Hailing from the intersection of Moldovan, Romanian, and London influences, Catalina Cara has firmly established herself as a singular voice in contemporary music. With her unique fusion of indie-pop contours, jazz harmonies, and neo-soul warmth, Cara consistently crafts soundscapes that are as emotionally resonant as they are sonically rich. Her recent single, “Circles,” lauded by critics and embraced by listeners, serves as a poignant exploration of burnout and breakthrough, further solidifying her reputation for profound lyrical honesty. Following a year that saw her nominated for Best Emerging Artist by Elle Romania and gracing major festival stages, we delve deeper into the artistry and philosophy of an artist truly in tune with the cycles of life and creation.
“Circles” feels like both a surrender and a quiet act of strength. What was the emotional or personal place you were in when you began writing it?
I was in a state of complete numbness, honestly. I remember walking into the studio feeling completely disconnected from myself … But I never had, or took, the time to stop and acknowledge that. It was a difficult, emotionally blurry time. The studio became my outlet, my quiet cry for help… and also a wake-up call. Writing “Circles” made me realise I wasn’t okay and that awareness, in itself, was the beginning of my healing. I chose to turn that vulnerability into strength, because I knew someone out there might be feeling the same. Whether it becomes a wake-up call for them, or just a gentle balm… this song is there for them.
There’s a stunning lyricism in the idea of life as moon phases. Where did that metaphor first come to you, and how did it shape the rest of the song?
The song was already in an advanced demo stage when I felt it still needed something – a bridge, a conclusion, a key message that tied everything together. While scrolling through my notes, I stumbled on something I had written to myself long before: “Write a song about the moon phases. The moon tonight is full, so special, so beautiful, so bright and big… just like your soul, that’s gone through so much lately, just to feel full again.” That was it. I realised I didn’t need to write another song … the message was already there, hidden in CIRCLES. That’s where: ‘Just like the moon, we go through phases of emptiness, circles of pettiness , to feel full.’ came from.
The production is so sparse yet so impactful. How did you and Mihai Ristea decide on the sonic direction for “Circles”?
When we first drafted “Circles,” it had a lighter, pop-leaning feel. After nearly two years of growth (on all levels) I knew the track had to mature with me. I told Mihai I wanted a deeper, more soulful sound that reflects who I am today, and he was immediately on board.
I laid out the real story behind “Circles”, the struggles I was battling at that point, and shared how a trip to L.A. had sharpened my vision. Mid-conversation, Mihai’s eyes lit up: “I know exactly what to change in the production,” he said. I trusted him completely.
But when I heard the new demo… I literally burst into tears. He managed to translate into sound everything I felt, and everything I couldn’t put into lyrics. It was beyond anything I expected.
You blend indie pop, soul, and jazz in such a unique way. How do you approach genre when writing—intuitively or deliberately?
I work closely with Mihai on the writing, and when it comes to harmonies and production, he’s the one I fully trust. I’ve always approached things intuitively, especially in the early writing phases, but lately I’ve been more focused on deepening my musical knowledge, so that I can shape sound and songwriting as intentionally as I do when using my voice.
Your voice feels both fragile and anchored, which is such a powerful contrast. How have you developed that emotional range vocally?
My classical training provided a strong foundation, and people have appreciated my distinctive tone since I was a kid. Still, I wasn’t satisfied with “unique”, I wanted more, so I pushed past the basics, testing ideas, and honing every nuance of my range and breath to keep emotion first.
I try to stay mindful of the sensitivity my voice carries because I want to create a sonic space that feels intimate and safe, like someone whispering a story you’ve been longing to hear, right into your ear. But also with just enough power and attitude to wake you up, to stir something fresh inside your soul.
I’m still discovering new ways my voice can move and shift and that constant evolution is one of the things I really enjoy.
You’ve mentioned in past interviews your love for lyrical and poetic songwriting—who are some writers or artists (musical or not) who’ve influenced your voice?
I feel privileged to speak multiple languages and to come from a rich cultural background. It’s allowed me to draw from a wide range of artistic influences and to read many writers in their original language, which adds a deeper layer to how I absorb their work.
My love for poetry began with my mom and grandad, both teachers, who passed down a quiet reverence for language. I grew up immersed in the raw, almost sacred vulnerability of Marina Tsvetaeva, and the romantic depth of Mihai Eminescu, whose work also inspired my name. My mom was reading Luceafărul just before I was born, and chose Cătălina after the poem’s heroine. Later on, I came to love the depth and contemplative grace of Rainer Maria Rilke, from whom I continue to learn the way I translate emotion in language.
Some of the voices who inspire me are Tracy Chapman, whose direct lyricism carries an emotional weight that feels timeless, while Florence Welch, for example, was one of the core inspirations for my debut EP “Leap Year Baby” with her fiercely poetic and dreamlike writing.
With “Circles” leading the way, what can fans expect from your next body of work—sonically and thematically?
Lately, I’ve been trying to stay more grounded with myself, with my emotions, and with what I want to say. There’s a shift happening in how I write: it feels more conscious, more embodied. I’m embracing my womanhood with more confidence and my music reflects that. It’s less about drifting into dreams and more about speaking from a place of quiet power and self-worth.
That inner shift demanded a new direction, a soul-rich sound with organic grooves and rhythm-driven. The music I’m writing now carries more weight; it’s raw and unmistakably alive.
Quick-Fire Questions
What’s the first thing you do when you feel stuck creatively?
I leave and live life a little and come back with something to say.
A lyric from “Circles” you wish people would really sit with and feel?
“Just like the moon we go through phases of emptiness, circles of pettiness, to feel full” – a reminder for the messy times.
What’s your current moon phase new, full, or somewhere in between?
Somewhere in the waxing gibbous – hopeful, building, almost there.
