Katrina is an artist with stirring, vibrant songs that embody universal themes of love and strength.  She grew up in Paradise Valley, Ariz., the youngest of 11 children.   Initially, Carlson did not formally pursue a musical career.  She attended Brown University, where she majored in international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy.  After graduation, Carlson earned admission into the Manhattan School of Music and Brooklyn College's opera program.  During this time, she expanded her creative repertoire and joined an Off-Broadway Cole Porter review amongst many other musical productions.  Carlson also appeared in the 1999 indie romantic comedy Special Delivery, and contributed two songs to the film's soundtrack.

In September 2001, Carlson released her debut record, Apples for Eve, with songs co-written and produced by Emmy winner Ron Cohen.  Soon after, Carlson's music started to spread its way throughout American culture.  Her music graced the soundtracks of television shows Dawson's Creek, Lost and Passions, as well as the feature film Go Tigers!.  As a result of these successes, Carlson was selected as a 2002 finalist in the Rolling Stone/Jim Beam Emerging Artist series.

Carlson's second record, 2003's Untucked, contained four hit singles that spent a remarkable 18 combined months on the Billboard and R&R Adult Contemporary charts.  The romantic pop ballad "I Know You by Heart" is a powerful and moving duet featuring Benny Mardones -- best known for his 1980s hit single "Into the Night."   Carlson continued her sonic diversity by expanding her 1970s-era, soft-rock sound to include a deeper, edgier pop-rock sound.  This creative evolution has shaped Carlson's latest effort, Here and Now.  Produced by Ron Aniello (Barenaked Ladies, Guster, Lifehouse), the new record offers a lush collection of sweeping power ballads and upbeat pop tunes.  

While on tour, Carlson has opened for such artists as Kenny Loggins, Chicago, Eddie Money and Rick Springfield.  Priding herself in the ability to "mix it up" onstage, Carlson offers audiences everything from an unplugged acoustic show to a full rock band extravaganza.  "Lately, I've been throwing in snippets of opera!" Carlson added, laughing.  Carlson loves that her audiences include dancing teenagers, hip seniors and everything in between. 

Carlson consulted with Cat Cohen when she was writing material for her Untucked album.