Meet Katerina Athena — Greek-American singer-songwriter and pianist

Music and songwriting inspirations

Regarding her music and songwriting inspirations, she shared, “There are plenty of things that inspire my music and songwriting on a daily basis. I write whatever I feel in that present moment, I always write on the piano, and I try out so many melodies and see what works the best.”

“I would say that I get inspired by my personal experiences in life, and anything I find fascinating in that present moment; and I try to put it on paper as fast as I can,” she said.

“I am heavily inspired by Lady Gaga and David Bowie, because they’re both so brave, courageous, fearless and creative in their music and how they tell their story on stage. Their music performances are truly magical,” she added.

Learning to sing and play the piano at an early age

“At the age of two, I was always singing around the house, and playing the piano,” she said. “I love the piano so much! I taught myself piano at five years old, and started songwriting at seven years old.”

“I knew at such a young age that I wanted to be a pop singer and songwriter,” she said. “I would write songs, and perform my songs weekly for my family and friends. Theatre and entertainment was always a huge part of my life. My mom would take me to see Broadway musicals every year in New York City.”

“At the age of seven, I was in my first play ‘Aladdin,’ and I fell in love with theatre too,” she said.

“I am so lucky to have an amazing family; they’re very supportive of my goals and dreams in the music industry, and they’re helping me pursue my dreams of becoming a pop singer every day,” she elaborated.

Katerina on having a supportive family

“Every gig is amazing opportunity. My mom, my Papou Sotirios and my Yayia Katerina all fly to NY to support my dreams and goals. I am blessed to have such an amazing family,” she said.

“My Theia Marina, and my cousins Katarina and Denise always come to support me at my shows too,” she said. “I have been so blessed and I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who believes in me , and all the opportunities that I have had so far.

“I am proud to say that I have had many singing opportunities at such a young age, and I couldn’t be more happier for those opportunities of a life time. I’m so grateful,” she expressed.

Singing the National Anthem at the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees baseball game

Katerina sang the National Anthem at the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees baseball game. “It was amazing singing in front of 37,000 people in the audience,” she said. “I am so blessed that my family can share these special moments with me.”

“I was also given the opportunity through Spotlight Kidz to sing with a small group the opening act for the Radio City Hall Christmas Spectacular Rockettes. This was another dream come true,” she elaborated.

Performing at Joanne Trattoria in New York

“I have sung at a few places in Manhattan such as Don’t Tell Mama, and Joanne Trattoria,” she said.

Most recently, she performed at an Emerging Artist showcase Joanne Trattoria in New York, a venue where she has previously sung in many various occasions.

“It’s such an honor to be performing at Joanne Trattoria’s for the past four years, and I couldn’t be more happier,” she said.

“It’s a dream come true,” she exclaimed. “I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Joe Germanotta (Lady Gaga’s father) for all the opportunities he has given me to showcase my music and talent throughout the years.”

Katerina continued, “I’ve been singing there since I was 11 years old, and now I am 14. I have grown so much as a performer, songwriter, vocalist, and person. My confidence as a performer has truly blossomed. It means the world to me to be performing at Joanne Trattoria’s, because of its family history; family is everything.”

“I absolutely love singing at Joanne’s,” she said. “The atmosphere is so positive and people are so kind there. I love that young aspiring artists like myself have an opportunity to shine on a massive platform for people to see and hear us.” 

“Joanne’s place to me represents kindness, love, peace, joy, support, a place to shine, amazing food, friendships and most importantly family. I love everyone there so much,” she added.

Katerina on her love for Lady Gaga’s music

On Lady Gaga, she remarked, “Lady Gaga is my all time favorite artist! She is amazing, and the best artist. She is my role model! I absolutely love her music, and creativity in all of her albums. Her music inspires me.” 

“Her music is so special and I love that I can be myself when I listen to her music, and I feel free,” she said. “When I listen to her music, I feel like I’m in another world. She is so fearless, so talented, so intelligent, and she is so kind and caring. She is a role model and has inspired me throughout my music.”

