A new tune from a local songwriter offers a sweet tribute to a beloved East Vancouver business.
Alt-country singer Madelyn Read dedicated her newest song to a real Vancouver flower shop situated along Renfrew Street.
Singing among the flowers of "Helen's on the corner of 1st Avenue," as the lyrics mention, the new single "Helen's" is a nod to Read's childhood in the Vancouver neighbourhood.
The music video is filmed inside Helen's Flowers and features Helen herself as she prepares bouquets for the Valentine's Day rush.
The video ends with a tribute to Helen and her corner shop, sharing the story of her and her family's journey to Vancouver and the reality of running the small business.
Read's new music is a "love song for the places in our communities that make us feel at home," the artist shares. "Helen's" is an ode to complicated feelings, joy, appreciation, loss, fear, and change.
More notably, the song touches on issues like the rising cost of living and gentrification that Read says harm local communities across North America, including at home here in Vancouver.
"I know it won't be long before Helen's goes down too // as they start building condos on 1st avenue," sings Read.
