Photo by Annika Marie Brown

Artist Name: Annika Catharina
Hometown: Deroche, British Columbia, Canada

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Releasing my current single, “What if I”, was exciting; it is now available across all major streaming platforms. I am finishing my next single, “Bandit, ” which I plan to release in late April/May. I plan to pair the song with a music video and a photoshoot with lots of behind-the-scenes content, which is always fun.

I also have a country/rock band called Annika & the Earthlings. We are also working on original rock-inspired songs and playing lots of shows.

What inspired you to pursue a music career, and when did you know?

I have always been drawn to music and the art of performing. I loved making plays or musical numbers with my siblings and performing them for my family. I grew up in a family that loved to get creative. My mom was big on entertaining; every family event had some entertainment, from singing and dancing to mini-musicals. I knew music was my passion when I started singing songs that made me feel connected. I loved singing classics like Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Patsy Cline. There was something magical in their voices! I joined the choir and band in elementary school and continued participating until high school. After high school, I had a 3-piece band. It was more synth-pop. I learned a lot about performing, engaging the crowds, and how to be more confident in various situations. Not all shows were the same. I had to learn to adapt and bring it for each gig.

I was more shy and reserved than the rest of my siblings. It wasn’t until I stepped on stage that I felt like the real Annika. I didn’t feel shy or scared; I felt… this will sound cheesy but… alive. Even to this day, I feel like I can finally let the honest Annika out when I get out on stage and start singing.

What would you be doing for a living if you weren’t pursuing a music career?

I still hold a day job as a substitute teacher. If I wasn’t pursuing my own career in music, I would be a full-time choir teacher. I love being around music and encouraging others to lean into their gifts or show students how to find the beauty in music.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

My favorite downtime activity is anything with my family.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Henry Cavill. I had such a big crush on him after watching The Witcher.

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

I don’t have a favorite sports team. I enjoy cheering on everyone, attending live sporting events and participating in the exciting atmosphere they provide! Though, I do admire the dedication people give to their teams! My favorite sport to watch is volleyball, and I played it all through high school.

What is the last movie that you watched?

The new Napoleon movie with Joaquin Phoenix

What is the last album you listened to?

From top to bottom, no skipping? Killing the Myth – The Glorious Sons and The Battle at the Garden’s Gate – Greta Van Fleet

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It’d like a mix of the Mumford and Sons albums.

What is the greatest country song of all time?

I can’t pick one, but I love:

• Crazy – Patsy Cline
• Chattahoochee – Alan Jackson
• Whiskey Lullaby – Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley
• Can’t Help Falling In Love With You – Elvis Presley
• Jolene – Dolly Parton
• Cover Me Up – Jason Isbell

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

I love my hometown, specifically my parents’ farm.

What is your favorite meal?

Anything Mexican.

Who is your dream duet partner?

Such a tricky question. I have to name a few – Kacey Musgraves, PINK, Noah Cyrus, Mumford and Sons, Zach Bryan, Chris Stapleton and JJwilde.

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Kacey Musgraves, PINK, Noah Cyrus, Mumford and Sons Zach Bryan, Chris Stapleton and JJwilde.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

Co-write/ write an album. Have a single go number 1. Go on tour with one of my dream duet partners. And always strive for growth!

Connect with Annika!

Instagram: @AnnikaCatharinaMusic
Facebook: @AnnikaCatharinaMusic 
TikTok: @annikacatharinamusic
X: @AnnikaCatharina

Photo Credit Rivington Photography

• Artist Name:  Rod Black
• Hometown:  Langley BC

What project(s) are you currently working on? 

I just released my new single “Laketown”, so I’m very stoked to get that out there for the summer.

Outside of that, I’m always songwriting. It’s one of my many passion. I’ve also been developing a TV series throughout the years. So my creative side definitely keeps my mind occupied as the days go on.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know? 

My Dad played guitar and my Mom loved to sing, so country music was always in our household.

I got the opportunity to have the lead role in a Christmas musical when I was six years old, and that got me hooked on performing from that day on..

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living? 

