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"Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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I just listened to this EP, Ladybug, by Katerina Hope, and, for old time's sake (and to support up-a...I just listened to this EP, Ladybug, by Katerina Hope, and, for old time's sake (and to support up-and-coming and local artists), I thought I'd throw up a review:
Upon first meeting Katerina Hope, one will most likely find her quiet, even timid; but her soft-spoken Southern genteel belies an unexpected musical passion that betrays her Jersey roots. Armed with just a guitar and her voice, Ms. Hope brought this veiled energy from Sugar Hill, Georgia and first began to trouble the waters of the New York indie music scene in the fall of 2008. There, according to the bio provided on her MySpace page (found here), she "plays at local hot spots such as the Bitter End and the Bowery Poetry Club," where her lyricism has caught the attention of the likes of poet Michael Rechtenwald.
With the release of her first studio-recorded EP, Ladybug, Katerina Hope is about to make a splash. Her catchy guitar riffs, which often utilize chords somewhat atypical in her line of indie folk (she is currently a Music Composition major at New York University), are both aurally entertaining and stimulating, not to mention the fact that they'll stick in your head long after the songs end. Even more impressive though is her voice. Ms. Hope can wrench the listener's heart with her soft, haunting melodies, before belting out fervid proclamations of love and loss, submerging the listener in the seas of her pain and passion.
Ladybug consists of six tracks, mixing her solo guitar work with pieces using a full studio band. Both styles suit Katerina Hope just fine, displaying her wide range of musical and emotional ability. Were I one with more clout in the music business, or even just as the interested listener I am, I would keep an eye (and ear) out in the coming months and years for Katerina Hope. This EP bodes well for the music to come.
http://chucksateshisnarcissistictendencies.blogspot.com/2009/07/whatever-you-do-or-dream-you-can-begin.html
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New Music Spotlight - Katerina Hope
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The single "How Could You?" is an up-tempo acoustical pop track that music fans can easily relate to...The single "How Could You?" is an up-tempo acoustical pop track that music fans can easily relate to when they hear the song. With lyrics that are familiar to anyone who is upset over a relationship betrayal, Singer/Songwriter Katerina Hope has captured the agony of love. What makes Katerina Hope especially fun to listen to is that she is only 19 years old carrying all of this wisdom that is displayed throughout her music. In this interview with our Webzine, Katerina speaks openly about her music with our magazine. Enjoy!
Isaac: What has been the best part of 2009 for you musically so far?
Katerina: Well, I think for me, the most exciting part of the year has been releasing my debut EP - Ladybug, although the road trip to play at the Black Potatoe Music Festival was also a highlight.
Isaac: What do you feel has been the biggest accomplishment for 2009 so far?
Katerina: My biggest accomplishment was producing the EP. It's something I've been trying to do for a long time, but this year I was finally able to get into the studio and make it happen.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in your area.
Katerina: In my hometown, the scene is mostly centered around the hip-hop/rap genre, but in New York (where I attend college) the local music scene is very eclectic. There is a large focus on indie music and independent artists, so I feel like it's a really good place for me to be right now.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Katerina: The 13th Annual Black Potatoe Music Festival. I ended up getting to play thirty minutes longer because of a cancellation and the festival was so well organized and well run. I met a lot of great people and received a lot of great support and even some advice from some great artists. There was even a merch table that sold my CD for me. It was just an all around wonderful experience set at the beautiful Red Mill in Clinton, NJ.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Katerina: I'm influenced by a variety of different artists from all different genres. I listen to a lot of Regina Spektor because I think her music is just very down to earth, if that's possible. I also tend to get inspired by contemporary folk artists like Justin Nozuka and Tristan Prettyman and legend B.B. King.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Katerina: I think my music is different, in a good way. I've spent years studying jazz guitar and I really try to infuse that with my folky, acoustic melodies. I think it really adds this rhythm to the guitar parts and sets me apart from just being considered "singer/songwriter".
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Katerina: Justin Nozuka, hands down. He is my all time favorite artist, and I absolutely adore his music.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Katerina: I always end up describing it as poppy folk music with a touch of jazz.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Katerina: All the feedback has been positive so far. My favorite moment was when a fan came up to me after one of my performances and said, "I can really tell that your music comes from your heart." It really does and I was glad that others could appreciate that.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Katerina: I have MySpace, Facebook, Twitter - the works. Fans can also sign up for my mailing list on my MySpace page.
www.myspace.com/katerinahope
www.facebook.com/katerinahope
www.twitter.com/katerinahope12
www.katerinahope.com
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Katerina: Fans can expect a lot more music. I just want to keep writing, keep recording, and keep playing shows anywhere and everywhere I can.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Katerina: Thanks to my family and friends for always supporting me, even when it has been expensive and inconvenient. Especially thank you to my Gramie, Dad, and Patrick, and to my biggest fan, my mom.
And a big thank you to everyone who has supported me by coming to my shows and buying my EP. It means so much to me.
Isaac: Final words…
Katerina: I'm just really glad to be doing what I love. I feel like not many people get to say that and I can say it at only 19 years old.
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Review: Katerina Hope - Ladybug
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Katerina Hope - Ladybug
2009, Katerina Hope
Katerina Hope is a native of Sugar Hill, Georgia, bu...Katerina Hope - Ladybug
2009, Katerina Hope
Katerina Hope is a native of Sugar Hill, Georgia, but moved to New York City in the Fall of 2008. A songwriter since the age of fourteen, Hope has already graced the stages of New York City nightspots such as The Bitter End and the Bowery Poetry Club. Hope brings a grace to the stage that wipes away time, if only for a few minutes. Listeners become immersed in her quirky and mature songwriting. Katerina Hope released her debut EP, Ladybug, In July of 2009.
Hard To Breathe finds Hope stripping things down to just her and guitar and is the best song on the disc. There's a conversational feel to the lyrics on this song, and the sparse arrangement wraps perfectly around Hope's vocals. The Coffee House documents Hope's chase for success along the musical path; the writing here is 100% authentic in feel and works perfectly. Ladybug ends with City Time, a soft and mellow tune that grows in emotional and sonic weight as the song progresses. City Time becomes a declaration of self from an uncertain soul.
Katerina Hope shows her strengths on Ladybug. The composition and arrangements here work perfectly with Hope's voice.
