Karin Ann Is Building a Global Career on Her Own Terms – And It’s Working

There’s a reason Karin Ann’s name keeps coming up in conversations about the most boundary-pushing independent artists in Europe right now – and it’s not just because of her voice. It’s her choice. The Slovak-born, London- and LA-based artist has built a career around intentionality, from the people she collaborates with to the stories she tells. And her latest release, i was never yours, out now as of August 15, is a reflection of that control – a quiet, aching piece of music that feels more like a confession than a single. But while the song stands alone in its vulnerability, it’s also part of a much bigger picture: Karin Ann isn’t waiting for a major label to crown her. She’s already earned the respect of some of the most acclaimed creatives in music.

Collaborations That Speak Volumes

The credits alone on i was never yours read like the guestlist at a secret Laurel Canyon session. Suki Waterhouse co-wrote the track – the same Suki with the platinum-certified “Good Looking.” Guitar work and emotional detail came from Harrison Whitford, long known for his collaborations with Phoebe Bridgers and boygenius, and Chelsea Balan, a nominee at the 2024 Denniz Pop Awards, rounded out the writing team with fresh, sharp instincts. It’s not just that Karin is working with people who have worked with the best – she’s doing it without losing the DNA of her own sound.

And that sound is increasingly hard to pin down – in the best way. She’s somewhere between folk noir and indie pop, with hints of alternative Americana and dream rock, depending on the day. It’s not unusual to see her in playlists next to artists like Gregory Alan Isakov, Adrianne Lenker, or even Maya Hawke – but no one quite sounds like her. That’s part of the appeal. She brings the raw honesty of classic folk singers, the aesthetic sense of modern cinematic pop, and the lyrical minimalism of a poet who never says too much. It’s what makes i was never yours hit the way it does – it doesn’t try to dazzle you. It lingers.

A Global Spirit

There’s also a growing internationalism to her work. Karin Ann’s accent isn’t quite British or American, and that ambiguity only enhances the universality of her writing. It’s easy to imagine her performing in an amphitheatre in Rome or a tiny club in Paris. Her music carries that same core emotion – loss, reflection, self-ownership – in any language. This global spirit isn’t new for her, either. She’s already performed in multiple countries and built a fanbase that doesn’t require commercial radio to stay loyal.

The industry is catching up, but Karin isn’t waiting for them to understand her before moving forward. She’s already proven she can gather major collaborators without compromise. She’s turned down deals that didn’t align with her vision. She’s said no to playing by anyone else’s rules. And with every new release, it becomes more obvious that it was the right call.

The Artistry of Subtlety

i was never yours is more than just a beautiful song – it’s a document of self-respect. It’s about the moment you stop waiting for someone to care the way you did. But it’s also about the artistry of subtlety, of knowing that you don’t have to shout to be heard. Karin Ann knows how to leave space in her music – and in that space, people find themselves.

What Comes Next

With upcoming visuals, international shows, and another major collaboration on the horizon, Karin is poised to continue her growth – without sacrificing the core of what makes her special. That’s not just rare in 2025. It’s revolutionary.

To hear i was never yours, stream the song on Spotify, and follow Karin Ann’s journey through her Instagram – where every photo and post feels like another layer in a story she’s still writing.