I would be a high school guidance counselor, because I’ve always thought it was a very important position in life to be able to help shape the youth of our world.

What is your favorite downtime activity? 

Spending time with my family. That’s number one to me.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush? 

I’d have to say Pink. I’ve got mad respect for her, and I’ve always wanted to do a song together with her.

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

My favourite NHL team is the Edmonton Oilers, and my favourite NFL football team is the San Francisco 49ers..

What is the last movie that you watched? 

“Runnin’ Down a Dream”, a documentary about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

What is the last album you listened to?

Pearl Jam – “Ten”.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That’s a very hard one to answer.

I’d have to say AC/DC – “Back In Black”.

What is the greatest country song of all time? 

That’s another hard question to answer!

I would have to say “The Dance” as I have huge respect for Garth Brooks.  That song gets me every time I listen to it.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

I find beauty in every town and every city that I’ve lived in or rolled through..  but Abilene, Texas is just that extra special place for me.

What is your favorite meal? 

So many choices, though I would have to say butter chicken – the spicier, the better!

Who is your dream duet partner?

That’s an easy one – Pink.

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Garth Brooks all the way.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)? 

To take care of my family through my music ventures – and work with various charities along the way.

Entertainer of the Year

• Luke Bryan
• Eric Church
• Luke Combs
• Thomas Rhett
• Chris Stapleton

Female Artist of the Year

• Kelsea Ballerini
• Miranda Lambert
• Ashley McBryde
• Maren Morris
• Carly Pearce

Male Artist of the Year

• Dierks Bentley
• Luke Combs
• Eric Church
• Thomas Rhett
• Chris Stapleton

Duo of the Year

• Brooks & Dunn
• Brothers Osborne
• Dan + Shay
• Florida Georgia Line
• Maddie & Tae

Group of the Year

• Lady A
• Little Big Town
• Old Dominion
• The Cadillac Three
• The Highwomen

New Female Artist of the Year

• Ingrid Andress
• Tenille Arts
• Gabby Barrett
• Mickey Guyton
• Caylee Hammack

New Male Artist of the Year

• Jimmie Allen
• Travis Denning
• Hardy
• Cody Johnson
• Parker McCollum

Album of the Year

• Born Here Live Here Die Here – Luke Bryan
• Mixtape Vol. 1 – Kane Brown
• Never Will – Ashley McBryde
• Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
• Starting Over – Chris Stapleton

Single of the Year

• “Bluebird” by Miranda Lambert
• “I Hope” by Gabby Barrett
• “I Hope You’re Happy Now” by Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
• “More Hearts Than Mine” by Ingrid Andress
• “The Bones” by Maren Morris

Song of the Year

• “Bluebird” – Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
• “One Night Standards” – Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
• “Some People Do” – Jesse Frasure, Matt Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally
• “Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson
• “The Bones” – Jimmy Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz

Video of the Year

• “Better Than We Found It” – Maren Morris
• “Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
• “Gone” – Dierks Bentley
• “Hallelujah” – Carrie Underwood and John Legend
• “Worldwide Beautiful” – Kane Brown

Songwriter of the Year

• Ashley Gorley
• Michael Hardy
• Hillary Lindsey
• Shane McAnally
• Josh Osborne

Music Event of the Year

• “Be A Light” by Thomas Rhett f/Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban
• “Does To Me” by Luke Combs f/Eric Church
• “I Hope You’re Happy Now” by Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
• “Nobody But You” by Blake Shelton f/Gwen Stefani
• “One Beer” by Hardy f/Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson
• “One Too Many” by Keith Urban f/P!nk

Bass Player of the Year

• Jarrod Travis Cure
• Mark Hill
• Tony Lucido
• Steve Mackey
• Glenn Worf

Drummer of the Year

• Fred Eltringham
• Evan Hutchings
• Derek Mixon
• Jerry Roe
• Aaron Sterling

Guitar Player of the Year

• J.T. Corenflos
• Kris Donegan
• Jedd Hughes
• Ilya Toshinskiy
• Derek Wells

Piano/Keys Player of the Year

• Dave Cohen
• David Dorn
• Charlie Judge
• Mike Rojas
• Benmont Tench

Specialty Instrument Player of the Year

• Alicia Enstrom
• Jim Hoke
• Danny Rader
• Mickey Raphael
• Ilya Toshinskiy
• Kristin Wilkinson

