When Creative Opps member Katarina talks about music, it comes with a sense of clarity — this is the path she was always meant to take, even if it wasn’t the most obvious one. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Katarina grew up immersed in academic and corporate spaces, earning degrees in law and business. Music was always a side hobby, a quiet love that lived in the background of her life.
It wasn’t until she spent her final year of university in London that things shifted. The city gave her the space to reflect, to step away from the pressures of the corporate world, and to ask herself what she truly wanted. The answer was simple: music. Today, her creative practice centres on songwriting and vocal performance, crafting music that feels honest, expressive, and emotionally resonant.
Part 1 – Interview
Who are you, and how would you describe your creative practice?
I grew up deeply embedded in academic and corporate spaces, with degrees in law and business. Music was always more of a side hobby—something I loved but never pursued seriously until later. The corporate world, while stable, felt stressful, uninspiring, and ultimately unfulfilling.
It wasn’t until I spent the final year of my university studies in London that I had the space to reflect and make a big shift. I realised I wanted to take music—my true passion—more seriously. I’m originally from Sydney, Australia, and that’s where I grew up, but London opened my eyes to the possibility of a different kind of life, one led by creativity. My creative practice now centres around songwriting, vocal performance, and developing music that feels authentic and emotionally resonant. It’s about expression, honesty, and creating sounds that move people.
What drew you to this field?
Music has always had a strong pull on me, even before I could fully understand why. I’ve been singing since primary school and writing songs since high school. In those early days, I was uploading covers and remixes on YouTube, just for the love of it.
There’s always been this deep, inexplicable connection—I’m drawn to it, supported by it, fulfilled by it. Writing and creating music helps me process the world and express myself in ways that feel both vulnerable and empowering. It’s more than a passion—it’s something that constantly calls to me and grounds me.
What’s something you’re working on right now that excites you?
Right now, I’m in the studio formally recording a bunch of songs that I’ve been quietly working on for a while. It’s such an exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking process to finally bring them to life and prepare to release them into the world.
As a perfectionist, it’s easy to fall into the trap of tweaking forever—but there’s also so much joy in letting go and sharing. I’m also focused on doing more live gigs and performances, which has been such a powerful way to connect with people and grow my confidence as an artist.
Who or what is inspiring you lately?
I’ve been going to a lot of live gigs lately, and they’ve been incredibly motivating. There’s something so electric about seeing someone perform their truth on stage—it’s a reminder of why I do this.
What really inspires me is not just the big-name acts, but also the newer, less well-known creatives. There’s so much passion and raw energy in their performances, and it’s amazing to witness people fully going after their dreams.
I’ve also been inspired by artists in the dark pop and trap space—Tate McRae, Jessie Murph, Matt Hansen—who are pushing emotional and sonic boundaries in a way that really resonates with me. And of course, living in London has been a massive source of inspiration. The city is full of diverse creatives, rich culture, and new people to meet—it’s a constant source of energy and ideas.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Perseverance is everything. This path isn’t easy—it comes with a lot of rejection, self-doubt, and burnout, especially when you start confronting the business side of things. It’s easy to lose your spark if you’re not careful.
So, my biggest piece of advice is: don’t forget why you started. Keep doing the things that remind you of your love for music. Surround yourself with like-minded creatives who inspire and uplift you, because your community will carry you through the tough times.
Be brave, say yes to new opportunities, and allow yourself to explore different avenues—even the ones that scare you. There’s also a psychological side to this journey: you have to get comfortable with being vulnerable, with the possibility of being disliked, with putting yourself out there. But once you push past that, there’s so much growth on the other side.
What does community mean to you in your work or creative life?
Community, to me, is about being surrounded by people who truly get you. People who see your vision, appreciate your work, and support you through the highs and lows.
It’s about connection and being able to share the journey with others who are also chasing something meaningful. I find that the right community doesn’t just offer support—they inspire you to keep going, to dream bigger, and to be bolder. It’s so important to have people around you who let you be your full self, creatively and personally.
What does it mean to be a Creative Opps Member?
Being a part of Creative Opps has been such a valuable experience. It’s given me the chance to connect with so many other creatives, share ideas, and feel supported in a space that really champions artistic exploration. It’s also great to have access to a platform where you can collaborate, get feedback, and just feel part of something bigger.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m always open to collaborations—especially with artists working in pop, soul, R&B, or trap. I’d also love to connect with people who are interested in open mics or live performance opportunities.
Most of my close friends growing up weren’t in the creative industries, so I’m always looking to grow my circle of like-minded artists. If you’re down to create something, perform, or just vibe—reach out! Let’s build something together.
Part 2
Key Takeaways from Katarina’s Journey
From corporate to creative.
Katarina’s story is one of bold transition—leaving behind the stability of academic and corporate life in Sydney to pursue music as her true passion in London.
Music as grounding force.
From childhood singing to high school songwriting and YouTube uploads, music has always been her anchor, offering both expression and empowerment.
Studio and stage.
She’s now recording her songs in the studio and performing live—finding joy in both the vulnerability of sharing her work and the connection that comes from audiences.
Inspired by live energy.
Katarina draws inspiration from both big-name performers and emerging artists, finding motivation in the raw energy of live shows and in the creative culture of London.
Perseverance and bravery.
Her advice to new artists: don’t lose sight of why you started, embrace vulnerability, and say yes to opportunities that challenge you—even the ones that feel scary.
Community as lifeline.
For Katarina, the right community is a source of strength and inspiration—a reminder to dream bigger, be bolder, and stay grounded in what matters most.
Creative Opps as platform.
Through Creative Opps, she’s found a network of like-minded artists and a supportive environment to share, collaborate, and grow her music practice.
Connect with Karatina
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EwpEu6t0D4seZqssvQm0c?si=RgX2ndGzRh-BdUgQeiKW5g
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katarinakaymusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katarinakaymusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katarinakaymusic/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/katarinakaymusic
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/katarinakaymusic