In a time when vinyl seemed to be fading into obscurity, a resurgence is now evident. Despite the dominance of digital music, vinyl sales in the U.S. saw a double-digit increase last year, reaching $1.4 billion. Canada also experienced a significant surge in vinyl sales between 2019 and 2021. While streaming services still dominate the music industry, the revival of vinyl highlights a shift in how people engage with music, leading to the rise of “listening bars” globally.
These unique establishments, like The Little Jerry in downtown Toronto, exclusively play vinyl records on a high-fidelity sound system, providing a rich and textured listening experience. Inspired by the jazz kissa of postwar Japan, these modern listening bars in North America offer a more relaxed ambiance, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in meticulously curated music selections.
The focus in these hi-fi venues is on creating an optimal listening environment that allows for both enjoying music and conversations. Playlists are carefully crafted by staff or sourced from visiting DJs’ personal vinyl collections, eschewing algorithm-generated mixes. It’s a quest for the perfect listening experience, akin to attending a live theatre performance, as described by Brandon Ng from Doze Hifi in Vancouver.
Amidst a world filled with distractions, the appeal of listening bars lies in offering a sanctuary away from screens, providing a dedicated space for music appreciation. Vinyl’s enduring allure, as explained by Jodie Dewald of The Little Jerry, lies in its tangible nature, akin to possessing a concert ticket.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply curious about the authentic sound of recorded music, here are some notable listening bars and vinyl cafés to explore across Canada.
– 915 Dupont: A serene space in Toronto that transitions from a daytime café playing soulful jazz and blues to a nighttime venue featuring eclectic vinyl sets by guest DJs.
– Sans Soleil Bar: Nestled beneath a Japanese restaurant in Montreal’s Chinatown, this intimate bar enhances the listening experience with vintage sound systems and curated vinyl sets.
– Stillwell Brewing Co.: Located in Halifax, this taproom boasts a custom hi-fi system for dynamic music experiences, hosting genre-based events and vinyl DJ sets.
– The Little Jerry: Toronto’s first hi-fi listening bar offers a cozy atmosphere, extensive wine selection, and a diverse range of vinyl music, including rare Canadian jazz.
– Café GotSoul: An art-filled listening café in Montreal’s Little Burgundy, showcasing a vast record collection and hosting vinyl DJ sessions on rotating vintage speakers.
– Doze Hifi: A traveling pop-up listening bar in Vancouver, curated by audiophiles, offering diverse vinyl experiences each month with a focus on high-quality sound.
– Bar Le Record: A vintage-inspired listening bar in Montreal’s Villeray district, featuring a vast vinyl collection dating back to the 1940s and hosting groovy music sessions with guest DJs on weekends.