Written by Annika Catharina and fellow country artists Parker Graye and Brettyn Rose, along with the song’s producers The Renaissance (Dan Botch and Garrett Ward), “What if I” is the first new music of 2024 for the Abbotsford, BC-based artist after a successful 2023 highlighted by the singles “Better” – which landed on Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” and Sirius XM Top of the Country radio in Canada – and “Broke It”, which earned placements on Amazon Music Canada’s Just North of Nashville and Breakthrough Country playlists.
In addition to her recent success, Annika’s backstory is quite inspiring. A devastating accident as a young adult resulted in facial reconstruction for Annika, forcing her to rebuild her inner spirit and accept the changes on the outside. She’s overcome that challenge and is thriving through her love of music.
Tell us a bit about your musical direction coming from Broadway Crush and now starting a solo career.
Broadway Crush was very much country and pop country. My solo career embodies similar styles; however, choosing to focus on my solo career meant I needed to make a choice. I wanted to discover who Annika Catharina is, what she wants to say with her music and what her sound is. This journey was something that I knew was going to take time, and I needed to do it on my own. I learned a lot about the music business and got to experience my first trip down to Nashville with Broadway Crush – which I am forever grateful for. I am super excited to plan a trip again, this time as Annika Catharina, a singer-songwriter from Abbotsford, BC, Canada and make new connections.
What can you tell us about the recording process behind What If I. Who was involved? Where was it recorded?
Recording “What If I” was a fun and creative process from the demo stage to total production.
After Dan Botch, Garret Ward, and Brettyn Rose brought the idea forward, we finished writing the song with songstress Parker Graye; we moved forward with a demo and 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.
How did the writing collaboration with Parker Graye and Brettyn Rose come about?
Initially, Dan Botch, Garrett Ward, and Brettyn Rose had 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 it. Shortly after, we all started brainstorming and reflecting on the song. I love sad and slow songs, but this was a chance to make something lively and positive. After the song came forward, we continued to work on it with Parker Graye.
What message are you trying to convey with this song?
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.
Is there a moment or memory in your life as a musician that you always want to hold onto? Or a moment that has taught you a lot?
It means a lot to me whenever I sing in front of people or get to sing in general. It is extra special to play your original music for others, which I have been able to do this past couple of years. Singing something you played a hand in creating is a feeling like no other. I also love high-energy crowds and playing with my band, which has given me many memorable moments, like the Shipyards in North Van, Rockin’ River, and the Chilliwack Fair.
I have learned so much about myself while recording. I cherish each time I step into the vocal booth and create something with my producers. From songwriting and picking the songs to the final days of production, these are core memories being made; I am forever grateful I get to do music every day.
Are any live performances coming this year?
I’ll be singing with my band at the Cloverdale Rodeo on May 18th, Port Coquitlam May Days on May 11th, and the North Vancouver Shipyards on July 5th. I also have a special event that I am super pumped about. I am planning a release party for my next single, “Bandit,” which will be held at HubCo Brewing In Mission, BC, on May 2nd from 7 to 9 PM. Tickets will go on sale at the end of the month.
