Favourite Library - Secret Afternoon Tea House Show
Shot and written by Eva Lynch
April 27th, 2024
Last week I was invited to a secret show put on the Montreal music label and ‘mental botanical sanctuary,’ Favourite Library. I didn’t know what a secret show would entail, but immediately upon walking into the show’s downtown loft venue, I was met by an incredibly serene and welcoming environment.
Favourite Library started five or six years ago as an initiative amongst friends, headed by Edwin Raphael, a wonderful musician in his own right who recently released a re-imagined, deluxe version his indie folk album Will You Think Of Me Later (Recurring Dream), which I would encourage everyone to go take a listen to and enjoy its delicate and vulnerable arrangements. Edwin wanted an opportunity to share music with his friends and community without the typical pressures of the industry, so he opened up his home for a ‘secret’ show, and it was packed. They quickly began to branch out into public spaces around the city, highlighting unconventional venues that people may not know about or may not usually hear music. Focused on the connection created and fostered through sharing music, the concept quickly took off, what began as an intimate, invite-only show soon grew into a whole team of creatives working to build their careers authentically and sustainably through Favourite Library; committed to creating a space to support artists channel their own vision. Last year, Favourite Library grew into a music label as well, to continue furthering this mandate and mission.
Tonight, they have transformed a yoga studio into a musical oasis, as the downtown loft is illuminated with soft glowing globes and hidden sunset lamps which fill the room with warm orange tones, and whose rays bounce off the plants which gather in every corner. The space perfectly accommodates the growing group of people gathered in circles on the floor and floating around the room. The crowd is full of musicians and friends who have come to hear something new in this laid-back and welcoming setting. There is hot tea and Zamalek hibiscus drinks available at the front for you to take and settle into the cushions spread across the floor as people continue to join the crowd, chatting away in anticipation.
The evening began with Dahlia Rue, a singer and multidisciplinary artist from Newfoundland whose delicate and experimental voice filled the room. The angelic yet melancholic quality of her voice contained a vulnerability which had everyone in the room captivated. There was an edge to her storytelling and voice, which amplified the themes and message of the music, and was embodied in her forlorn alternative-indie tone. Her heart-wrenching, enticing melodies and emotional intensity shone through and left a lasting impression on the crowd. I know I can’t wait to hear more.
She was followed by Druker, a Montreal-based post-folk singer with a melodic sound which emphasized his unique low voice and rasp. With echoes of Jack Johnson and Ray LaMontagne, he sang a series of lullaby-like songs which serenaded the crowd and showed his ability for storytelling and threading narratives as a songwriter through a series of songs about people falling in and out of love. Half way through his set he began a cover of Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love,’ in the hopes of getting the crowd involved through a song they might be more familiar with. He strummed the slowed-down chords until the whole audience chimed in, singing the chorus as one large community and choir.
This act of coming-together seemed to deeply move the night’s following act, Milan André Boronell. He took a pause after a few songs to share his appreciation for the space Favourite Library has created, to share new work and thoughts, and have it met with such kind and open reception. The Montreal-born multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter started playing guitar at the age of ten, and it seems like it has grown to be an extension of himself, as he closed his eyes and effortlessly filled the room with gentle rhythm and invited you to get lost in the moment with him. He dedicated one of the most moving songs of the evening to his wife, who was sitting proudly in the front row, and enchanted the room with his smooth and confident voice which glided across the cords to mesmerize the audience.
The evening was closed out by the jazz duo Luminescent, who blend traditional techniques with new rhythmic approaches to create something fresh and timeless. On the handpan and harp, they crafted an ethereal and transportative sound which delicately brought you into a meditative and peaceful mindspace far from the studio where we all gathered to listen. Their music managed to somehow strike a balance between being elegant and sonically rich yet remained playful and full of delight. It felt like it embodied the collaborative and community aspect of the evening in a nutshell, as these two instruments and styles fused together to create something beautiful and unconventional yet deeply familiar with its soothing tones and lulling resonance.
It was a beautiful evening to be witness to. Favourite Library has created an incredibly precious space full of respect and support for musicians to form community and connect with family, friends and strangers alike. If you have the opportunity to attend one of their upcoming secret shows, you’re in for a treat! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their colourful posters on one of your walks through the city, and follow them on social media to stay in the loop and attend one of these sessions yourself.
