Canada

Montreal

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Gayance is an artist whose creativity seems to know no bounds.

Working across several disciplines in the creative industries, Gayance – real name Aisha Vertus – has written for the likes of 

. Aside from writing, she's also a filmmaker, broadcaster, music programme consultant and exhibition curator.

Like her boundless creativity, her music has a borderless approach which sees Vertus prioritising joy and fun in her sound. The producer grew up on Haitian-Cuban-influenced gospels that were played in church, and in her own sets she traces the Black history of music, often opting for vinyls from the Caribbean and West Africa. Having released on platforms such as Sherelle's Beautiful Music, Vertus is set to release her debut album 

In the lead-up to the album's release, we asked the producer for some advice on where to go in Montreal. Vertus is not only a vinyl aficionado but an expert in natural wine in Montreal too. Here, she shares the best spots for natural wine in the Canadian city.

One of my favourite spots to celebrate every win. It's close to the iconic RCA building where the gramophone was invented in St-Henri, Montreal. Grilled Italian food and a lot of natural wine.

This is my spot, you can find me there a whole weekend. Sans Soleil is a very small, 70s look listening bar with sashimi and sushi. Upstairs is Fleurs & Cadeaux with a more elaborate menu and more space to eat and sit. I had the best night in summer 2022 back there!

It's not too far from where I used to live, it's street Thai food and you can also buy natural wine and eat in the Parc 500 metres away from the restaurant. It's a must if you are in Little Italy in Montreal.

Obviously, Carolyn Aubry (aka @_whinemom_) is a very good friend. She used to be a personal wine shopper and got me all the best bottles to make my album in the cottage for two weeks. Now, she is the partner in the first importation wine shop in Montreal called Vinorama.

Anytime I have a date I go to Vinvinvin. It's in the east part of Beaubien Street in Montreal. Not too far from my place and it's very cute.

I mean, there was a time when Loïc was the most iconic place between 2016-2019, that's where I met many good friends. It was the best place to DJ before the pandemic. Felt like Europe vibes because it was never closing basically.

Datcha is a club at night but every Thursday there's a band trio with Zach Frampton on the keys playing before the DJ. I will always remember doing the jazz nights with him at Magdalena back in 2016. The owner, Madeleine, is the one who put me on natural wine. Since Magdalena closed, he moved his gig to Datcha. You get a tarot read, you drink good wine, eat good food and listen to an amazing jazz trio. And once in a blue moon when I'm in town, I continue the night with jazz dancefloor music.

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Gayance's Guide to Natural Wine in Montreal

Blue Hawaii

As the cultural centre of Canada, Montréal lives and breathes creativity and passion. Filled to the brim with hopeful musicians and artists, the air is light, crisp and french-infused. Local duo, Blue Hawaii, formed of Alex “Agor” Kerby and Raphaelle “Ra” Standell, feed off this ever-flowing energy of the city into experimental, pop/electro music that often blurs the lines between genres. From stunning views on Mount Royal to days braving the cold in a record shop, these are some of their favourite spots.

A spa out on the water overlooking the old port. Beautiful views. Good at all times of the year.

Fine French dining. Best steak frites in Montreal. Stunning ambiance. Wonderful wine list.

Record shop with a really good selection and really good prices.

A book shop with graphic novels and modern novels - really special vibe here.

This cafe is the best, it feels like you’re walking into a cafe from the 1960’s. Wonderful atmosphere.

Small stalls and local farmers. A beautiful experience with all kinds of food to try.

The large orange globe with good drinks and hot dogs, a must see, especially in the summer.

Kabinet on a Thursday for jazz/tarot night. Cute cocktail club, try the rasputin. Datcha is the club side. Wednesday nights are best at Datcha or Thursday’s after-jazz tarot.

Blue Hawaii's Guide to Montreal

Bar Datcha

Kabinet and Datcha

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