Steel Guitar Player of the Year

• Spencer Cullum
• Dan Dugmore
• Mike Johnson
• Russ Pahl
• Justin Schipper

Audio Engineer of the Year

• Jeff Balding
• Jason Hall
• Gena Johnson
• Vance Powell
• F. Reid Shippen

Producer of the Year

• Buddy Cannon
• Dave Cobb
• Dann Huff
• Jay Joyce
• Joey Moi

Here you will find this week’s Top 5 for the various country charts that are released each week!

Let us know that you like this feature by Liking the post on Facebook and clicking the heart on our Tweet so we know if we should continue to put this together each week!

About the Charts

Airplay Charts – are based on the number of “spins” a song gets from a group of radio stations that agree to report their data to the particular chart.  Typically, Country Aircheck and Billboard each have a mix of the biggest stations in the country, while charts like Music Row and the various Texas charts are compiled from smaller local stations with more freedom to pick their playlists that usually aren’t part of a big national conglomerate.

Most Added Charts – are based on the number of reporting stations that “added” the song to their regular rotation.

Spin Increase Charts – based on an increase of spins from current week over the previous week.

Songwriter/Producer Charts – Based on the combined chart performance of any songs they have a hand in writing/producing that are currently charting.  Some have several songs on the charts at once!

Most Increased Audience Charts – Based on # of listeners hearing the song.  This is why getting “Added” to a major market station is a big deal for new artists.

Recurrent Songs – Recent releases that have already peaked on the chart and fallen back down.  These are the top songs NOT considered “current releases”

Billboard Hot Country Songs – Blended chart taking into account radio airplay, downloads, streams, sales etc.

Country Aircheck Top 5 Country Airplay Chart

1. “Beers and Sunshine” by Darius Rucker
2. “Better Together” by Luke Combs
3. “Just the Way” by Parmalee & Blanco Brown
4. “Down to One” by Luke Bryan
5. “Good Time” by Niko Moon

Country Aircheck Top 5 Most Added

Matt Stell

1. “That Ain’t Me No More” by Matt Stell
2. “Getting Over Him” by Lauren Alaina w/ Jon Pardi
3. “I Can’t” by Caitlyn Smith w/ Old Dominion
4. “Freedom Was a Highway” by Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley
5. “Famous Friends” by Chris Young & Kane Brown

Country Aircheck Top Point Gainers

1. “Beers and Sunshine” by Darius Rucker
2. “Lady” by Brett Young
3. “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett
4. “Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay
5. “Somebody Like That” by Tenille Arts

Country Aircheck Top Spin Gainers

1. “Beers and Sunshine” by Darius Rucker
2. “Lady” by Brett Young
3. “Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay
4. “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett
5. “Starting Over” by Chris Stapleton

Country Aircheck Top 5 Recurrent Singles

Lee Brice

1. “One of Them Girls” by Lee Brice
2. “Love You Like I Used To” by Russell Dickerson
3. “Big, Big Plans” by Chris Lane
4. “Happy Anywhere” by Blake Shelton w/ Gwen Stefani
5. “I Hope” by Gabby Barrett

Billboard Top 5 Country Airplay Chart

1. “Beers and Sunshine” by Darius Rucker
2. “Better Together” by Luke Combs
3. “Just the Way” by Parmalee & Blanco Brown
4. “Down to One” by Luke Bryan
5. “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett

Billboard Top 5 Most Added Chart

• “Famous Friends” by Chris Young & Kane Brown – 21 stations
• “Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay – 21 stations
• “Freedom Was a Highway” by Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley – 16 stations
• “Where I Find God” by Larry Fleet – 16 stations
• “Minimum Wage” by Blake Shelton – 11 stations

