Photo Credit: Ben Jackson
Highlighting Katja’s storytelling ability, “Better View” depicts the conflict in handling seemingly stagnant long-term relationships. A digital creator with a massive following on TikTok (you may recognize her as Elsa from Princess Rap Battle), Katja effectively communicates a tale of “Romeo and Juliet in space” in the accompanying new music video, capturing the essence of multi-dimensionality.
1. What is the most stressful part of being a viral artist?
The first stressful thing is figuring out what you went viral for? What sort of impact did I have on people? Did I make them laugh? Did I inspire someone?
And if I feel as though my viral video made a positive impact, I stress about replicating it.
2. How much of your time does content creation take up?
Creating content can take up as much time as you allow it to. Some people are so committed to consistently creating and posting content, it can become 24/7. I have definitely lived this life. It’s like running on a Hamster wheel. I’ve learned to step away from it, detach expectations and have experiences in real life that can inspire my creations.
It’s a balancing act that I have to self regulate.
3. What’s the story behind “Better View”?
I wrote Better View, after coming out of a really dark time. I was working so hard and feeling like I was getting nowhere. I kept comparing myself and believing in the false reality that certain evidence in my reality kept proving to me I wasn’t enough.
But when I just stopped to see how far I’ve really come, I realised, I’d shot for the moon and fallen amongst the stars. It’s a song about resilience and loyalty- a love letter to my fans. Some #Katjators have been on this journey with me for a long time and I cannot imagine my life without them.
4. What kind of feeling do you want your audience to feel when they listen to this?
I want my audience to feel however they want to feel.
I hope my audience will feel nostalgic, safe, honest, hopeful, loved.
5. What kind of feeling do YOU feel when listening back to this song?
This song is so meditative. The modern tech and music carefully blended and mixed with the melody and harmonies make me feel content. And as a person that deals with the WORST anxiety, I’d say it helps in my healing.
6. You approach creativity from different perspectives. What’s your background and beginnings as a creative person?
The first kind of performing arts I remember playing out were classic movie musicals. I would learn all the parts, all the dance routines, all the songs. Sometimes, if I was really lucky I could get family or friends involved in the shows, whether they were directed by me and had to perform, or became an audience member. Then I would simply make up narratives to act out.
From there I went on a journey discovering all different aspects of the entertainment industry and myself as an actress, singer, writer, director, story teller.