Rising singer Katherine O’Ryan is gaining international attention after collaborating with global electronic music star Alan Walker. Featured on the upcoming single Broken Strings and appearing in music videos tied to Walker’s latest project, O’Ryan brings a theatrical background and emotionally driven vocals to the collaboration. In this interview, she discusses how the partnership began, filming in Norway, and what lies ahead in her career, including new music videos, stripped-back covers, and the recording of her first EP.
You’ve collaborated with Alan Walker, one of the biggest names in global electronic music. How did that partnership come about, and what was it like working within its creative universe?
My dad has done vocal work for Alan for a lot of songs and Alan asked him for singers for the new album so he tried me and Alan loved it. About the same time though, one of my school performances went a little viral and Alan had seen that on his Instagram so when he connected the dots and saw I could perform well on stage as well as in the studio he wanted me on his album. It’s really awesome to be welcomed into his world because all of the people that love Alan Walker are supporting me too and it makes me feel really loved.
On the single Broken Strings, you appear both as a vocalist and in the official music video. What drew you most to this project, and how was it bringing the song to life visually?
I love the classical melody that the song is based on and I like that it’s a duet as Isabella has been really supportive and has become a good friend! The music video was fun because I got to go to Norway to film it. We shot it in a warehouse and it was freezing! I had to put on a big coat and sit by a little heater in between takes. I’ve filmed two more music videos for the album which will come out soon so it’s so cool to be one of the people in the ongoing story as it builds out.
Your voice is often described as cinematic and emotionally powerful. How did you develop this vocal identity throughout your artistic journey?
I’ve always loved and done musical theater, nothing big yet just small productions but you have to sing with passion on stage for the emotion to come through so I just do the same thing when I’m in the studio.
You recently released Die With A Smile, accompanied by behind-the-scenes visuals and live performances. What does this song represent in your artistic evolution?
Die With A Smile was really hard to learn on piano because it has complicated chords and then I had to sing at the same time as well but I did it at my piano recital and everyone loved it so we thought we should do a studio version. My big sister did the harmonies so to us it’s about being together as sisters. We always used to watch Frozen together and being sisters is a big part of who we are.
Many artists face challenges balancing studio recordings with live performances. How do you adapt your interpretation between those two environments?
When I’m singing live I just have to sing as big as I can with lots of energy but I also like the studio because I can focus on little details.
Your social media platforms give fans a glimpse into studio sessions and intimate performance moments. What role does this direct connection with your audience play in your career?
It’s really important because people need to be able to connect with the music, see how we make it and also see how I am in real life.
With new collaborations underway and original music on the way, what can fans expect from the next chapter of your journey as an artist?
I’m featured on a couple of Alan Walker music videos and I’m also in the process of recording an EP. I also plan on doing a couple more stripped back covers and plenty of studio footage. I want to help people learn about music and chords and recording as I learn myself.
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