METAL MONTHLY: Let me first welcome you, Katrina, to METAL MONTHLY!
You are an official Guitar Goddess! So Katrina, after watching your DEAN
Guitar video, reading your music’s rave reviews, and being equally
impressed by your MySpace page Comments, I can’t help but ask you this
all-important question: “Why are people calling you the new Queen of Shred“?

KJ: I am flattered! I earned that label because I play fast! Really
though, melody and “feel” are far more important than shredding.
Although…shredding does have it's own feel. Playing fast and playing
clean takes a lot of practice, that‘s for sure.

MM: Wow, I bet it does, Katrina….I also noticed that you list
contemporary Greats of Guitar, such as Satriani, Vai, Malmsteen, and
Dimebag, as your influences….But in terms of women, are there any female
guitarists, or musicians, that you admire as well?

KJ: If I named all of the female musicians that I admire, it would take
hours to finish answering this question! However, I’d have to say that
Nancy Wilson from Heart was a definite inspiration. The first concert I
went to was Heart. When she played the acoustic solo/intro from "Crazy
on You", I knew that was what I wanted to do! After the show, I went
home and learned that solo!

….I do admire any woman who is successful in the rock /metal genre. It
is still a man's world. I also admire any female musician who never
gives up, despite any discrimination, subtle or blatant, that they may
face….

MM: You’re right, Katrina; those are admirable qualities in any
person….Obviously, we’ve already discussed that you are a rock-metal
guitarist. But, you’re also described as “progressive”. In what ways
does this describe your music and/or you, as a person?

KJ: My music could be considered progressive because it is instrumental,
which is not a mainstream category. I am also a woman playing heavy,
instrumental music, and that is still a unique thing….I have had a lot
of female students though, so who knows….We’ll see what it’s like in 10
years!!!….

….As far as the word itself goes, “progressive” probably means something
different to everyone. As a person, I may be considered progressive
because my life is a bit unconventional. Also, because I haven’t
given-up…Many of my fans do happen to be men though, and they are
incredibly supportive and respectful!

MM: And yes, it’s great to hear that the male fans are so
accepting!…Now, when you read a Comment about yourself, like the one
from Drew Rittgers: “more talent per square inch”; what kinds of
thoughts and feelings does that evoke in you?

KJ: You know, I am just grateful to those who like my music and are
supportive - regardless. I know Drew. He has a good sense of humor! And
humor helps keep things in perspective!

MM: Hahaha, yes it does, Katrina!….So of all the things you could’ve
been and done with your life, why are you a musician and more
specifically, why choose guitar?

KJ:….I think music and guitar chose me.

MM: Wow Katrina, that is a personal and powerful statement….Now in
terms of your visual or live performance style, how do you feel about
“rockin’ out” in-front of your audience?

KJ:….I am passionate about the guitar, and my music - and, I try to
express that through my performance!

MM: Well, it is an awesome sight to see a musician in-love with their
instrument, and the music they’re playing…So as far as song composition,
how do you feel about writing and performing songs that are “rockers”
versus “ballads”?

KJ:….Honestly, writing has been easy for me, regardless of the style.
I’m fortunate that neither type of song is more or less difficult. What
it does depend on is how I’m feeling when I‘m actually writing. I
definitely can’t force the process, or analyze it. Creativity just is!

MM: Oh, that’s for sure, isn’t it!…Now moving on, let’s talk Dreams
for a moment…. First, although you are currently unsigned, who would you
like to be signed by and why?

KJ: Rick Rubin, because he is a creative genius.

MM: Hey, there’s a woman who knows exactly what she wants!….Secondly,
if you could tour with any band, who would it be from the Past, as well
as, who would it be from the Present?

KJ:….Led Zeppelin! There are not too many bands that wrote so many songs
that are so timeless; their music is new to kids, and at the same time,
still a favorite of adults. Those guys are amazing writers, and musicians….

….And, Van Halen would be my other choice. I can't imagine having more fun!

MM: No kidding, it’s awesome to see them back at it!….So Katrina, if
you were offered a guest-soloist gig with a major orchestra, would you
do it?

KJ:….Yes! Any opportunity to learn and grow is a great opportunity.

MM: Okay, that could keep things interesting, huh!…Now as you
probably know, ROCKLAHOMA 2008 is coming up this summer. What are the
chances you might be on the Bill this year, or next year?

KJ: You never know….I would love to perform there!

MM: Well, thank you Katrina, that was really fun! We wish the best
of luck and success to this outstanding musician! She is the Total
Package, folks. With her blazin’ red mane a-flyin’, we know that she’ll
continue to shred her way to the Top of this Rock!

KJ: Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to interview me! I hope to meet
you in person, someday!!!! And thanks again for this opportunity; I am
so flattered to be in METAL MONTHLY!!

Visit KATRINA JOHANSSON Online - Click Here

Let Her Know Metal Monthly Sent Ya !