In a time when digital music dominated, vinyl faced uncertainty. With music consumption favoring convenience and compressed audio files, the traditional format seemed on the decline. However, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl records.
The U.S. saw a double-digit growth in record sales revenue last year, reaching $1.4 billion. Similarly, Canada experienced a significant surge in vinyl sales, more than doubling between 2019 and 2021. While these figures may not rival the revenue generated by streaming giants, they reflect a shift in how people engage with music, leading to the emergence of “listening bars” in various cities globally.
At The Little Jerry, a record bar in downtown Toronto, co-owner Jodie Dewald stated, “We only play vinyl… we don’t even have the ability to play a digital file.” This establishment offers patrons a unique listening experience with its custom high-fidelity sound system, allowing music enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the rich and textured sound of recorded music.
Inspired by the concept of jazz kissa from postwar Japan, where music lovers could enjoy high-quality audio playback, modern vinyl cafés and listening bars in North America offer a more relaxed atmosphere. These venues are meticulously designed for optimal listening experiences that balance music enjoyment with social interaction, moving away from algorithm-generated playlists to curated selections and personal vinyl collections.
Brandon Ng, the co-founder of Doze Hifi in Vancouver, likened the experience of listening to vinyl in such venues to attending a theater, emphasizing the importance of capturing music as intended. The rise of listening bars is seen as a counterbalance to excessive screen time, providing a physical space for people to disconnect and engage with music in its purest form.
Whether you are a music enthusiast or simply curious about the nuances of recorded music, several listening bars and vinyl cafés in Canada offer unique experiences worth exploring.
915 Dupont
Despite its industrial exterior, 915 Dupont in Toronto surprises visitors with a tranquil ambiance featuring Japanese paper lamps and nostalgic sounds. During the day, it functions as a café where patrons can enjoy chess games, matcha, and soulful jazz and blues records. By night, guest DJs take over the custom hi-fi audio system, spinning eclectic mixes of funk, city pop, and disco.
Sans Soleil Bar
Located beneath a Japanese restaurant in Montreal’s Chinatown, Sans Soleil Bar focuses on elevating the listening experience. The intimate setting, lit by candles, absorbs vibrations with cork paneling and features a vintage sound system with custom Montreal-made speakers. DJs entertain guests with vinyl sets that immerse listeners in an unforgettable musical journey.
Stillwell Brewing Co.
In Halifax, Stillwell Brewing Co. stands out as a haven for vinyl enthusiasts. The taproom boasts a custom horn-loaded system that delivers dynamic and physical hi-fi sound. Co-owner Chris Reynolds describes the audio experience as a blend of retro vibes and modern engineering, offering a unique space for music events and vinyl DJ sets.
The Little Jerry
Nestled in Toronto’s vibrant College and Bathurst area, The Little Jerry is a cozy retreat for music lovers. Co-owners Jodie Dewald and Saad Qattan have meticulously crafted the city’s first hi-fi listening bar, complete with an extensive wine list and a diverse vinyl selection sourced from staff members’ personal collections. The bar’s all-tube amplifiers produce a warm and rich sound, creating an inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy a wide range of music genres.