Secret Witness is the union of Pascal Deaudelin, Laroie, Gabriel Rei, and Gene Tellem. All Montreal natives, who first came together in 2020 driven by a shared passion to experiment with various forms within the realm of dance music. Drawing inspiration from their diverse interpretations of the fundamentals, their goal is to channel the underground sound of the city. Following on from their debut release, ‘Volume I’ in 2021, they now return with ‘Have You Ever’, the first single from their next full length offering.
Intro to Montreal by Secret Witness.
Montreal has always had a solid connection with nightlife, whether it’s in the limelight or tucked underground. It’s not always perfect, sometimes a bit too bold or too timid, but it always reflects the city’s growth and transformations. It’s an awesome place where people from different walks of life can come together. We often talk about its perfect size: big enough for a lot to go down, but not so big that it gets overwhelming. Through daily commutes, new meetings, familiar venues and new opportunities, the spontaneous aspect of city living is a driving force for us when it comes to making music. Intuition plays an important role in the creative process, and we believe we reside in a city where it can be harnessed to its greatest potential.
What is your favorite place to sit and watch:
Parc Jarry
Jarry Park is located at the crossroads of four family-oriented neighborhoods, creating a comfortable and convivial environment for all park-goers. The area is massive – you’ll find a lake, hills, tennis courts, a soccer field, and designated spaces for BBQs. This diversity of amenities draws in a varied crowd, including sports enthusiasts, friend groups, and individuals seeking a leisurely afternoon. Find a bench, bring a book and let the park spin you a tale.
Ta virée au parc : le parc Jarry (Montréal) (parfaitemamancinglante.com)
What is your favorite music venue:
Sala Rossa
Sala Rossa was built almost a century ago and has since served as the venue for a diverse range of cultural gatherings. It indeed underscores its enduring role as a platform for various music acts, a focus it has maintained since the 1990s. With a capacity of 250, the venue exudes both familiarity and stature.
https://casadelpopolo.com/en/events/la-sala-rossa
Favorite Restaurant:
Furusato
A true neighbourhood gem, where the simple charm and impeccable cuisine will have you wanting to return week after week. This is a Japanese restaurant that offers a perfect version of comfort food. Formerly located in downtown Montreal, the owners have recently relaunched in the more relaxed and family-oriented Rosemont area. We suggest going with a crew and sharing the yosenabe!
https://www.facebook.com/bistrojaponaisfurusato/
Fave bar:
Buvette chez Simone
Head to Buvette for an early drink, dinner with family or for a late- night snack – the extensive wine list and the versatile menu are sure to please everyone. Simone is very often on site and has kept the place running for 25 years with the same spirit of conviviality and simplicity, but with a precision that reflects a keen attention to detail.
Fave small club:
Sans Soleil
It seems like Sans Soleil appeared in the Montreal scene at the perfect time. Nestled in the basement of Fleurs & Cadeaux (a great Japanese restaurant that we also highly recommend), it lands between a cozy listening room and an intimate club. With the help of a Klipsch sound system, spending a night there is always a complete and fulfilling experience. Tip: arrive early and stay late.
https://www.sanssoleilmtl.com/
Fave record shop:
La Rama Records
Established in 2016, La Rama is a bricks and mortar shop founded by local DJ legend Kris Guilty. Originally located within the iconic Death of Vinyl, its primary focus was on selling new 12s and LPs. Seven years later, now with its own storefront, this remains a central aspect, but the store has also expanded its offerings to include a diverse collection of used records. La Rama is the only record shop in Montreal with a heavy focus on house/techno, while also catering to diverse musical tastes with a wide array of genres. You’ll be in great hands, whether you’re looking to discover new music, seeking recommendations, or just dropping by to say hello and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Your fave thing to in the city when time permits:
We are truly lucky in Montreal to have a full-on mountain in the heart of the city. What a chance to be able to escape on a peaceful walk in the woods without much commute. In just a few steps, you can leave behind the street noise and benefit from the calming sounds of the forest. Fun fact: The park was designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the same visionary behind Central Park.
https://montreal.ca/lieux/parc-du-mont-royal
buy Secret Witness – Have You Ever – Bienvenue Recordings
https://bienvenuerecordings.bandcamp.com/album/have-you-ever
https://www.instagram.com/genetellem/
https://www.instagram.com/dodelin/
https://linktr.ee/gabrielrei
https://lnk.bio/laroie
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