Swoon Studios, Flee Normality and producer/DJ Lethargie recently launched their new monthly music event UNiTY, at the Happy Goat Coffee in Ottawa’s Hintonburgh neighbourhood. The event is designed to bring a sense of unity to the music community in the capital.
With only an hour to prepare, the organizers turned the coffee shop floor, equipped with large industrial coffee grinders, old TV sets and a photo booth, into what looked more like a nightclub. Exact attendance numbers are unknown but the small and intimate venue filled quickly creating a well-needed artsy, big city vibe. Also in attendance was former Art Battle champion and Canada’s Best Speed Painter, Allan Andre, who painted throughout the event.
When asked about the vision for UNiTY, co-organizer and Swoon Studios co-founder Tafari, also known as Yung Heat, said, “Our goal is to unite the music culture in Ottawa. We will be using these monthly events to give local artists a space to connect, share, create and most importantly collaborate”.
Performers for the launch including Léthargie, Yung Heat, hip-hop violinist Tina Sol who played her rendition of Joyner Lucas tracks, and 4theworld who delivered a stellar performance, including the Yung Heat produced single “Changes”. Overall, the performances were high energy and surpassed expectations.
As the show went on, fashion designer and Acid Drop founder, Marcus Griffy, responded to the music saying, “I just came here to hang out. This is dope. I wasn’t expecting this.”
Meanwhile, Gatineau music producer and music industry vet, Quest, took in the vibes saying, “I’ve been in the Ottawa music scene for 20 years. I’ve never seen anything like this. This is something you’d find in Montreal”.
The second edition of UNiTY is scheduled for February 23, 2019.
