CANADA’S RISING COUNTRY STARLET ANNIKA CATHARINA CELEBRATES THE CHEMISTRY AND CONFIDENCE THAT COMES FROM FINDING YOUR PERSON WITH LATEST SINGLE, “BETTER HANDS”
Canadian country artist Annika Catharina is celebrating her newest single, “Better Hands”, which is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.
Since its release, “Better Hands” has earned over 125K streams on Spotify, where it was featured on the “North Country” editorial playlist. It was also added to Apple Music’s “Canada’s Country” editorial playlist as well as “Brand New Music” and “Just North of Nashville” on Amazon Music.
Written by Annika Catharina, Doug Folkins, and Aidan Johnson-Bujold, “Better Hands” was produced by The Renaissance (Dan Botch and Garrett Ward) and offers up an electric up-tempo country groove that is anchored by the vocals of the Deroche, British Columbia-based artist.
Annika says,
“I’ve written a lot of songs about heartbreak and reflecting on the past. I’m in a period of my life now where I’m extremely fortunate to have found my person, so this song is about the power of that chemistry and confidence and how reassuring it feels to be with someone who won’t leave and knows how to love. While Doug and Aidan and I have our own writing styles, ‘Better Hands’ brought out our strengths and our dynamic really shines through in the final song.”
The release of “Better Hands” is yet another positive turning point for Annika in a music career that is continually increasing in industry influence and impact.
Most recently the September JR Country Artist of the Month in Vancouver for her last single “Under Covers”, Annika is the current Rogers One to Watch Artist and the previous iHeart Radio Future Star for July and August for her Billboard Canada Country Top 50 single, “Love and Hate”. In a year that is certainly not short on achievements, she was also a finalist in the 2025 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase and semi-finalist in the 2025 SiriusXM Top of the Country Competition.
These highlights are a direct result of Annika’s growing musical output, that has included four singles (“What if I”, “Bandit”, “Love and Hate”, “Dishonest”), her first EP (“You and Me”) and the aforementioned summer single, “Under Covers” – which have all been released since early 2024.
Annika’s steady musical output has generated an enthusiastic response – powered by 2 million digital streams, 40+ editorial playlist placements (including the covers of Apple Music and Amazon Music playlists), Spotify recognition as a RADAR Canada and Equal Canada artist, as well as back-to-back #1 singles on SiriusXM Top of the Country radio, and CMT Australia support for a pair of music videos.
With “Better Hands”, Annika is showcasing her thematic versatility as an artist and taking the latest step towards her next EP, which is slated for a 2026 release.
First off, what have you been up to since we last spoke?
Since we last spoke, I’ve been busy releasing new music, creating even more new songs, and being part of some amazing showcases.
I also had the incredible experience of attending and performing at my first CCMAs in Kelowna, as well as performing at the BCCMAs — both were such memorable and inspiring experiences
Your summer single, “Under Covers” was described as an “energetic country rock-driven experience.” How important was it for you to inject that stronger rock element compared to your recent work?
Bringing rock elements into my music has always been really important to me. I grew up on classic rock, and I still listen to a mix of rock and alternative rock today, so it naturally shows up in the way I create. When we started working on “Under Covers”, it immediately had that rock edge, and everything came together quickly. It’s one of my favorite songs to perform live because of that energy. Not every song I make leans in that direction, but this one did from the start. “Under Covers” definitely felt like a step in a more edgy direction, and I’m excited to keep exploring that side of my sound — finding new ways to blend those rock influences with my country roots.
The song was a co-write with Wes Mack and The Renaissance (Dan Botch and Garrett Ward). Can you walk us through the moment Wes brought the original concept in, and what made the entire team immediately connect with that “vibe”?
We were tossing around a few ideas that day, and the minute Wes started playing with the idea for “Under Covers”, it was an easy one to chase. The concept felt so refreshing I loved that it highlighted sass and female confidence, which is exactly what the song represents to me. It stood out from my past few releases, and I was excited to try something new. After we wrote it, we didn’t create a demo; we just knew it was the next one to record. The Renaissance absolutely crushed the production. You could feel the energy in the room — everyone was inspired and ready to dive right in, which doesn’t always happen!
You co-wrote “Better Hands” with Doug Folkins and Aidan Johnson-Bujold. What was the dynamic like in the writing room, and how did each of your individual styles come together to create the final product?
The three of us work so well together; we all bring different perspectives, melodies, and ideas to the table, and we always have the best time writing.
“Better Hands” came together really naturally. I’ve been in a bad relationship before I met the person I am with now, so there was a lot of real emotion to pull from when we started comparing past experiences to what a healthy relationship is.
Once we finished the song, I sent it straight to my producers and that’s where we added a bit of edge to the sound and really brought the whole vision to life.
You stated that the song is about the “power of that chemistry and confidence.” Can you share a specific lyric from “Better Hands” that you feel best captures that feeling of security and reassurance in a relationship?
There are so many lines in this song that I love, but two that really make me feel confident and secure in a relationship grounded are: “I’m not second-guessing all the time” and “He don’t let me slip through his fingers”
I’ve been in a relationship where I questioned everything: my future with the person, my feelings, what I wore, even which friends I spent time with. The list could go on and on. There was always this sense of uncertainty, which is something I don’t think about now.
The line about not slipping through his fingers means a lot to me because that’s exactly how I feel now. I’m with someone who holds me close, pays attention, and never makes me feel unseen. All the sadness, disappointment, and doubt I felt in the past just isn’t there anymore.
Your last four singles have been incredibly successful, accumulating over 2 million digital streams as an entirely independent artist. What is the most challenging and the most rewarding part of navigating the industry without a major label?
One of the biggest challenges as an independent artist is getting my music out to as many people as possible. I don’t have a huge team behind me, but I’m so proud of the small but mighty one I do have (my producers, co-writers, PR team, friends, family, and fans who make every release feel special).
Financially, it can be tough, but I’ve worked hard to make sure I can keep releasing music on my own. Everything I make from music goes right back into creating more. The most rewarding part is looking around at the people beside me and seeing what we’ve built together — and what I’ve built on my own.
I genuinely love the whole process from creating and releasing music to learning more about the business side. I’ve learned so much from those around me and have a lot of respect for other independent artists who are proving that success without a label is possible.
You were a semi-finalist in the SiriusXM Top of the Country Competition and a finalist in the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. How do those high-stakes competition experiences compare to the creative process of writing and recording in the studio?
Both competitions were amazing experiences to be part of, but they definitely challenged me in a different way than recording or writing does. I felt so much gratitude just being part of them they really pushed me to grow, both creatively and as a performer.
I won’t lie, I was nervous, probably some of the most nerve-racking moments of my career so far. But I’m so thankful for how much those experiences helped me grow as an artist. I’d encourage anyone to apply if they get the chance, it’s such a great way to learn, push yourself, and connect with others in the industry.
Looking ahead, what is the ultimate goal for this new era? Are you working toward an album, a headlining tour, or simply focusing on building on the clear momentum you’ve established?
In this next era, I really want to dig deeper into that rock-inspired side of my sound.
I’ve got an EP planned for release in 2026 that I’m really excited about, along with a few shows already lined up that I can’t wait to announce. My goal is to keep releasing new music every few months and build on the amazing year I’ve had. I’m so grateful for everything that’s happened in 2025 and for everyone who’s believed in me and continues to support what I do.