Solo artist Katerina Nicole has been actively releasing new music, all while finding her place in the heavy metal community. Katerina Nicole spoke with Metal Express Radio about her new singles, working with Johnny Ciardullio of Carcosa, being an advocate for stray animals, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: You’ve recently released a song and video for your single entitled “Left Behind”, what can you tell fans about your latest release?
Nicole: “Left Behind” is really a testament to being relentless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you—the past, your old self, the baggage you’ve carried—and finding the clarity to move forward with tunnel vision toward what you truly want. Sometimes, leaving things behind is the only way to become who you’re meant to be.
MER: Aside from “Left Behind”, you’ve also released two new songs since May of this year, do you feel these songs give the fans an idea on what to expect from a future full album?
Nicole: Yes, this has been such a fun season of releases! I’m really enjoying exploring different sounds and bringing even more energy into my new work. Fans can expect some heavier, harder-hitting tracks like “Black on White,” alongside more melodic metalcore that still delivers plenty of the ear candy and atmosphere I love. I definitely see an album on the horizon. I’m really excited about where this new era of music is heading, and I think all of these different sounds are slowly coming together to tell a bigger story.
MER: How was it working with Johnny Ciardullio of Carcosa on the song “Black on White?”
Nicole: I’m still very much in awe that I got to have Johnny on “Black on White.” The fact that he genuinely connected with the demo I sent him and, more importantly, the story behind it meant so much to me. I finally got to explore a true duet, and Johnny took the track to a whole other level of sickness that it absolutely called for. I’m so damn happy with how it came together. I’d really love to keep exploring collaborations moving forward. They’re honestly some of the most fun and creatively exciting experiences for me.
MER: Your previous EP entitled Serene in Violent Oceans was your first time making music with a heavier sound, how has it been continuing to do so?
Nicole: I think about this all the time, actually. If I hadn’t taken my R&B track “Last Whisper” and transformed it into a dark pop track, I don’t think I’d be here right now, heading down this path. It’s such a reminder of how important it is to try new things, take risks, and give yourself permission to explore. You never really know where one creative decision might lead you.I genuinely can’t imagine not being in this space now. Somewhere along the way, I found my sound—and I feel at home.
MER:You’ve been active in advocating for stray animals since 2022, how did you get involved in such a good cause, and do you hope to share that message with your music?
Nicole: I’ve been involved in caring for animals my entire life, and I truly believe they are some of the purest souls we get the privilege of sharing this world with. When we find ourselves in the right place at the right time to help, I believe it’s our responsibility as humans to do so. All they want is to exist, feel safe, and live a peaceful life. There’s something about caring for animals that keeps me grounded when my head gets too far up in the clouds. They remind me what really matters. At the end of the day, being a good person is all I want to be.
MER: What do you see as plans for yourself for the rest of 2026?
Nicole: For the rest of this year, I have a couple more releases coming, while simultaneously networking and building toward the next big goal: a full-time band for Katerina Nicole to tour with.I’m craving that commitment, consistency, and chemistry that will allow this project to truly take off in the live music space. I feel like this music is so ready to be experienced on stage, and I’m more than ready to bring it to life. The live era is coming—and it’s desperately calling my name.
MER: Is there anyone that you would hope to tour with and why?
I can’t wait to see Spiritbox, Jinjer, and Dying Wish live together this fall. How special is it to witness an all-female lineup like that?! I actually got to experience Evanescence, Halestorm, and The Warning on tour, and that was pretty damn awesome too. I’m such a girls’ girl, and honestly, I think touring with women would be one heck of a good time. Sharing stories, performance hacks, wardrobe ideas, hair and makeup tips—I would absolutely love that kind of camaraderie on the road. Right now, I’m really digging The Novelists and In This Moment.
MER: Is there anywhere you hope to play live and why?
Nicole: I know what an incredible opportunity it is to be heard for the first time at Warped Tour, and I would absolutely love to have that moment someday. There’s something so special about stepping onto a stage like that and introducing your music to a whole new audience. And Germany’s Rock am Ring looks like a wild, wild experience too! I would absolutely love to bring Katerina Nicole to a festival of that caliber.
MER: What are your hopes for your future in the music industry?
Nicole: I’m working to become a household name in metalcore. I want to be present in the rooms I’ve dreamed of being in, create music that leaves a mark, and contribute something meaningful to the future of this genre.I know I’m here for a purpose, and I can feel the momentum building. I’m not slowing down now. There’s so much more ahead, and I’m ready for it.
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