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Katrina Parker first caught our attention on NBC’s ‘The Voice’, however she has kept our attention with her voice! Katrina recently chopped it up with Ground Sounds, revealing details about her new album and more, check out the interview below!
When did you decide to audition for The Voice and what was your experience like throughout the taping of the show?
A friend offered to schedule a private audition for me in September 2011. I thought he was crazy. I had JUST started singing again after two years off and felt completely unprepared to be back onstage. I also had no desire to be on TV or part of a reality singing competition, but I came around. I went into that first audition skeptically and gave it a shot. The rest is history.
My experience on The Voice was life-changing. Every night on that stage forced me out of my comfort zone in a transformative way that was both terrifying and exhilarating. Even our time offstage was intense. Every decision felt high stakes – from what shoes you’d wear, to the song key, to the staging, to what vocal trick you’d do at 0:30. How you handled the pressure really defined your experience. You could either fail miserably in front of millions or rise to the occasion. I tried to rise to the occasion.
You once worked a ‘normal’ job and were surrounded by cubicle walls…what was your job prior to achieving your dream as a singer?
My last job prior to The Voice was working as an Administrative Assistant at an insurance company. Most people there didn’t know I could sing, and those who knew had never heard me. I think they were all as surprised by The Voice as I was, but they were supportive throughout the entire process. It was a great place to work (and a pretty spacious cubicle).
How was it having Adam Levine as your coach? Based on your experience with him, would you enjoy working with Adam on any records in the future?
Working with Adam was great. He has this laser sharp focus and drive that’s really admirable. I also respect his ability to be flexible and adaptable as a coach. I wasn’t his favorite going into the competition…he was very honest about that, but he allowed his mind to be changed by my performances. Surprising him, and myself, every week definitely boosted my confidence.
Of course I’d love to work with Adam in the future. I think we’d sound great together. I don’t know that it will happen, but a girl can dream.
If you had to choose just one, what musician would you say has influenced you more than any other?
I think Billie Holiday influenced me more than any other singer. I mean, obviously her life was tragic, but her ability to translate a song still moves me to this day. Discovering her really changed my entire perception of singing to be less an act of technical perfection and more an act of rebirth and catharsis.
What has been the biggest moment in your career thus far?
I’d say making it to the Semi-Finals of The Voice was a pretty big moment in my career so far. Since the show I’ve had the opportunity to perform on some amazing stages like The Greek and The Gibson Amphitheatre here in Los Angeles. Those moments felt pretty surreal as well. I’d like to think the best is yet to come!
What was your favorite song that you sang on The Voice?
This would probably be a tie between “Jar of Hearts” and my last ‘Save Me’ song “Perfect.” Both were pivotal moments in the competition. “Jar of Hearts” was the first time I’d been able to do a song more in my wheelhouse, where I could just SING without a lot of staging or distractions. “Perfect” was special because of the song’s message and the timing. I was constantly having to fight my way out of a corner every week on The Voice, defying people’s preconceived notions and low expectations of me…that song seemed to illustrate how I was feeling beautifully.
Where did the concept for the “Bad Things” video come from?
I’m pretty obsessed with “True Blood” and have been a fan of their opening song “Bad Things” since Season 1 so I couldn’t resist covering it. In doing a video for the song, I wanted to pay homage to the origins of the vampire myth on film, so I went WAY back and chose scenes from the one and only “Nosferatu.” Obviously, vampires have gotten a lot sexier since then, but that’s where it all began.
As someone who writes her own songs, where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from everything – my own experiences, stories and articles I read on the internet, books, film, TV and of course the people in my life. I’m a little like a life sponge. It may take me some time to process a particular thing into a song, but I’m taking it all in. I may not use it in an obvious way, but I can guarantee it’ll end up somewhere.
You recently performed at Hotel Café and will be there again on March 16th. What are your plans after that?
My plan is to finish my record and release it this Summer. That’s my highest priority right now. I’d also like to do more web shows for people who live outside of the LA area since I’m not currently touring. We did a web show in February and had people all over the world watching. It was such a thrill.
What are some of your other hobbies outside of music?
Well I wouldn’t call it a hobby, but I LOVE to kayak. I also love roller skating…and I’m pretty handy with a wood whistle.
From seeing you on national television, it seems like you’re a very family-oriented individual. How has your family dealt with your fast-paced rise to stardom?
My family has been amazing. The Voice was unexpected for all of us. My poor parents were shell-shocked after the Blind Audition, but they quickly acclimated. Almost every member of my huge extended family has been encouraging – both during the show and even now.
Where do you see yourself a year from now? 5 years?
Ohh, I’m not good at answering this question because life can be unexpected. In a year I’d love to be touring and hearing my songs on the radio as well as in film and TV. In five years, I’d love to be a world traveler with a fan base large enough to support what I do for a long time to come…but I’m not attached to any particular end result. As long as I’m making a living doing music, I’ll be happy.
What music are you currently working on? When can we expect your new album to be released?
I’m about to begin recording my first album since The Voice. It’s particularly exciting because this project is 100% fan funded. I hope to release it in mid to late Summer 2013.
I consider the genre to be Indie Pop for grownups, a reflection on the trials and triumphs of the last few months. The single is along the lines of Pink and Kelly Clarkson with a touch of Goldfrapp. It’s powerful and may be unexpected for people who’ve only heard me on The Voice.
We also have some ballads along the lines of “Jar of Hearts,” love songs, fun mid-tempo numbers, a couple covers and some darker material in the vein of Florence and the Machine or Bat for Lashes. It’s a mixture of all the things I love but cohesive enough to work well together. You’ve got to have a little salty with your sweet.
What advice would you give to individuals out there chasing their dreams?
I’d say never give up. It’s a cliché, I know, but that’s because it’s true. You never know what is around the corner, and if you love something, keep at it. Don’t do it for the end result. Do it because you love it and can’t imagine NOT doing it.
My other advice would be to take risks and live a little outside your comfort zone. That’s the best place to grow and improve. It’s like those plants that only grow as big as the pot they’re in. Put yourself in a bigger pot and see what happens. If you’re really afraid of something and resistant to it, DO IT. Try and rise to the occasion, because you will be better for it.
What is one thing about you that no one knows?
I wear a sleeping cap to bed occasionally. It’s frilly and ridiculous. I fancy myself to be a little like Lucille Ball when I wear it.
