Arts

Who’s That Girl? Katja Should Be on Your Radar

NY Weekly Staff

November 27, 2023
7:11 pm

In an industry saturated with emerging artists daily, it can be challenging to discover genuine talent worth your time. Every once in a while, however, a truly passionate and gifted artist emerges, such as indie rock/dream pop singer and songwriter Katja. The singer, who is not only releasing a new song, “save me,” but is also steadily solidifying herself as a significant upcoming artist, is one that you need to pay attention to. Inspired by some of the world’s most soulful singers like Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, and Nina Simone, Katja’s sound is reminiscent of deep self-analysis and reflection but with her distinct flavor that transports listeners to a place of unexpected emotion.

Katja’s most recent performance was her newly released song “save me “ at Pix 11 on November 20th, 2023.

Hailing from Jersey City, NJ, 22 year-old Katja has been consistently bringing her distinctive voice to stages across Hudson County, NJ, and New York City, NY, for more than ten years. Katja grew up in an apartment with her parents and a love for music. Music was always on around the home. As a small child, she recalls some of her fondest memories of listening to artists like The Beatles and The White Stripes and singing along with various American Idol performers. As she grew, she learned to play guitar with her father and ultimately started taking lessons when her mom learned of a vocal coach who would begin to train her in the art of singing. At only eight years old, Katja was inspired and filled with confidence and sang a rendition of The Beatles’ “Let It Be” at her first recital a year later.

Although still incredibly young, the burgeoning singer was steadily crafting her passion for singing on stage, and she was soon landing small performances at local events and cafes. At 12, the enigmatic singer performed “America The Beautiful” in front of an enormous crowd, which included multiple well-known political figures, at the Jersey City Mayoral Inauguration. By age 13, Katja was landing other notable gigs, such as opening for a TEDx conference, where she performed one of her original songs. However, it would still be a while before she would begin releasing her own material to the world. By only 17 years old, the singer was convinced that this was what she genuinely wanted to pursue and began working with vocal coach Don Lawrence, who is most well-known for being Lady Gaga’s coach as well.

Katja majored in Music and Audio Tech, learning the ins and outs of the music industry. She has since gone on to devote every fiber of her being to her craft, and her dedication is impossible to ignore. Growing more and more resonant with each single, Katja released her debut song, “fly,” in May 2020 and has been regularly dropping new music since. She has now performed in Sweden, opened for Flo Rida in New Jersey, and her last single, “mine,” was released in August. Katja’s latest single, “save me,” is available on all streaming platforms as of November 17, and there is no doubt that much more is to come. She was interviewed and performed “save me” live on PIX 11 Morning News on November 20 and has another performance/interview coming up for an event — Medium Mash-Up at The Brightside Tavern in Jersey City on November 29. Katja will also perform at Canary Club in NYC on December 12. More dates and new music will be coming in the New Year.