About

To create art that is true to who you really are, you need to harness the power of the yin and the yang. Knowing that without staring down into oblivion, there can be no chance of flying up to the heavens. Realising that life is about balance. Understanding that it is impossible to enjoy and despair at what's on either side of the scales without processing them equally. For every negative, there is a positive around the corner. There can be no light without the dark.

This is the place where HENKA exists. Formed in 2021 as the solo project of Cat Pereira, it is an outlet for expression that she has been working towards for over a decade. A dark, atmospheric universe where emotional depth exists at the forefront and harsh but vital lessons are learnt around every corner you turn. It is a project that understands that life will ebb and flow, and all you can do is follow and thrive in each wave that hits you. Without vulnerability, there can be no empowerment.

 HENKA itself is a Japanese term that means to alter or transform. A fresh start and a new beginning, if you will. That's precisely what Cat brought into action after spending almost a decade fronting London alternative metal band Derange. Taking a step into the world on her own was the chance for her to embody and demonstrate all of the things that she was passionate about, which, until now, she had been unable to bring to life in the way she wanted. Her love for poetic and prominent female artists such as Halsey and PJ Harvey. Her passion for martial arts – with HENKA also a term used to describe movement in sumo wrestling. Her penchant for forward-thinking and artistically driven couture fashion, pushing the boundaries of stylistic expectation to their very limits. And most importantly, a place to share her innermost dreams and desires, no matter how decadent or destructive they are.

Working with everyone from As Everything Unfolds' Jon Cassidy to Exist Immortal's Meyrick de la Fuente, and even getting advice from SikTh's Mikee Goodman along the way, these visions have transformed from dreams into realities. Debut single 'Pedestal', released in 2022 and about how you should never let those you love be threatened by how powerful you feel, with static pulses of intention and power. Meanwhile, 2023's 'Caught Up' encompasses all of the throbbing vibrance of modern pop in a mysterious shell whilst focusing on the vulnerability that comes with having your heart broken and the effects that being so open can have. Combining the potent devastation of darkwave, triumphant bounce of post-hardcore and savage resolve of pop-rock, the HENKA sound dips its toes into as many pools as possible. And this wide variety of influences and intentions equates to an artist who knows precisely what they are worth. HENKA is channelling all they have picked up into a vessel full of acceptance, anticipation and affirmation. A place that she feels represents her in a way that nothing else has previously.

With a new chapter about to begin, taking everything that has come before and shifting it into a whole new gear, Cat cannot wait to share her uniquely ambitious vision with the world. Though more than anything, HENKA has already given her more than she could ever ask for. A platform of her own creating that allows her to delve into the deepest and darkest places in her mind and soul. A domain where nothing is off limits. And, most importantly, a mindset where she feels empowered by what she has been through and empathetic to the person she has been and will be.

 HENKA is a solace, and you are welcome to join.