One more Profile for the week. Probably! Kariti (карити), the emotional and creative outlet of poet and songwriter Ekaterina, released her latest full-length Still Life back on November 7th through Lay Bare Recordings. With a Slavonic name meaning “to mourn the dead”, the dark ambient soundscapes contained in this collection certainly fit the bill. It’s feels like a personal composition, and as a result it becomes an experience that is equally as personal for a listener. So, it’s time to get started. Give the responses to our questions a quick read and then take the time to explore Still Life.

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

5 years ago I recorded and released my first album “Covered Mirrors”, which served as a channel and a tool for dealing with old wounds and loss, I never planned on making that (or any other) record, nor on ever playing live, but the universe had a different plan, so here we are.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

Ritual.

Is there anything about your latest album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

I don’t know as I am yet to be interviewed about “still life”, so I can’t really answer this as i would probably be lying.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Not something I can talk about.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

I don’t think I am part of any scene as someone who makes music, but as someone who goes to a lot of shows, seeing the same bands playing every festival again and again isn’t great, but it’s nothing new, really.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

Animal welfare in a broad sense, nature and related social injustice, some of my lyrics cover these themes and I donate merch proceeds to charities that are making a difference.

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

Yes, it would be impossible to make a living off music in my case, it also gives me certain freedom without having to make ‘commercially’ viable choices, as cringe as it sounds.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

I appreciate everyone who dedicates their time and energy to promoting underground independent music, so no advices, just a thank you.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

Yes, I am starting to learn Greek, or did you mean music-related? Then no, I never plan it, it comes as it does and I just go along with it.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

“CYRM” by OXN, specifically the song “Farmer in the City”.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

Preparing to play “still life” live, which is going to be an interesting journey on its own.

Summarize your band in one word.

Purge.

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Many thanks to Kariti for the time!

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Still Life is out now through Lay Bare Recordings. For more information on Kariti, head over to Facebook or Instagram.