With close to 4 million streams across platforms and a BCCMA Award under her belt, singer Kristin Carter is a familiar name to many in the Canadian music scene. After taking several years off to explore a new sound, Carter is back with the mesmerizing new single "I'm Still Here".
Created solely with the singer's beautiful voice, vocal layering and other sound effects bring the touching and slightly haunting (in that give-you-goosebumps sorta way) song to life. The result is a truly must-listen tune.
“This song was inspired by my reflection on some really challenging moments in my life. When I’ve considered the feeling of impossibility from these struggles, I’ve often wondered how I even made it through. I don’t think we give ourselves enough credit for what we endure, and the courage it takes to go forward. Life is hard. We’re all trying our best. We are forever changed by what happens to us, but most importantly after it all; we are still here,” she explains.
"I'm Still Here" is the first taste of her upcoming debut alum Full Bloom, which will be released in 2024 and promises to be a genre-bending collection of songs that a listener is sure to fall in love with.
If there is one thing Kristin Carter loves almost as much as creating music, it's food. Lucky for Carter, she's based in Vancouver, so she has no shortage of great options when it comes to dining out.
From a top-notch French eatery in Kits to a 70s-themed spot for drinks with friends, read through her favourite spots below.
Brunch
Vancouver's 4th Ave is well known for its brunch spots (and line ups), but my favourite is Au Comptoir. Classic french-style checkered chairs, and beautiful brass finishings make this place a stunner to sit in, and I love going there after shopping with my mom.
I like to start with the Mimosa Au Comptoir (carrot juice, orange juice, and lemon with bubbles) to get the weekend started off right. For a main I like the Gaufre Madame, made with onion mornay, Parisian ham, and a soft-poached egg, all perched on top of buckwheat waffles. So good!
Lunch
I've always felt that Casereccio is massively underrated when it comes to Italian food in Vancouver. It's the best neighborhood Italian spot and the owners—who are lovely to chat with—are always there too. I go here at least twice a week, it’s just off broadway south of Kits Beach.
They make beautiful pastries, serve creamy rich gelato (the sour cherry is my personal favourite), but best of all are the handmade pasta and sauces. Pick your pasta, pick your sauce. It’s unpretentious, inviting, and so so good. My go-to choice is the Campanelle with Porcini Cream.
I take everyone here.
Dinner
I’m really a sucker for a colourful and fancy presentation comes dinnertime and Bar Susu has that down to a science. It always feels like a big night out going here.
This organic wine bar and restaurant in Mount Pleasant always packed, and its moody lighting, lamps, and large windows show off the space beautifully. The staff are super knowledgeable and always recommend really unique and interesting wines to pair with the menu. My favourites from here are the Chicken Liver Rosette and the Kentucky Fried Maitake.
(Bar Susu is currently running a pop-up out of Novella (also an amazing spot) due to a fire at their original location.)
Drinks
Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions is a 70s lover’s dream! They hit the theme out of the park with all the gold and caramel stripes in the room, and throwback furniture. I love meeting my friends here for a catch up, it’s just so fun.
Their menu of drinks has a ton of local breweries and BC wines, but they also have wild slushies on hand like the Vietnamese Coffee and Space Wizard Sangria. Best part is, if you get a little hungry, they have a menu of cheap hot dogs (some are only $3!) that they serve to you in a retro lunch box. Really fun meet up spot.
