Balancing Acts is Metal Insider’s new column, in which artists explain the challenges within the music industry by juggling day jobs or multiple jobs while pursuing their musical careers. Metal Insider recently caught up with Katerina Nicole, an ethereal metal artist whose debut EP Serene in Violent Oceans captures the beauty within chaos. Katerina revealed how she balances her music career with rescuing stray animals on Naxos Island, Greece.
Hello, Metal Insider! I’m Katerina Nicole, and I’m excited to announce the release of my debut EP, “Serene in Violent Oceans.” This moment has been a long time in the making for me. Growing up in a small Canadian town, I discovered the thrill of performing on stage at just six years old. I’ve lived through a myriad of experiences, both uplifting and challenging, and now feels like the perfect time to share this collection of music with the metal community. As a powerhouse vocalist, I crave both sweet melodies and heavy riffs. I relish every opportunity to perform and seek out thrilling experiences that get my adrenaline pumping!”
I have been a passionate supporter of stray animals on Naxos Island, Greece since 2022. Many of these animals have endured horrific conditions, often coming from abusive environments where they are left chained for 24 hours a day, with access to filthy water and inadequate or even no food, leading to severe malnutrition. Some have been discovered with gunshot wounds, mutilated, or blind. Others are seen roaming the hillsides or along the roads, desperately seeking assistance.
I have been visiting Naxos Island in Greece since the age of six, as my grandfather hails from this place. My awareness of this organization began when I discovered a Belgian Shepherd dog that was chained and in poor condition. I contacted them for assistance, and together we were able to rescue, rehabilitate, train, and find her a new home. I named her Meli, which translates to Honey in Greek. The entire process took three years before she was adopted in Berlin. Meli profoundly transformed my life. Although I had always been a cat person, fostering cats and collaborating with a shelter in Canada during my upbringing, meeting Meli taught me how to understand dogs. She inspired me to become a better individual and altered my perspective on life. When I am not creating music or traveling, I dedicate my time to the shelter, finding great peace in knowing that I am making a positive impact on their lives.
I have recently collaborated with various companies, including a local Greek business named ‘Love Boom,’ which specializes in pet supplies like collars, harnesses, and leashes. Additionally, I am working with other firms that provide dog beds and non-toxic chew toys. A notable contributor to the Naxos Animal Welfare Society has been Prunkhund, a company based in Germany, which has generously supported our efforts.
More about Katerina: Instagram / YouTube / Spotify / Website
