Reno McCarthy Takes Ursa Mtl
A Piece from CityisPretty Culture Column
Cafe by day and event space by night, URSA mtl is a hidden gem of artistic creativity and expression. Owned and operated by Montreal-raised singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright, the eclectic venue is located in Mile End and is home to a broad spectrum of events, ranging from improv shows to British tea accompanied by classical music. On February 13, 2020, URSA showcased the musical talents of Montreal musician Reno McCarthy, an alternative indie artist whose first LP, Counter Glow, was released early last year.
McCarthy’s two-hour set began around 9:30 p.m., pausing only for a brief ten-minute intermission. Performing seated on a small stool and backed solely by his acoustic guitar, McCarthy’s initial tracks were primarily slow-paced and folkinfluenced, evolving throughout the second-half of the performance to reveal a more groovy and upbeat sound. With a tracklist of twenty songs, he focused heavily on material from his recent 2019 album.
While slower songs such as “Time & Place” showcased McCarthy’s indie background, tracks such as “Even
Light” revealed a more bluesy and soulful sound. The musician’s use of finger picking in a variety of songs gave the set an intimate feel, while his whistling throughout “Selfish” imbued the track with a folksy charm. Songs such as “Be There,” “Man of the City,” and “Deep Dive” energized the audience, who enthusiastically clapped along. McCarthy ended his set with “Arithmetics” and “Forever Ago” respectively, two catchy songs that concluded the performance on a joyful note.
The small, cozy nature of URSA allowed for McCarthy’s guitarplaying and voice to resonate throughout the space, and enhanced the performance’s intimate and casual feel. This ambiance was matched by McCarthy’s relaxed composure, as the musician casually sipped a drink throughout the set while chatting to the audience in between tracks. Usually discussing the specific nature or origin of the next song, he built an easy rapport with the audience. This let the audience gain a closer connection to each number before it was played and set the tone, which shifted throughout his performance. McCarthy’s discussion of a song centring upon his father’s death contextualized it, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the heartfelt performance. On the other end of the spectrum, his description of an “embarrassing” song he wrote as a teenager made the performance funny and endearing.
The venue’s simplistic seating arrangement enhanced the set’s relaxed atmosphere: small wooden tables and a couple of rows of chairs faced the stage, while a few audience members stood casually in the back. It was clear that many audience members were familiar with McCarthy and his repertoire, generating a sense of camaraderie that further added to the friendly and informal nature of the night.
This relaxed, comfortable feeling is unmistakably a goal of URSA itself. Greeted by friendly employees, one initially enters a cozy foyer with a bar and comfortable couches. The venue space lies behind this lounge area, containing a small stage covered in rugs and musical instruments. With grey brick walls, hanging strings of colourful confetti, and dim lighting consisting of scattered lamps, Christmas lights, and candlesticks, the space is inviting, eclectic, and intimate.
Wainwright’s influence is obvious from the moment one steps into URSA. The entrance contains a chalkboard highlighting her chili, and photographs of loved ones - including brother Rufus Wainwright - cover the venue’s walls. As Wainwright explained in an interview with The Globe and Mail, URSA opened last spring in order to foster a sense of community, and was put together by Wainwright’s own circle of family and friends. Of URSA, Wainwright explains that she wants “people to feel like anything can happen here […] as long as it promotes positive things.”
Reno McCarthy’s set was engaging and refreshingly casual, which is representative of the many artistic events hosted by URSA. This venue’s sense of coziness and artistic appreciation is clear, transparently showing love and support for Montreal’s creative community. Despite the famous name attached to this cafe and cultural space, the building’s inconspicuous exterior matches the laid-back and intimate feel inside. URSA is the perfect spot for a relaxed night out with friends to enjoy Montreal’s local music scene, inspiring a sense of community and appreciation for both local talents and Montreal itself.
To find out more information about events taking place at URSA mtl, check out https://www.facebook. com/ursamtl/