Tuesday February 4, 2025
Kristin Venae’s Still Here isn’t just a song—it’s a resurrection. It’s the sound of someone clawing their way back from the abyss, not just to survive, but to sing about it. Venae, a Sydney-based indie soul and pop powerhouse, has been through it—Stage 2 breast cancer, for crying out loud—and instead of retreating, she’s come out swinging with a track that’s equal parts funk, pop, and raw, unfiltered soul.
This isn’t just music: it’s defiance set to a groove, a love letter to life, and a testament to the kind of resilience that makes you want to throw your fists in the air and shout, hell yes! The track kicks off with a guitar riff so crisp it could cut glass, a nod to Prince’s funk-laced mastery, before locking into a groove dripping with swagger. And then there’s Venae’s voice—rich, commanding, the kind of vocal presence that feels both classic and brand new. Think Mariah Carey’s range, Whitney Houston’s power, all wrapped up in an artist who knows exactly what she wants to say.
When the chorus hits—‘Look at me, I’m still here / day after day, year after year’—it doesn’t just land; it stays with you. More than a lyric, it’s a battle cry. A reminder that love—real, enduring love—endures not just in the bright moments, but in the hard ones too. And then comes the bridge. ‘Oh, we can fight so much / oh, and be so in love.’ It’s raw, it’s real, and it cuts straight to the bone. Venae doesn’t gloss over love’s imperfections—she leans into them. Life isn’t always easy, and neither is love, but that’s exactly why it’s worth holding onto. Still Here is the sound of an artist who’s been through the fire and come out the other side, not just standing, but singing at the top of her lungs.
Venae’s voice, at once sultry and soaring, carries the weight of every note, every word, every feeling. The production is lush, the harmonies ethereal, the whole thing swelling into a crescendo that feels like the sky breaking open after the storm. This isn’t just music; it’s a statement. A reminder that no matter what life throws at you, you can stand tall and keep going. Kristin Venae isn’t just back—she’s here. And if this track is any indication, she’s only just getting started.
