Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Caterina.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Music has always been a major part of my life. I first performed when I was a toddler singing “Jesus Loves Me” while my dad held me in his arms. My three older brothers and I would go to churches and nursing homes and sing patriotic, army, folk, and Christmas songs. Because of this, I can say I’ve technically been doing paid gigs since I was a little younger than two years old. When I was 10, my older brother Marco (now a professional producer who also tours full time) and I wrote and recorded a song that I got to lead worship with at my church. That was probably one of my favorite memories from being a kid. In 2016, my dad found a job in Atlanta, Georgia that moved us from a small town outside of Richmond, Virginia. It was probably the most challenging experience I’ve ever been through.
Moving states totally broke me; however, out of that situation came a ton of opportunities for music. In the past three years, I’ve played dozens of shows and gotten some booking experience with DIY spaces and coffee shops. I also have written numerous songs and recorded two with my brother, one which wound up taking off without any press to hit over 80,000 streams on Spotify. Currently, I’m working with a full band (Dawson Tucker, Derrick Stephen, and Steve Meisel) under the name Caterina, which comes from my solo artist name, Sofia Caterina. They’re some of my favorite people. I’m extremely excited to continue creating music with them and my brother, and for the opportunities coming our way as we transition to performing as a band.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My parents were always very supportive of me pursuing music, but there was not a lot happening in Virginia growing up. I honestly don’t think I’d be doing music in the same way if I hadn’t moved to Atlanta, and I definitely would not have met the incredible local and touring artists here that I’m lucky enough to call friends. It has also been a challenge to balance school, music, working, and rock climbing, which is a major part of my life that I’m passionate about. My dad was unemployed for a big chunk of my teenage years, so seeing firsthand the stress of not knowing where our next meal would come from, having appliances shut off due to being unable to pay the bills and having to take a lot of responsibility totally contributed to who I am today. I actually wrote one of my favorite songs, “When It Rains” about some of the struggles my family and I have been through.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’ve recently started working with a full band for live shows called Caterina. We are an alternative pop-rock band based in Atlanta with a unique blend of members from Maine and Virginia. We all have very different interests as I pursue rock climbing, and our drummer Derrick is in school to become a chiropractor. My band was formally known as Nocturnal Animals and had a lot of success in the local scene, playing at venues like The Vinyl and The Masquerade. We’re looking forward to some upcoming shows this fall, with gigs in the works for Richmond and Nashville.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is when you’re having fun doing the things you love. It’s when you work hard at something and get it. As a musician, it’s those moments when I’m on stage and I see people dancing or smiling and just having a good time that I know it’s what I was meant to do, and that I’m succeeding in living out my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Email: caterinatheband@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_sofiacaterina_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesofiacaterina/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qCJHCzwsmCmqDHFOhZG2Q?si=BbkdIMF4SVOHCW8UvzKi9A
Image Credit:
Sophie Harris, Ramsey Start
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