It is fair to say that old school sounds are undefeated. And, Karin Ann’s angsty, retro-tinged rockstar tone is proof of this. Lending it to her tongue-in-cheek cut, “looking at porn”, which stands as an electric introduction to her pending EP “side effects of being human”, the artist promises to thrill listeners as boundaries are pushed and genres transcended, in true rockstar style.

When discussing the themes of her music, the artist explains, “I talk about things that inspire me to talk, and that I can’t express in other ways. I don’t know if that makes sense, I’m a very quiet person but when it comes to things I talk about in my music, I can talk for a long time.”

Ahead of the release of her upcoming EP, the singer sat down with Wonderland to discuss using her music to be vocal on the things that matter and her status as an introvert. Head below to enjoy our interview with Karin Ann…

Hey, how are you today?
Hi, I’m pretty good, excited about the release of my new EP!

You cover some really key issues in your music, why is this so important to you?
I talk about things that inspire me to talk, and that I can’t express in other ways. I don’t know if that makes sense, I’m a very quiet person but when it comes to things I talk about in my music, I can talk for a long time.

What message do you want to express in your upcoming EP?
It’s about the growing pains of life and about growing up and stuff like that. Most of the EP is about very mundane things that almost everyone experiences.

As an introvert, what does self-expression look like to you?
I don’t think it looks that different from other people’s expressions. I may not be as social and I can get exhausted easily in social situations, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel the need for freedom.

Disrupting the status quo with empowering messages such as those in your single, “looking at porn” I’m sure doesn’t come easily, how do you deal with any negative comments?
I try not to look at them if I’m being honest. It’s kind of insane how one negative comment you see can ruin your day even if you’ve seen 20 positive comments that day, so I try to stay away from comments in general.

What would you say the main genres that your sound incorporates are?
I think they all move in the alternative or indie realm, but they mix and change. I think there is a memorable quality to your music.

If there is one thing you want people to take away from your sound, what would it be?
I think just to not be scared to experiment and to find comfort if they are alone or if they’re not free to be themselves, to find a community.

Growing up in a conservative country like Slovakia, how has your upbringing influenced you?
I think greatly. Although, what I find curious is that when you grow up in a country like mine you can either become close-minded and conservative, or you can be the exact opposite. For me and my sisters, it was the latter.

Looking ahead, what are you most looking forward to in 2022?
More music and hopefully more shows. I’m hoping that I’ll get to be more focused on myself and my mental health.