Slovakian alt-pop singer-songwriter Karin Ann has released her new single, “i was never yours.”
The first single in a series leading up to 2026, ‘i was never yours’ was co-written with Suki Waterhouse and Harrison Whitford (Phoebe Bridgers), and produced by Benjamin Lazar Davis (Maya Hawke).
Known for championing the LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse communities, Karin Ann’s 2024 debut album, through the telescope, explores themes of gender equality, the queer experience, and mental health.
A cinematic blend of folk, rock, and country, "i was never yours" finds Karin Ann delving into the tension of heartbreak and confronting the fear of settling in a long-term relationship with someone who isn’t right for her.
With the addition of violin and steel guitar, "i was never yours" showcases Karin Ann’s beautiful alto vocals singing: “better that I leave you now / ’cause I just keep on running / married in a year or two / with kids I never wanted.” The lyrics capture a very common fear, and layered within the track, Karin Ann paints a vivid, palpable picture.
To mark the release of "I was never yours," Karin Ann sat down to share her thoughts on the new single and the stories behind it.
Can you tell me a bit about writing the new single?
I always say I write songs because I don’t know how to talk about the things I write about—so I write it into the song. I never sit down and say, “This will be the genre,” or “These are the instruments I’ll use.” I focus on the lyrics and melody first, then build everything around that. I just want it to feel authentic.
You co-wrote this one with Suki Waterhouse–what’s it like writing on your own versus collaborating with someone?
It really depends on the person. I’ve had sessions where there wasn’t much creative chemistry, but this song with Suki came about really naturally and really fast.
Everyone was having fun, and it was a good vibe. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy most of my sessions—most of what I release comes from those fun, connected moments.
But this was also a more lighthearted track, which made the session feel different. I usually write sad songs, even if the vibe is good in the room. So writing something that felt more fun was refreshing.
What were your inspirations for the new song?
Like with anything I write, the inspiration comes from my experience in the world—the things I see and go through. That’s where it all comes from.
You're very outspoken about mental health and queer identity—what is the drive behind that for you?
Probably not seeing much of that growing up. I didn’t have people I could look up to who shared the same identity or struggled with the same things I did. There wasn’t much representation.
But also, it’s just my lived experience—being queer and dealing with mental health challenges is a big part of who I am, so why wouldn’t I talk about it? I always try to be as authentic as possible, and that’s just part of it. Even if I don’t consciously think about it all the time, I’m sure the lack of representation I had growing up plays into it, too.
What made you want to start making music?
I’ve wanted to do music and acting since I was around four. Whenever someone would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d always say an actor and a singer. That was just a given.
But I didn’t think it was possible—especially coming from a place without much support for the arts.
I’m glad it worked out, though. There are definitely things I wonder if I’d be doing instead, but I’d still always want to be doing this regardless.
How did you find doing the cover of Bowie's 'Heroes'?
Honestly, I don’t even know—we started working on it a couple years ago, so the details are kind of hazy. I remember my team came to me and said they were working with Mark and asked if I wanted to maybe do a Bowie cover with him.
At first, I said no. Not because I didn’t like Bowie, but because I was scared. With legendary artists like him, there’s this pressure—how do you honor that legacy without copying it? How will people receive it?
Eventually, my team suggested I just try working on it with Mark and keep it quiet—no one had to know, and I could decide later if I wanted to move forward. That made me more comfortable.
The more we worked on it, the more confident I felt, especially when Mark said the other members of Bowie’s band might get involved. That gave me even more confidence.
And when Mark—who worked with Bowie for years—told me he thought David would’ve liked what we made, that felt like the closest I could get to a stamp of approval. That’s when I decided to release it.
Final Thoughts
Having already made an impression as a support for YUNGBLUD and My Chemical Romance, Karin Ann is fast becoming a rising star in the alt-pop scene–and it’s not hard to see why.
