What’s in Your Fridge is where the Straight asks interesting Vancouverites about their life-changing concerts, favourite albums, and, most importantly, what’s sitting beside the Heinz ketchup in their custom-made Big Chill Retropolitan 20.6-cubic-foot refrigerators.

On the grill

Caitlin Goulet

Who are you

I’m a singer-songwriter, daydreamer, and recovering nice girl. I create alt-pop/alternative R&B music. If you find life and love to be messy and confusing, you’ll probably relate to my songs. A lot of the subject matter is about figuring out what I want and don’t want in life, and how I’m trying to find and achieve those things. Discovering and accepting that I’m kinda messed up, and learning how to empower myself, move forward, and drop the dead weight. The songs are built on dreamy synths and lush vocal harmonies, bad choices and the lessons learned, and a dash of weirdness. Or more. My single "Dive Deep" is out on all platforms, and the video is out on YouTube. New singles and an EP are coming out this spring. My hope is that listeners can learn to be okay with themselves and find some of the healing I experienced writing and creating these songs. 

First concert

In summer 2001, my friend Emily and I spent a lot of time at the Calgary Stampede. We would hang out in front of the Coca-Cola stage for hours before the concerts so we could have a spot in the front row. To this day I think one reason was so that we could hold on to the barricades for dear life and not get swept up by the mosh pit. See, Em is barely five feet tall on a good day. People always thought she was my little sister, which kinda pissed her off. But security always kept an extra eye out for us 'cause they worried she’d get crushed, so we never lost our spot. The most memorable of these concerts was the Tea Party. I was fascinated by the band’s talent, specifically Jeff Martin’s vocals, guitar playing, and the other cool instruments he played. I had never seen a dobro before and watching him play kinda blew my mind. Their unique style and great songwriting were unlike anything I’d ever heard before. I became a huge fan of the band that day. That opened me up to a bunch of other influences. When my stepdad heard me playing their stuff, he said Jeff reminded him of Jim Morrison, and he introduced me to the Doors, which I became obsessed with. This was a gateway to psychedelic rock and blues. 

Life-changing concert

 Beyoncé performed a free concert at Yonge-Dundas Square in 2006. At the time, I was a broke student going to performing-arts school in Toronto, so getting to see an artist of her calibre was a huge deal for me. I found out last-minute, so I just went alone. Everything about her performance was amazing: vocals, choreography, attitude. She made it obvious that she loves what she does and adores and appreciates her fans. Her band was bad-ass too—every musician on that stage was a woman, which was pretty uncommon at the time. Her generosity of spirit and connection to her fans really struck me that day, and that is something I strive to bring to my performances.

 A recent concert that blew me away was Janelle Monae’s Dirty Computer tour in 2018. I saw her at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Her messages of empowerment, love, excellence, and purpose inspire me to this day. Every detail of that show supported a carefully crafted concept. The black, white, and red vinyl, the glitter, her throne, the keytar, pink ruffled pants (you had to be there), the moves! Every person on that stage was a star. Everyone in the audience was dancing. Also, the fans who came out to this show were the most friendly and stylish people I’ve seen in this city.

Top three records

 This was so hard! I better send this now before I change my mind. I feel like I’m betraying all my other favourites.

Janet Jackson Velvet Rope Janet was one of my idols growing up. Music was a big part of my bond with my mama and sister, and this was one of the albums we listened to together. We would have ridiculous dance parties in the living room, and sing at the top of our lungs in the car. There were a lot of fun jams on this album, and others with more deeply emotional lyrical content. 

Ms. Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill  I was obsessed with "Doo Wop (That Thing)" when it came out. The production, that sticky piano line, Ms. Lauryn Hill’s rich voice and wisdom in her lyrics. This was back when you’d invest in an entire album hoping it would be as good as the first single. It was an HMV gift certificate well spent! To me, every track stands on its own, and it’s an album I can easily listen to from start to finish, repeatedly. Her songs inspire me to be a better, wiser person, and I am really thankful her music was around when I was a 13-year-old girl. We need more music like this to cultivate our minds and hearts. I should probably go listen to her right now, actually. Might help me get my life together. 

Jeff Buckley Grace This album spoke to my angst and my weirdness on so many levels, and carried me through some of my darkest times. I could nerd out about his guitar and vocal chops, stunning chord choices, and poetic lyrics too. Jeff Buckley’s emotive, magical singing and his tendency to break the rules of song structure played a huge influence on me when I first started writing. Out of control, but in control. He turned pain into something beautiful.  A truly brilliant artist.

All-time favourite video

Also incredibly hard to pick!

Janet Jackson and Busta Rhymes "What’s It Gonna Be?"  First of all, the song was a banger. Second, I wanted to be Janet Jackson when I grew up. She looked like a bad-ass space queen in this video. I still want a replica of that costume! Busta looked pretty cool too. Overall, just a mesmerizing video that you can’t stop watching. 

I also loved “All Is Full of Love” by Björk for all the same reasons. Because this questionnaire suggested that “weird is good. Unless you’re talking Björk,” I needed to mention it.

What’s in your fridge?

Zevia Ginger Beer. Great with rum! Or not, ha-ha. I usually stop or cut back on drinking when I have important events coming up, so this is a nice nonalcoholic option on its own or with bitters. 

“Real Thai” Coconut Milk. The creamiest, tastiest coconut milk you can find. My friend Charlene introduced me to it. I love coconut milk, but it has to be creamy and thick like this one. Only place I can find it is London Drugs. I like to blend it into my coffee, mix it with oatmeal or cold cereal, and use it for cooking and baking. Or just drinking a little on its own when no one’s watching. 

Avocado. One of my favourite foods. Perfect with breakfast or a salad, or wrapped in turkey or ham slices. Or just on its own. This includes guac. I almost always have avocado before a show, usually with banana. 

Watch for more from Caitlin Goulet here.