About Me

  Blessed with a musical family, Katja remembers singing since at least 7 years old. By age 12, she decided she wanted to be a performer and prompted to sing at every family party. In addition, she participated in school talent shows and choirs all through elementary school to college. Growing up in the ’90s, her major influences included Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Jason Mraz, Kelly Clarkson, and Pink.

Katja also spent much of her life leading community worship songs, along with her parents and younger sister Reni, for religious seminars. Through this community, she became closer to family friends James and Mark Paz and was also introduced to Ray Perlas. They often assisted in this religious music ministry as well, playing guitar, bass and drums interchangeably.

As Katja’s interest in becoming a serious musician continued to grow, she often asked Ray, Mark, and James to accompany her performances. Their driving passion for music has kept them together until this day. This past summer of 2011, Katja added two more band members: singer/pianist/guitarist Michelle Calaguio and guitarist/bassist Allyn Calvis. With additional harmonies and vocals by younger sister Reni, Katja and her band are in full performance mode.

FUN FACT:
“Katja” is a European name derived from Katherine. Her parents saw the “Katja” brand name for household items and decided to keep it as a nickname. Its pronunciation rhymes with “gotcha” or “cha-cha.”

The Band

Band Members

 Band Members:

Katja De La Merced (lead vocals) Reni De La Merced (backup vocals)
Michelle Calaguio (keyboard/guitar/backup vocals)
Allyn Calvis (guitar/bass/dancer)
Ray Perlas (guitar/drums)
James Paz (guitar/drums)
Mark Paz (guitar/drums)