In Conversation: Katrina Leskanich

With this year’s Eurovision final approaching Penny Dee caught up with the UK Queen of the Song Festival – Katrina Leskanich

In this special programme, Penny Dee chats to Katrina Leskanich, formally of Katrina and The Waves about her long career, her experience of representing the UK – and winning – the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest and her thoughts about women and happiness.

Walking On Sunshine

Though Katrina and The Waves were formed in the UK, their first success was in in Canada in 1983 with the release of their first album Walking on Sunshine.

This quickly gained the attention of radio stations and prompted a tour of the country.

In turn, this led to a bigger label – Capitol Records – singing the group and in 1985, the original first album was re-recorded and released worldwide.

A new version of Walking on Sunshine was recorded – and became the iconic smash that the group is best-known for.

Love Shine A Light

Fast forward to 1997 and Katrina and The Waves were selected to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest.  The song Love Shine A Light was a firm favourite with the juries, being awarded 12 points from 10 countries.

It was a clear winner – and also became a #3 hit in the UK.

I couldn’t Live Without Your Love

Katrina’s new single is our Record Of The Week on MIX56.  

I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love is the timeless classic written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, originally a hit for Petula Clark in 1966.

It’s a song that Katrina remembers hearing on the radio many years ago – and she’s thrilled to have finally got around to recording it.

It’s a wonderfully uplifting pop song – and many are saying, even better than the original!

Incidentally, the new single has been produced by Darren Loveday – who’s distinguished career includes many collaborations with special friend of MIX56, Elio Pace.

Katrina Leskanich on The Penny Dee Show

Katrina was Penny’s special guest on The Penny Dee Show on Friday 10th May – the eve of the 2024 Eurovision final.  You can listen to this inspiring conversation again right here.

Be sure to check out Katrina’s Official Website where you can also download her new single!