The latest volume of MCR [Montreal City Radio] is in! Our latest mini-series puts the spotlight on the city of saints showcasing the eclectic ensemble of artists, which make the vibe in the space so special. We continue this week with guests Gayance and Mister Atkins AKA DUO TANG. This pair of respected selectors are firmly engrained in Montreal’s musical structure. In addition to sharing their thoughts on what makes the metropolis tick, they’ve put together a simply exquisite recording for your ears. Enjoy!
WWD: Start us off at the beginning, where did Mister Atkins & Gayance first connect?
GAYANCE: We met through friends of friends. He asked me what I was listening to in my headphones.
WWD: When did you decide to form a Duo?
G: We were in Brooklyn last summer. This city really inspired us and we wanted to create DUO TANG together.
A: We were sending each other music frequently, bouncing off what the other had sent previously. Then, Gayance talked me into mixing outside of my living room.
WWD: I know you’re both avid record collectors. Talks us through your tastes! Where do you go to dig in Montreal?
G: I’m in love with Brazilian music (Bossa Nova, Samba, Hip Hop, Rock etc). I’ve went there to buy some records for 2 months. I also collect vinyls from female emcees. A few records of Hip Hop/R&B that I used to listen when I was a teenager from Project Pat to Aaliyah. I have some jazz and Grime / UKG too. I always find good stuff at Sonorama and Death of Vinyl but, recently me and Mister Atkins are often at 180g.
A: It’s the way I support the new music I get into. Most of the records I buy come from bandcamp through independant/smaller record labels – it’s soothing to know the money goes right back into pressing fresh music.
I have some jazz and beat albums ranging from Diggs Duke to some of the Cosmic Composition compilations. Lots of soulful jams ( Jamie Woon, Henry Wu, Jordan Rakei, Nick Hakim). I enjoy albums that play back to back and well-written tunes. I definitely have the more down tempo collection out of the two of us. Wherever I go to dig, I just try and get there before Gayance does.
WWD: For both of you, what record has had the biggest impact on your outlook on life?
A: When I was in Tasmania a few years ago, someone had just told me I could sleep in their smoky living room for a few days. They played me some Fat Freddie’s Drop through their sound system. The way that group manages to build around a simple composition and progressively layer it with brass, drums, vocals reminded me of how everyday life could be repetitive and yet, if you find small layers to add to it, you can always find something to keep it interesting.
G: Funny that you say that, I just came back from a coffee-catch up with a high school friend. She asked me if I was still into Bob Marley because, in my teenage years I used to dress like him and listen to his music all the time. I’d say Catch A Fire will always be an important album for me. I gave it to Mister Atkins as a first gift and it’s the first record I’ve ever bought on vinyl.
WWD: How would you compare the digging culture in the city to the likes of Brooklyn and Atlanta?
G\ A: I can’t speak for other diggers but, I know that every city has their specialities. It’s like going back in time on what people used to listen to but also, a reflection of what the particular local scene is like.
WWD: In your eyes, how would you describe the state of Montreal’s independent music scene? Is there much to excite?
G: Montreal is a very special place. We are european-american by excellence. We basically have the best of both cultures. You can feel it in the way people produce music. 8 months per year it’s the hardcore winter and people are super creative and during the summer/fall it’s time to showcase what you did when it was cold. I mean, a summer in Montreal will make you fall in love with the city. There’s SO MUCH events, festivals, parties etc. And you definitely need to live the winter to feel the anticipation regarding the summer.
A: I think it’s a healthy eco-system. There are a lot of people from all around the world on this island, add that to the language question and I think it pushes musicians and writers to blend ideas from all kinds of cultures and genres into their sound. I think it also pushes music –lovers to be ready and open-minded towards new music. To complement the setup, there are a lot of small venues and festivals so that artist can be heard. It’s fertile place for crazy bedroom producers and also, musicians that choose to recycle or reuse traditional formulas.
WWD: You both contribute to the local scene in many different ways from All Day Jam to n10.as, what can you tell us about the other projects you have on the go?
G: n10.as is a new online station based in the beautiful loft of Arbutus Records. We have a monthly radio show there, we were really glad to contribute to this sort of platform made in Montreal by people we find inspiring (shout to all the folks at the radio!)
A: I’m the vocalist in this Soul-Hop band that goes by the name of Clay and Friends. We’ve played from the streets to festivals all the way to Europe this summer. I’m also part of the Urban Science House band (Big ups to Bleury Bar). I do a lot of writing for vocalists in both languages. I’m also working on a jazz project called Schemes which you should hear about in the next year. Sometimes, I sleep.
WWD: What would you say to those who argue there’s a lack of co-operation/collaboration in the city’s underground?
G: That’s false. People collaborate a lot between each other. Some collaborations are visual artist and musicians or musicians working together etc.
A: Go outside and be with people that enjoy DOING things.
WWD: Who are the people in the city doing it right for you?
G: KAYTRANADA is doing his thing worldwide. DJ Lexis too is doing beautiful things. I’d say Foxtrott is a dope producer, she’s doing her thing. And Kosi Nnebe, an amazing visual artist, is doing her things.
A: On the instrumental side of things Jazzamboka. Keep your ears open for Bueller. And those people Gayance named too, much respect to movements’ such as the 24HOV which we were a part of this year.
WWD: You’re two artists very much in the infancy of your careers. Looking at the state of the music industry in Quebec and further afield does it fill you with optimism or despair?
A: Like any place, Quebec has its limitations. It boasts a high quality of life at a low cost. It’s a great place to create. It comes with a heavy socio-political baggage. This luggage holds a strong cultural weight on what is considered relevant by the mass. I think the rules of the game are clear, the players have to be wiser and make the best of it. Don’t despair, blame is too easy. Music with heart will always find the right ears, no matter what.
G: I’ve been active since I was 16. I’ve been closer to Quebec’s music industry since 2012. I’m not optimistic about anything the industry people do. I don’t think Quebec’s music industry is a place where an artist can live out of his art. On the other hand, there’s A TON of great artists that started here (rent is so cheap) and take it to an international level. There’s so much restriction in Quebec because of language. You can’t make music in english and get a grant easily. You can’t make ‘’franglais’’ music either (Even though it’s how we speak in Montreal) That way of blocking the creativity of artists just for some silly political gimmick makes me mad. I’m not a fan of Law 101 for that case even though I’m proud to be a french speaking person.
WWD: One thing you’d like to see more of?
G: More woman DJing in club, more woman headlining at music festivals, more woman being taking seriously as music producers. I’m sick and tired of this male dominated thing. We need more equality. I need to hear more timeless music also. I think that the concept of ‘’timeless’’ has been killed by the internet. People don’t consume music the same way. I saw a tweet by 2Dope Boyz ‘’ In a microwave society, the art of enjoying an album is dead”.
WWD: You’re off to Europe in the not too distant future, what can you tell us about that trip?
G: It will be my first time there. I have some good friends in Paris and Bruxelles. I can’t wait to see them again ! It will be a memorable trip that’s for sure. I have some gigs there too. I can’t wait to announce all of it.
A: Going to do everything from Festivals to Busking. Up to now, we have some dates in France, Belgium, and Italy. Looking forward to linking up selectors in those places and hearing what’s they have been listening to recently.
WWD: Lastly, before we let you go. You’ve kindly put a little mix together for our readers. What will one find in there?
Play this when you wake up, play it for you ears, play it for the person still asleep beside you. It can be used as an excuse not to get out of bed, but you can also fold it in your back pocket and keep it to set the pace to your day. This selections starts with babymakingmusic, mid way it heads to DES GROUILLADE DANS L’CLUB and ends with some mellow tunes.