Cara Bateman Shares New Single, “Time To Be A Bitch”
Vancouver, BC’s Cara Bateman is a risk taker – as is evidenced in her most recent writings. With songs like “Make Out With My Ex” and “Joe Rogan Broke Up My Relationship,” it is clear she is not in the business of playing it safe. Growing up in a working-class suburb, she spent much of her childhood and adolescence doing just that. Now in her thirties, and working toward the creative life of her dreams, she has spent the last few years unlearning aspects of her upbringing that no longer serve her while simultaneously discovering what truly feels important to her own beliefs.
All of this is reflected in her current writings which have become heavier, edgier, and bolder than the last. Her upcoming debut album contains elements of grunge, rock and roll, and punk. At the end of the day, though, Cara will always be a vocalist’s vocalist – and she continues to feature her soothing, soulful, and powerful voice at the forefront of the latest soundscapes. Is R&B Grunge a genre? Cara is doing her best to create it.
On January 19, Cara unveiled her brand new single, “Time To Be A Bitch.”
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi! I’m Cara Bateman. I’ve been playing music for eight years now and have jumped from Folk and Country to Soul and Jazz to what I now like to call R&B Grunge. Music is my obsession and I get particularly nerdy about song and lyric writing. Having written so much over the years, I try to challenge myself to write in different ways — hence the constant change in genres. But I also just don’t like to be put into a box 😉 Hope you like and connect with some of my tunes!
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
‘Time To Be A Bitch’ was borne out of a conversation I had with a friend this past summer. Dating is a tricky thing, and over the years I’ve noticed a pattern: The men that I am not interested in but who make attempts to pursue me never seem to take “no” for an answer. No matter how direct my rejection, they will continue to be in contact — be it weeks, months, or even years later. However, if ever I reciprocate a man’s advances, the interest seems to fade just as quickly as it came about.
I expressed my frustrations to this friend and he said “I think you need to be a bitch. Men like it when you’re mean to them. You have to play the game.” This irritated me as it does not come naturally to me and I find it incredibly difficult to do. And so, I did the only thing I could think of: I wrote a song. Time To Be A Bitch is about taking your power back, being your genuine and authentic self, and leaving the games behind. In 2024, we don’t have time for that. We’re booked and busy, babes.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
It’s a bit of a snowball effect. Typically, I find a chord progression or a riff on the guitar that catches my ear. A melody comes almost instantaneously. At this point, I’m usually singing gibberish — perhaps a word comes out, or I might not sing any words at all. Then it’s time to take that idea and expand on it. Don’t just stop at the chord progression or the quick riff! Extend it — make it a whole verse. Come up with another chord progression or riff for the chorus — or keep the same chords as you had in the verse and switch up the melody and rhythm! Come up with a subject if you didn’t have one in mind at the start, and write your lyrics. At the end of the day, it comes down to discipline. If you have an idea at all, you can make it a song. Clock those hours!
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
This is the first of 10 songs off of my upcoming debut full-length album, “Daddy Issues.” So yes, you can expect another nine songs to follow throughout 2024! Keep your eyes and ears peeled on all of my socials.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
There have been so many! The first was getting the opportunity to open for Dashboard Confessional and The Elwins at the iconic Commodore in Vancouver. I grew up going to shows at that venue and it truly felt like a dream come true to be able to play it. I also go to join them on tour in Victoria and Kelowna! It was unbelievable.
This past summer I played Khatsahlano Street Party in Vancouver, as well as Tiny Lights Festival in Kaslo, BC. I’ve had the opportunity to play and collaborate with so many incredible artists in the local Vancouver scene. In 2022, I played at the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival!
Otherwise, recording this album has been an absolute turning point. I’ve made the switch to a heavier sound and have been able to create the highest-quality recordings of my career so far. Never before have I been granted the luxury of spending so much time in the studio, adding layers and making changes to perfectly encapsulate my vision. Andy Schichter (Producer, Engineer) of Park Sound Studio has been an absolute joy to work with.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
The Vancouver music scene is blowing me away. I am endlessly inspired. To name a few: Kate Yahn, Avery Sloane, Spank Williams, and Janky Bungag. Though there are so many more!! Keep heading out to local shows — there is so much magic to be discovered.