Billboard Top 5 Most Increased Audience

1. “Lady” by Brett Young
2. “Beers and Sunshine” by Darius Rucker
3. “Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay
4. “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett
5. “Somebody Like That” by Tenille Arts

Billboard Top 5 Most Increased Plays

1. “Lady” by Brett Young
2. “Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay
3. “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett
4. “Down to One” by Luke Bryan
5. “Beer and Sunshine” by Darius Rucker

Billboard Top 5 Recurrent Singles

Lee Brice

1. “One of Them Girls” by Lee Brice
2. “Love You Like I Used To” by Russell Dickerson
3. “Big, Big Plans” by Chris Lane
4. “Happy Anywhere” by Blake Shelton w/ Gwen Stefani
5. “I Hope” by Gabby Barrett

Billboard Top 5 Hot Country Songs Chart

Taylor Swift

1. “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
2. “I Hope” by Gabby Barrett
3. “Better Together” by Luke Combs
4. “Good Time” by Niko Moon
5. “Starting Over” by Chris Stapleton

Billboard Top 5 Country Songwriters

Taylor Swift

1. Taylor Swift
2. Josh Osborne
3. Morgan Wallen
4. Ashley Gorley
5. Ernest Keith Smith

Billboard Top 5 Country Producers

1. Joey Moi
2. Ross Copperman
3. Dann Huff
4. Scott Moffatt
5. Jay Joyce

Billboard Top 5 Country Albums

1. Dangerous:  The Double Album by Morgan Wallen
2. What You See is What You Get by Luke Combs
3. Life Rolls On by Florida Georgia Line
4. If I Know Me by Morgan Wallen
5. This One’s For You by Luke Combs

Billboard Top 5 Country Streaming Songs

Taylor Swift

1. “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
2. “Wasted On You” by Morgan Wallen
3. “Sand in My Boots” by Morgan Wallen
4. “Better Together” by Luke Combs
5. “Starting Over” by Chris Stapleton

Billboard Top 5 Country Digital Song Sales

Taylor Swift

1. “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
2. “Chasing After You” by Ryan Hurd w/ Maren Morris
3. “The Good Ones” by Gabby Barrett
4. “Tough Ones” by Cooper Alan
5. “Better Together” by Luke Combs

Billboard Top 5 Folk/Americana Albums

Chris Stapleton

1. Starting Over by Chris Stapleton
2. Traveller by Chris Stapleton
3. Hozier by Hozier
4. Purgatory by Tyler Childers
5. Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits by Simon and Garfunkel

Billboard Top 5 Bluegrass Albums

1. Cuttin’ Grass Vol 1:  The Butcher Shoppe Sessions by Sturgill Simpson
2. 40th Anniversary Celebration by Gary Brewer & The Kentucky Ramblers
3. Home by Billy Strings
4. Served Live by The Dead South
5. Not Our First Goat Rodeo by Yo-Yo Ma/Stuart Duncan/Edgar Meyer/Chris Thile

Music Row Top 5 Country Breakout Radio Chart

Dierks Bentley

1. “Gone” by Dierks Bentley
2. “Made for You” by Jake Owen
3. “Good Time” by Niko Moon
4. “Settling Down” by Miranda Lambert
5. “One Too Many” by Keith Urban w/ P!nk

Music Row Top 5 Most Added

1. “Lonely Drum” by Aaron Goodvin
2. “Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay
3. “Gotta Go Rodeo” by Darlinghurst
4. “Under It With You Tonight” by Smith & Wesley
5. “Gettin’ Her Over You” by Bobby Wills

Music Row Top 5 Songwriter Chart

1. Morgan Wallen
2. Josh Osborne
3. Ashley Gorley
4. Ernest Keith Smith
5. Jesse Frasure

Music Row Top 5 Spin Increases

1. “Lonely Drum” by Aaron Goodvin
2. “Glad You Exist” by Dan + Shay
3. “Undivided” by Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard
4. “Minimum Wage” by Blake Shelton
5. “Gotta Go Rodeo” by Darlinghurst

