminder to those who need the extra encouragement to take the next step.
The Audience
This song is for anyone asking themselves about all the “what ifs” in life.
It came from being tired of not knowing where you stand in a relationship. I have experienced this place of not knowing where a relationship could go because each person is too scared to go for it. It can feel like you’re constantly dancing around the conversation about dating or taking the next step with someone. You could miss out on something great if no one ever says anything. So why not? “What if I told them how I feel? What if they feel the same way? What if they don’t?” There are a lot of unknowns out there, and simply worrying about it or doing nothing isn’t going to make anything happen. So what if I just went for it? Either way, it’s a great way to get an answer, closure, or reassurance.
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