(Cara Bateman / carabateman.com)
When singer-songwriter Cara Bateman picks up her guitar, she’s tracing a journey nearly a decade in the making. Based in East Vancouver and rooted in a lifelong obsession with music, Cara’s evolution as an artist has been an exciting ride. From learning guitar with the humble goal of writing songs to fronting high-energy punk shows backed by a full band, her path is built on passion, grit, and relentless self-drive.
“I just go by my name, Cara Bateman,” she says, her voice a little hoarse but animated in a recent voice note interview. “It’s been about ten years now. I started from scratch. Learning to play guitar just so I could write songs.”
Her early material leaned into folk and outlaw country, which she describes as approachable and rooted in storytelling. “I didn’t want to start out trying to learn jazz solos,” she laughs. “I probably would’ve given up.” But Cara didn’t give up. Instead, she slowly carved a place for herself in the indie music world, one open mic and home recording at a time.
She was obsessed with singing from the time she could talk. Her mom insists she sang before she spoke. Despite this, it took Cara years to find the courage to perform. “I didn’t feel like music was a viable career option,” she admits. “It wasn’t until after university, when nothing else I studied felt right, that I decided to give music a real shot.”
Since then, Cara’s sound has been in constant evolution. What began as folk slowly gave way to jazz-influenced R&B, eventually blooming into what she now calls “R&B grunge,” with detours into rock and even punk. “My second EP was very Norah Jones. But these days, I’ve got a couple of punk songs on the latest album, and now I play with a band almost exclusively.”
Having a band behind her has opened up a new chapter. “That’s probably my favourite thing right now,” she says. “I always dreamed of playing with a band. Now we rehearse once, and they’re just so tight. And hilarious. I’m in awe of them.”
That chemistry came alive at her recent album release show at Green Auto, a DIY venue in Vancouver. “It was the most fun show I’ve ever played,” she says, still riding the high. “It was a full punk show. The first time I’ve done that. The energy from the crowd was unbelievable. I threw in a couple of ballads too, because that’s just me, but it still felt like a punk night.”
Behind the scenes, though, it hasn’t been easy. Like many independent artists, Cara wears all the hats, from performer to promoter, manager to grant writer. “Funding is really tough,” she says candidly. “I’m almost entirely self-funded. I did get a grant last year, but those are never guaranteed and take months to hear back on. Sometimes by the time you get the result, the moment you were chasing is gone.”
Burnout and missed deadlines are real. “I’ve missed festival applications and just felt overwhelmed,” she admits. “But when I get to record or play an amazing show, it’s all worth it. I’m obsessed with this.”
Cara’s latest album was both a creative and professional leap. After years of quick, one-day recording sessions in bedrooms and basements, she partnered with Andy Schichter at Park Sound Studio in North Vancouver. “It was the most professional experience I’ve ever had,” she says. “We didn’t rush. We built the songs in layers. Drums, bass, guitars, keys, harmonies, shakers. Whatever we imagined, we had the space to explore it.”
Better still, the session musicians were the same ones she performs live with, bringing cohesion and intimacy to the album’s sound. “It felt so personal and expansive at the same time.”
Cara isn’t slowing down anytime soon. “This project is all I’ve ever dreamed of,” she says. “I just want to keep going. Keep writing, keep playing, and eventually, record again when it feels right.”
In the meantime, she’s focused on the local DIY scene. “Green Auto was kind of my first venue like that, and I’m hoping to stock up a busy summer of shows,” she says.
Upcoming dates include:
- May 23 at Take Your Time (648 Kingsway) — a femme-fronted lineup featuring Spectra, Slowicide, and Like Whatever
- June 20 at Blue Light Studios — part of the Toddcast Podcast, with Stevie Wise opening.
She’s also eyeing repeat gigs at local favourites like Red Gate and continuing to connect with Vancouver’s music community.
When asked to define what music means to her, Cara knows immediately. “Music is cathartic. That’s the best word for me. It’s magic, it’s healing, it’s my passion. But, more than anything, it’s cathartic. Whether I’m at a show, writing a song, or just jamming with friends, it’s how I process everything.”
Through every shift in genre, every DIY show, and every moment of self-doubt, that catharsis has kept her grounded and moving forward.
Read my article about her song “1956” here
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca