Interview: Katrina Cain Discusses Her Brand New Single “How Did We Get Here?”!

NBC’s The Voice season 15 contestant Katrina Cain is a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter who has just released the brand new single “How Did We Get Here?”!

Katrina has kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution about her latest release, along with getting to know more about the artist behind the music.

Hey Katrina, thanks for agreeing to this interview. Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Katrina: I’ve never been sure how to answer this question, because I always define myself based on my music. Outside of that, I’m not sure if I’m defined by my resume, or my childhood, or where I’m from, or my hobbies. My name is Katrina but I’ve always been called Kat. I’m 100% a dog person. I feel drawn to antiques and history. I have a weird way of knowing devastating things before they happen, and I have never had trouble trusting my gut. I’ve moved over 20 times and lived in 7 different states (and on each coast of the United States). But, more simply, I’m a musician and songwriter. I have made my living playing live and doing commercial studio work for radio stations across the country. And I really don’t have many other hobbies besides writing music and learning new instruments!

When did you first discover your love for music?

Katrina: My mom likes to tell this story about me as a toddler laying underneath my grandma’s piano as she and my mom would play. It’s actually one of my first memories, and I’ve known I wanted to be a musician since those days. I’ve never had a desire to do anything else.

How would you describe your musical style to someone unfamiliar with your work?

Katrina: I like to call it “melancholy pop”. It’s not folk music but it’s not dance pop tunes either. It’s hopeful but sad. It’s dreamy synthesizers and echoey vocals produced around simple song forms. The upcoming single is more different than anything else I’ve done, and it sounds a lot more like typical pop than my other songs. It’s a lot of fun!

You took part in NBC’s The Voice US season 15, where you joined Team Blake. How would you describe your experience of taking part in the show?

Katrina: Being a part of NBC’s The Voice was one of the most unique experiences of my life. It was totally uncharted territory for me, and something I never thought I’d do, but I’m so glad that I decided to do it. I had to cancel my honeymoon in order to go, since I got married a few days beforehand, so that was the only part that made me sad. The whole experience was a lot of waiting around and then hurrying up… being thrown into nerve-wracking situations with total strangers… feeling totally alone but around people ALL of the time. I remember feeling totally unbothered by the whole process at the time, but when I look back, I can’t believe the incredible pressure everyone is under. If you love to perform, this is definitely one of the best learning experiences you’ll ever have! Plus, you meet other amazing musicians from all over the country that will stick with you for life. There’s really nothing else like it.

What advice would you give to someone looking to apply for The Voice?

Katrina: My advice is to always be the very best version of yourself- don’t ever try to be who you think they (the casting and production team) want to see. The truth is, that if you lean in whole-heartedly to who you are, you’ll make it exactly as far as you need to go. If you try to be someone you aren’t, the disingenuity of it will stop you before you’ve even begun.

Most importantly, remember that this is a TV show, it’s not the music industry. This does not create a music career for you, but it’s another super fun gig within your very long music career!

You are just about to release your brand new single “How Did We Get Here?”. How did the idea to create this song come together?

Katrina: This song was a collaboration with Andrew McMillan, my producer, and he actually was the initial songwriter. I always overheard him working on the track and I thought it sounded so cool, I wanted in on it. We wanted to write something fun, a little flippant, and not too serious for once.

What would you consider to be the main inspiration behind the lyrics?

Katrina: We happened to write this when I was reaching my breaking point of frustration with others’ opinions of my music and my voice. It sort of became a break up song to all of those thoughts and opinions and standards. We changed some of the lyrics to sound more like they’re about a relationship because it felt more relatable, but after living with it for a couple of years we realized that the original meaning still held true.

What does the song personally mean to you?

Katrina: Women in the music industry get a lot of criticism- my music has always been too sad, too slow, too country, too pop, too indie, too boring, too loud or too soft. And, that’s just the tame comments about my music. Women’s looks and age are a whole other category. I wanted to stop caring about those opinions, and this song makes me feel like I can do that, finally.

If listeners could take away one message from the song, what would you like it to be?

Katrina: Honestly, I hope listeners just have fun with this song! I hope it helps them feel strong enough to let go of whatever or whoever it is that’s wasting their time. And maybe dance a little, too!

When you are not performing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Katrina: Lately, I’ve been trying really hard to learn new skills on guitar, cook more, and keep some houseplants alive. Of all three of those things, keeping plants alive is the most difficult, hands down.

What song do you always keep on your playlist & why?

Katrina: The song “Coffee” by Sylvan Esso is almost all of my playlists I ever make. I fell in love with this song when I first heard it, and listened to it on repeat for an hour straight that same day. It would take me so long to explain all of the reasons why I love it. It is, in my opinion, the perfect, most well written song.

If you could perform a duet with anyone in the world, who would it be?

Katrina: Robert Plant, for sure. Performing even just one acoustic song with him would be the highlight of my life.

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose & why?

Katrina: This is an awesome question. I wish I could heal people. Maybe it’s selfish, but I have had some sick family members and friends, and I just wish I could do something to make them better (and any sick or hurting person).

What was the last TV series you binge-watched & did you enjoy it?

Katrina: Oh man, we watched Tiger King in one sitting. We definitely enjoyed it, but we were properly horrified as well.

What would you consider to be your all-time favourite movie?

Katrina: It’s a tie between Almost Famous and Amadeus. If you haven’t seen either of them, you need to put them both on your list.

Finally, is there a message you would like to share with the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?

Katrina: You are important and loved, and I’m glad you’re here in the world.

You can check out “How Did We Get Here?” below.