After the rousing response to her much-loved comeback single 'Shinon' earlier this year, Moldovan-Romanian artist Catalina Cara is back to her best once again with her riveting new offering 'Circles'.
Bringing back more of that rich and shimmering alt-pop aesthetic she has been crafting since she first emerged, 'Circles' makes for a beautifully warm and emotive listen. With her sweeping vocals elevated by a fresh and tantalising production throughout, she returns to us with one of her more captivating efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano has always been at the heart of how I create music and you can hear it in my latest single, Circles, too. As a child, I was always mesmerised and almost hypnotised by the way my music teacher’s fingers glided across the keys while accompanying us in nursery. He was also the first to notice my voice and encouraged my parents to support my musical journey. Lately, I’ve developed a deeper fondness for the flute for its dreamy, almost ethereal, sound that reminds me of the Golden Hollywood Era and the French New Wave films my mom adored and I’m trying to explore it more in the music I’m currently working on.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I began developing more specific music preferences around the age of 10, when I was drawn to 90s R&B icons like Lauryn Hill, Sade, and Destiny’s Child. Later, after moving to the UK, I took a deep dive into 70s soul, and artists like Marvin Gaye and Minnie Riperton became some of my favourites and still are to this day. Coming from a country where access to Western music was limited, my early exposure was shaped mostly by Russian and Moldovan songs my family grew up with in the USSR and I do think a lot of my sense of poetry and lyricism comes from that music. As I connected with musicians from different cultures, my taste naturally evolved, and to this day, one of my greatest joys is discovering new music and artists.
What was the first album you remember owning?
One of the first albums that truly marked me was The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I still remember the soft crackle of the plastic as I unwrapped the CD, the click it made when I slid it into my portable player... I’d listen to it during school trips, with my head leaning against the bus window, watching the world drift by. Even if I didn’t understand much of the lyrics back then, her voice gave me goosebumps. It carried a kind of emotional truth that went beyond words. It felt like a soundtrack to my thoughts, to everything I didn’t yet know how to say.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Oh, there would be so many! But the first one that came to mind is Yebba’s Heartbreak. Even though it’s technically an interlude, it feels like a complete, timeless piece on its own. What I’ve learned from her, especially through this song, is that sometimes the most powerful songwriting doesn’t need complexity. The emotion, the vulnerability, the way her voice almost whispers the truth… It taught me that sincerity and restraint can hit deeper than any grand production. The melody and lyrics wrap around each other like a soft ache and that emotional clarity is something I deeply admire and try to carry into my own writing. I heard it again recently and thought: I wish I had written that. It’s heartbreaking in the most beautiful way, and it gets me every single time.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really, but because I’ve noticed I’m very influenced by what I see, hear or talk about on the way to the studio - I try to put on something that sets the mood for what I want to write that day. I also avoid conversations or people that don’t match that vibe, just to stay in the right headspace. Oh, and I always love to have a long black coffee and mint tea with me while working in the studio. No idea why... but it’s become my little thing.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Not necessarily lately, but among the current artists I really love, I’d say Leon Bridges, Erykah Badu, Cleo Sol, Sampa, Loaded Honey, Moses, SAULT, Madison McFerrin and Khruangbin - just to name a few. I also love Sans Soucis' sound, I think she's really cool and would love to collaborate with her one day. Whenever a song really moves me, I add it to one of my playlists on the streaming platforms. It’s where I gather the sounds that stay with me, from soulful new finds to old-school bossa nova and timeless soul. That kind of music always brings me back to the way life moves… softly, in circles, like the rhythm itself.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I’d love to open for Leon Bridges or Cleo Sol. Their music feels soulful, honest, and deeply human, like it holds space for the listener’s own story too. Sharing a stage with artists who create that kind of connection would be a dream, especially knowing how many people, myself included, find comfort and truth in their songs.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I love-love-love the energy exchange with the audience at live shows, especially in smaller, more intimate settings. It feels like we’re all part of one big family ! Thinking, feeling, and sharing the same moment... There’s something almost surreal about seeing so many people connect, understanding and feeling the music in their own unique way. And then hearing their stories and how a song has touched their life, helped them heal or just feel better it’s truly one of the most precious gifts. I also find deep joy in the studio, when my idea transforms into a song and I actually love how it sounds. Those creative moments are incredibly fulfilling.
And what is the most frustrating part?
What frustrates me most is when the industry prioritizes trends, numbers, and virality over music with genuine artistic substance. On top of that, we’re constantly navigating algorithms, shrinking attention spans ... people don’t really take the time to sit with a song anymore. There’s just sooo much content everywhere. And for independent artists, the music is just one part of it. You’re also handling logistics, finances, budgets - all the behind-the-scenes work that no one sees, but that keeps the whole thing running. It can be overwhelming, but it’s also what makes the wins feel so earned.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Probably the most valuable advice I’ve received is to take everything people say, whether praise or critique, with a pinch of salt. The music industry can be beautiful and inspiring, but it’s also fast-paced and full of strong opinions. Not everyone will have your best interest at heart, and that’s okay. What matters most is staying grounded in yourself, trusting your instincts, and not getting swept up in the noise. Like the phases of the moon, everything moves in cycles, the challenging moments pass, and the good ones always return...
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Catalina Cara's new single 'Circles' is available to stream now. Watch the video for it in the player below.