Katerina continued, “Her music speaks to everyone, and she has, and continues to create masterpieces. I admire her and her music, songwriting, performances, achievements, and her hard work and dedication throughout her musical career.”

“Lady Gaga is incredibly talented, and she has never given up. She gives me the confidence that I can do anything too, and to never give up on your dreams,” she added.

Katerina on her Greek heritage

“I am Greek-American, and if you have ever seen ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding,’ my family is exactly like that,” she said with a sweet laugh. “I would like to share a little bit about myself, my family, and my dreams. Family and my heritage is so very important to me.”

“I grew up in the Greek Orthodox Church, and attend Sunday school, GOYA and Greek dancing. I love my family, faith, Greek culture, traditions and heritage,” she noted.

“My Greek heritage means the world to me,” she admitted. “I am very proud to be a Greek American, as Greece has a rich history of theatre, literature, mythology and democracy.”

“My family comes from an island in the Ionian Sea, named Kefalonia.  Kefalonia is absolutely beautiful! Everyone there is very friendly, and so kind,” she added.

Katerina on what makes her music unique

She opened up about what makes her music distinct. “What makes my music unique, is that it tells a story that many people can relate too,” she said.

“Music is my world, and it has helped me in my life many times. I was bullied in school, and my family and music has helped me get through those hard times,” she noted.

“Music is so special to me, because it really heals everyone’s soul, and brings them so much happiness and joy. I believe that my music is therapy, and people can connect to my songs,” she elaborated.

The digital age

On being an artist in the digital age, Katerina said, “It’s exciting and challenging all at the same time . With all the digital tools and platforms today, it has given me the opportunity to showcase my musical talents from all over the world and I love that.”

“I am able to promote my music and tell my story with many social media and streaming platforms such as Instagram, SoundCloud and Spotify. That’s amazing,” she exclaimed.

“The digital world has and continues to open many doors for so many independent artists like myself who are trying to make their dreams come true,” she said.

“Also, there are many new technology tools and programs out there such as Ableton Live , Logic Pro and GarageBand,” she said. “These programs are exceptional. You can create your own amazing music from your home. I love all these programs, because it can help artists like myself get discovered.”

“The entertainment industry is hard, but with determination, drive, devotion  and hard work I strongly believe that all dreams can come true. Never give up on your dreams,” she reiterated.

Future plans

On her future plans, she shared, “I am extremely dedicated to my singing career, songwriting and playing the piano. I am very passionate about my music and career.”

Katerina continued, “My plans for the future, I plan on applying to NYU for the music production recorded program at The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.”

“I am also working on my first song with a well-known producer and songwriter from Los Angeles. I can’t wait for everyone to hear my first song this year. It will be on all streaming platforms. I am super excited,” she said.

“My goals are to continue making music, continue to sing at restaurants and venues in NYC, and audition for the Voice and American Idol. I am going to continue to work very hard with my music and career; and never give up on my dreams,” she underscored.

Desire to someday become a pop music artist

On her desire to become a pop artist, she said, “I want to become a pop star, I want to make music for the rest of my life. My dream performance is to have my own show at  Madison Square Garden someday.”

She continued, “I want to tour all around the world, and release as many albums as I can. I want to make a difference in this world, and I believe that I will. As a performer, I know that people will have a safe place when they come to hear my music at my shows.”

“My music will connect to so many people all around the world, and my shows will be very creative, cultured, expressive, and dramatic. I want people to come to my shows and be reassured that they matter in this world,” she elaborated.

“Everybody goes through hard things in life, and you never know what people are going through so we all must treat each other with kindness, love and respect,” she added.

Katerina’s advice for young and emerging artists

For young and aspiring artists, she said, “Never give up on your dreams; no matter what people may say to you.”

“All dreams can come true in life through hard-work and dedication. Lastly, always be your true self, and never change for anyone,” she said.