Music City Mayhem is right around the corner, and we want our voters to get a more in-depth look at our final eight artists. I had the pleasure of having a FaceTime interview with Catalina. Her unique style and powerful vocals stand out on their own, but after getting to know her better, you will agree she is making huge waves in the Nashville scene. We talked about Nashville’s culture, Latin music in the mainstream, and how to cope during coronavirus.
Q: “What has life looked like for you during corona? Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests during this time?”
A: “Honestly, I’ve been writing a ton of new music. When you are an independent artist, it is a bit harder to be creative or just to have a burst of creativity, so this time has been great for new ideas as far as music is concerned. I have also been reading a ton. It was a new year’s resolution of mine to read a book a month, and I’ve had the chance to read two or more a month. Kinda cliche, but I have also been super into cooking and baking; I’ve been trying a ton of Chilean recipes”.
Q: “Did you live in Chile, and when did you relocate to Nashville?”
A: “Yes, I was actually born in Chile! I moved to the United States in 2011 for school, and I moved to Connecticut, then I relocated to Nashville. I’ve been here for about four years now”.
Q: “I know you haven’t been here for super long, but how has the music scene changed in Nashville in the last four years? Do you think the move to Nashville impacted you as a musician positively?”
A: “100% the move to Nashville was the right one. Being in the music scene in Connecticut or New York is a completely different experience than being involved in music in the south. The scene is still small enough to make a name for yourself, but large enough for new voices. There is always an opportunity to meet new people and make more music with different people”.
“Over the last few years, I’ve seen more inclusivity with women and even the Latin community in the Nashville music scene. It’s been really cool to see over such a short period of time.”
Q: “Sorry for the generic question, but how did you get started in music?”
A: “Well, I have a generic answer for you. I’ve just been singing since I was little and always knew it was something I wanted to do. When I was in the first grade, I sang the Pokemon theme song in my school’s talent show. I would like to say that was the start of my music career even though I just stood there and was too nervous to sing, but that was a moment in where I knew I wanted to do this.”
Q: “As of late, there are so many women making waves in the music industry right now. What do you think the future of the industry will look like?”
A: “I think the future will be more powerful. For so long, it’s not only been a fight to beat a man for a spot in the industry, but there was also a ton of women v. women going on in the scene. The earliest example being Christina V Brittney, I think it’s time for women to lift other women up. Speaking up to injustice and speaking from the heart will propel the next wave of the music industry so far ahead. Having women support each other will be so impactful and will change the scene for the better.”
Q: “Since you’ve been singing from such a young age, what advice would you give young artists?”
A: “Patience. Just be patient, through all the ups and downs. No matter the doubt that might start to set in, just push through it and know you are supposed to be here. Go after it with everything you have and celebrate all moments, even small ones. Celebrate your accomplishments and keep pushing forward. As an artist, some of the biggest and most impactful things have been really small in the scheme of things. Something as simple as a comment or an uplifting word has really helped me as an artist, and those things are small, but equal something huge in the long run.
Q: “Going off of that, what is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten as an artist or just as a human being?”
A: “Quality over quantity, for sure. Just taking the time to create something beautiful and not worrying about when the next release will be. After my album came out last year, so many people asked when my next project would come out. I got overwhelmed because that album was so important to me, and it took so much work and love.”
“I think that’s been a big thing for me, just taking the time to create something amazing no matter how long it takes. COVID, in a weird way, has been one deep-breath for so many artists and me. Just being able to take time and not worry about a schedule or the next thing.”
Q: “Who inspires you as a musician?”
A:” My first love and biggest inspiration would probably be Motown music. The soul behind it has really inspired me as a musician. I also really love a few female artists who have really inspired me like Maggie Rogers, HIAM, and Adele, and I also really love Young The Giant. I’m a huge YTG fan, they are amazing. Other than that, I have Latin artists that really inspire me as well, like Mon Laferte, who is Chilean and Rosalía. Again, seeing so many Latin artists come into the mainstream in the last two years has been amazing and so inspiring to see.”
Q: “If you could describe your music in a few words, how would you describe it?”
A: “A danceable rollercoaster of multiple genres. My music is inspired and influenced by so many things. This is definitely the best way to describe my sound.”
Q: “Our last question, do you have any fun facts or anything you want voters to know?”
A:” One fun fact is that I was a professional alpine skier for ten years. I think if I hadn’t gone into music, I would have gone on to be a full-time professional skier.”
“As far as music goes, I’m always working on new stuff, but the biggest thing I’m working on right now is Music City Mayhem. I am so excited to be apart of this!”
If you want to see her in action, check out Lightning 100’s very own writers night from February!
It was a pleasure to interview Catalina. Despite our interview being COVID style, Catalina was so sweet and has a deep love for her artistry and the music scene. Be sure to keep up with Catalina for updates and announcements for music. Tune in to hear her song “Multifacetica” on August 10th right here on 100.1 FM, and don’t forget to vote in Music City Mayhem!
Written by: Madison Sharp
