With the release of her latest single "Ladybug" on May 29, metalcore artist Katerina Nicole shows she doesn't shy away from the messy emotions that come from grieving a loved one. Instead, she embraces the turmoil and realizes that while the loved one may be gone physically, they'll never really leave her.
In my interview with Katerina, I asked her about the story behind "Ladybug," being a strong advocate for animals, and where her music is taking her.
You wrote "Ladybug" in memory of Rosie, who passed away two years ago. If you don't mind sharing, who was Rosie and what were some things you loved about them?
KATERINA: Rosie is a kitten that was born in my care from a stray litter I took care of. She was the most friendly [and lived] for almost a year before she suddenly passed from unknown internal bleeding. It was really a shock for my partner and me to go through. I loved the way she didn't care to be a stray like her siblings, and she fully embraced our home life by sprawling herself on us for naps and keeping me company through a lonely time [when I was] creating my EP, "Serene in Violent Oceans."
Where did the symbolism of a ladybug come from?
To me, a ladybug represents luck and a beautiful existence. We felt lucky that [Rosie] landed in our life even for a short time.
You wrote all of the lyrics to the song by yourself. How did you transfer your grief into such a poignant song? Did you find it easier or harder to write it by yourself?
"Ladybug" was the easiest song I've ever written. It came flooding out of me when I felt compelled to bring her back to life in the only way that I knew how.
You filmed the music video for the song on Naxos Island, Greece, where you also help stray animals. How did you get started with helping these animals?
I've been living here for four years now, but started taking care of the strays since I started vacationing. They really need advocacy, to be sterilized, fed, treated, and, in some cases, given homes. I currently take care of about 50 [strays] around my house in the town. Some come from 10 blocks away to visit. Bringing a videographer from Athens to film "Ladybug" was special. There is a scene on a rock that is the burial site for Rosie.
If people wanted to help out stray animals in some way (donating, volunteering, etc.), do you have any resources or organizations you’d like to share?
Contacting me directly is always my first choice because everything I do comes out of my pocket first, and any little bit would help my cause. One day I will create my own organization! Thank you!
What's your favorite or most unhinged playlist name? What songs are on it?
I used to be a LimeWire girly and made stacks and stacks of CDs. I brought the party! Now I just have a very long and unorganized list of added songs on Apple Music. Sorry not sorry.
What artist would you love to hear cover one of your songs?
Right now I'm in awe of Maphra! I've been really working on my lower register, and she just sings in it beautifully. I would die if she did a cover of "Catch My Breath."
You've expressed interest in joining a band. What bands in your genre do you love and potentially want to join on stage one day?
I'm going to real with you right now—being marketed as a solo artist has allowed me to trek my own path and have freedom to explore Katerina Nicole, and I’m so grateful for that, but I’m at a point where it's becoming a bit exhausting and lonely trying to do and be everything on my own. I've never had the opportunity to join a band, and it's something I wish I had in band class or in my town. If I could go back, I would have tried to nestle in those circles more. So now I'm here using these platforms to say "hey, this is what I want now," to have members to create and play with.
I'm really into that pop emo sound that is total ear candy. Think Holding Absence, Dayseeker, Caskets. I would really like to create with producer Dan Braunstein. He actually had a little say in my vocals on my EP. I would like to see what we could do together! I’m also trying to lock in a booking agent, somebody to help me get asserted into the market as a solid opening act.
You said that this song "feels like a turning point creatively" for you. What do you think this means for the future of your music?
I have a lot in store for my fans that I think will be unexpected and totally exciting. I wanted to bring a lot of energy into these new tracks, and I think that gives a lot of space to welcome new ears to my art.
