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

Larissa Dawn, vocalist for Vancouver-based hard rock band Celestial Ruin.

Who are you

I was born in Langley, BC, and have been performing since I was five years old. I trained in various performing arts disciplines, including singing, dancing, acting, and circus arts/aerial acrobatics. I spent a year and a half in the Musical Theatre program at Capilano College before dropping out to get some real world experience. I quickly landed an agent and ended up being cast in the Horse Raven Theatre production of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding where I spent four years with the company. After the show ended a friend posted videos of me singing at a local karaoke bar on her social media. Not long after that an indie label in Calgary contacted me and asked if I was interested in auditioning for a new female-fronted band that was forming in Vancouver. In what was probably the most unusual audition of my life, after singing a few songs at karaoke—“Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga and “Somebody to Love” by Queen—for drummer Adam Todd, I was asked to join the band.

I have been singing and writing for Celestial Ruin for over 10 years. In that time we have released two albums—The Awakening and Pandora—and three stand-alone singles; the latest being our new single “See U Nxt Tuezday”, produced by Jay Van Poederooyen (Hinder, Devin Townsend, Nickelback). The video for the track was directed by Dave Benedict (Default, Bonds of Mara).

First concert

My Grandma took me to see the Oak Ridge Boys. I think I was three or four years old. I remember staying awake until I heard them play “Elvira” then fell asleep!

Life-changing concert

I know this might sound crazy coming from a rock singer but it was the Backstreet Boys at Roger’s Arena. I was still in high school and was a huge fan. The energy was insane! So many people screaming, dancing, and singing every line of every song! But for me, it was more than that. Watching them up there on that giant stage, singing and dancing live made me realize “I want and needed to do that.” I remember listening to their harmonies and crying because it sounded so beautiful. I left the show that night with a new dream….to tour the world doing arena shows.

Top three albums

Lady Gaga The Fame/The Fame Monster This collection of music changed the way I viewed “pop” singers. She was so much more than that. She was a boss! Her lyrics and melodies were so unique. She basically created a new genre of pop music. I can throw on these two albums anytime and I just wanna sing and dance all night.

In This Moment Black Widow This album changed my entire opinion of what metal music “should” be. I saw Maria Brink for the first time and she was a complete goddess. When she screams, she sounds like a beast, but still very feminine. I was drawn to the music and I loved her style. A combination of metal and industrial with touches of pop thrown in. This was the album that made me want to learn to scream. I watch hours of videos of Maria singing. Where she positioned her body, her mouth, how she breathed! I don’t think I would have ever thought I could learn to scream and still feel beautiful while doing it if it wasn’t for Black Widow and Maria.

Brooks and Dunn Brand New Man I secretly love country music. Especially the country music that came out in the ‘90s. This was the first cassette tape my grandma bought for me. I listened to it nonstop and memorized every single word. My favorite songs were “Brand New Man” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”. It was the first time any of my family realized that I could sing. I am very grateful to them for introducing me to country music and to this day this album is still on my phone.

Favourite music video

Michael Jackson “Thriller” Hands down, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. This video is fire! The story, the dancing, the makeup. I’m a horror movie junkie and thought this video was so creative and was unlike anything that anyone had ever put out before. Michael always went above and beyond.

This video was also the start of my interest in makeup artistry. I loved zombies and anything scary. I graduated from John Casablanca Institute for makeup artistry in 2009.

What’s in your fridge

Three jars of dill pickles. I love pickles and have no less than three jars in the fridge at all times. You might call it a pickle addiction. I eat pickles every day and drink pickle juice after my workouts. Pickle juice also keeps my voice in great shape, and is good for digestion and gut health. So dill-icious!

Cheese. An insane amount of cheese! I am a cheese monster. I eat cheese with almost everything. Right now my fridge is packed with Brie, goat feta, smoked havarti, fresh shaved Parmesan, Gruyère, Swiss, Gouda, blue cheese, and my favourite Amber Ale Cheddar from Save on Foods. And surprise, surprise—cheese goes great with pickles! I even dip cheese in dill dressing. I read that cheese addiction is a real thing and I am guilty as charged. Dairy crack.

Bunny Food. I have a huge drawer of veggies for my bunny, Roger. He is beyond spoiled. He loves kale, cilantro, carrots, parsley, spinach, and the tops from baby bok choy and radishes. It would be fair to say he runs the house and Mike and I are just the servants!

You can check out more of Celestial Ruin here.