St. Louis Magazine
BY AMANDA WOYTUS AUGUST 30, 2021
Singer-songwriter and pianist Katarra describes social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic as “hermit mode.” In the leadup to 2020, Katarra had felt like the universe—or maybe it was God—was pushing her in a certain direction. Katarra, known for her jazzy, soulful sound, was a Kranzberg artist in residence in 2019–2020. She released an album, Cocoa Voyage, in 2019. She performed the Black National Anthem at Mayor Tishaura Jones’ inauguration ceremony. But she’s a self-described introvert, and she felt she couldn’t reveal her true self. “Putting out personal songs to masses of people is something that's extremely vulnerable—especially with the intensity of the emotions I feel,” she says. “I put everything into these songs.” So just like the private retreat of a hermitage, her hermit mode allowed her to sit with her thoughts and feelings, to ask herself, truly, what she most desires and to think about her purpose in life.
St. Louis Public Radio (NPR): St. Louis Singer Katarra Parson's Recordings Reflect On Mental Health And Rebirth
By CHAD DAVIS • FEB 13, 2020
If St. Louis singer and songwriter Katarra Parson had to pick one of her songs to describe her life, it would be “Phoenix Rising.”
She appreciates the song because it's about flight, freedom and rebirth — the story of how she learned to take care of herself.
“'Phoenix Rising' is literally my journey of finding myself, of finding my power, stepping into that power, being comfortable with that power,” Parson said. “Now I'm at a point where I realized I got responsibility with that power.”
Juneteenth Jam livestream concert celebrates a freedom not often recognized
Kevin C. Johnson Jun 17, 2020
“Juneteenth, which commemorates June 19, 1865, when all slaves were finally freed, is being recognized in new ways this year. Some companies are giving employees the day off, John Legend and Alicia Keys are facing off on Instagram, and local celebrations are taking place.
The Juneteenth Jam, a concert celebrating blackness, livestreams at 6:30 p.m. Friday from Shock City Studios. Paige Alyssa, Katarra, Tre G, Carlos Brown Jr., KONG and Dhoruba will perform.
The event benefits Queer and Trans People of Color: STL.
Paige Alyssa, who coordinated the Juneteeth Jam with fellow musician and producer Tim Moore, was called to action by the demand around the world to end racial injustice and police brutality against blacks.
Alive Magazine
By Jasmine Osby • Mar 25, 2020
Katarra “Cocoa Voyage” Album
The debut album from the self-taught singer, songwriter and pianist, Katarra’s “Cocoa Voyage” is the lovechild of soulful bliss and high-strung emotions. In her compilation of fierce records—fueled by effortless runs, harmonies and a dab of classical influence—Katarra uses her voice to somehow fuse the present with the past. With an intensity that is unmatched, “Cocoa Voyage” gives that ’90s “Love Jones” feel that R&B-lovers look for when seeking out timeless records. Tracks like “Phoenix Rising” and “Something Good For You” display Katarra’s vocal latitude and make her a bright star to keep an eye on as the year rolls on. Katarra says fans should seek out forms of emotional and physical expression during times of isolation to combat boredom and loneliness.