Texas Country Music Chart Top 5 Singles

1. “Silverado Saturday Night” by Aaron Watson
2. “I Will” by Darin Morris
3. “Devil’s Red Hot Sauce” by James Lann
4. “Old School” by David Adam Byrnes
5. “Honky Tonk in Heaven” by Kin Faux

Texas Regional Radio Report Top 5 Singles

1. “Silverado Saturday Night” by Aaron Watson
2. “Devil’s Red Hot Sauce” by James Lann
3. “Old School” by David Adam Byrnes
4. “Missin’ You, Mississippi” by Dustin Sonnier
5. “Callin’ All Hearts” by Terry McBride

CD Tex Top 5 Radio Downloads

1. “Movin’ On” by Steele River Band
2. “All Nighter” by Jeremy Studdard
3. “Dying in Dallas” by The Whites of Texas
4. “A Cowboy’s Life” by Matt Mercado
5. “Break Another Heart” by Kaitlyn Kohler

Lee Brice

Recent Country Music Headlines

• J.T. Hodges Performs on Hallmark Channel’s ‘Home and Family’
• John and Robin Berry Faith Family & Friends, the Last Conversation With the Late Charlie Daniels
• 2020 Canadian Country Music Award Winners
• This Week’s Texas Country Music Chart’s #1 Single:  “Whisper My Name” by Aaron Watson
• This Week’s Texas Country Music Chart’s Newsletter
• This Week’s Country Aircheck’s #1 Most Added New Single at Radio:  “Next Girl” by Carly Pearce
• This Week’s Country Aircheck’s #1 Single:  “One of Them Girls” by Lee Brice
• This Week’s Texas Regional Radio Report’s #1 Single:  “Meet in the Middle” by Stoney LaRue & Tanya Tucker
• This Week’s Billboard Country Album Chart’s #1 Album:  The Speed of Now Part 1 by Keith Urban
• This Week’s Billboard Country Most Streamed Single:  “I Hope” by Gabby Barrett
• This Week’s Billboard Country Most Downloaded Single:  “One Too Many” by Keith Urban & P!nk

Recommended Viewing – Recent Country Music Videos

• Music Video:  “Colder Than You” by Canaan Smith

This Date in Country Music History

• 2013 – Keith Urban’s album Fuse topped the Billboard Country Albums chart
• 2010 – Trace Adkins invites Blake Shelton to join the Grand Ole Opry
• 2007 – Cross Canadian Ragweed made their Grand Ole Opry debut
• 2004 – Rascal Flatts released their album Feels Like Today
• 2002 – Diamond Rio scored a #1 hit with “Beautiful Mess”
• 1998 – Sara Evans released her single “No Place That Far”
• 1993 – George Strait released his album Easy Come, Easy Go
• 1992 – John Michael Montgomery‘s debut album Life’s a Dance was released
• 1985 – Ronnie Milsap topped the charts with “Lost In The Fifties Tonight (In The Still Of The Night)”
• 1984 – George Strait released his album Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
• 1974 – Waylon Jennings topped the charts with “I’m a Ramblin’ Man”
• 1968 – Jeannie C. Riley topped the charts with “Harper Valley P.T.A.”
• 1956 – Elvis Presley released his hit “Love Me Tender”

Today’s Birthdays (See All Country Artist Birthdays)

• Mandy Barnett
• Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town)

Today’s New Albums (See All Album Release Dates)

• None Today

Today’s New Singles (See All Single Release Dates)

• Back in the Fire – Brit Taylor
• Next Girl – Carly Pearce
• Need a Bar Sometimes – Clay Walker
• One Too Many – Keith Urban w/ P!nk
• Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives – Shane Owens
• The Problem – Amanda Shires w/ Jason Isbell

Today’s Photo Flashback (See All Photos)

• Lee Brice – 9/28/14 – Kiss Country Undercover Concert at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, FL

Contests

• Win a Clay Walker “Need a Bar Sometimes” Experience – ends 10/23/20
• Win a Restored 1974 International Scout II and $20,000 from Brett Eldredge – ends 11/19/20

This Week’s Events (See All Upcoming Events)