People of Sonndr: Chapter One

This chapter features Nathan and Shanik, who are often seated at the bar and both bring a sense of community, union, and connection between themselves and whomever else is seated by them. As we are seated by the bar, today we will engage in unprompted conversation with both Nathan and Shanik.

Shanik

“So, Shanik, what are parts of yourself that you would want highlighted if somebody wanted to introduce you?”

“I don’t know, you tell me.”

You may recognize Shanik as a cherished member of the Sonndr community, whether it be behind a camera documenting the Sonndr happenings or behind a deck creating new mixes to embody the space throughout the day. You may find Shanik at the bar, fostering a sense of cohesiveness within any given social situation and bringing people of all walks of life together. Shanik is also the co-founder of Recess Community, a collective and space where an array of creative mediums are explored through workshops, events, and series of programming. Though Shanik considers himself to be quieter and more reserved, there is an indubitable quality of warmth that accompanies him wherever he goes.

Favourite Drink: Cold Brew in the warm weather, an Americano in the Fall. Taken black, as is.

Favourite Pastry: Butter Croissant supplied by Breadhead

When asked of Shanik’s favourite part about the Sonndr experience, Shanik responded that it is sitting at the front of the shop. “I feel like I’m in the Soprano’s,” says Shanik. The front of the shop faces south on Shaw, where as long as the sun is out, that space is gently embodied by its rays. It is warm, bright, and painted by the shadows of the branches stemming out of the trees encompassing Trinity Bellwoods Park. Shanik elaborates that it is not solely the atmosphere of the front, but that its position invites a sense of spontaneity, unprompted connection and communication. It is often the spot in which he engages in unguided yet profound, deep conversation with both familiar and unfamiliar faces.

Morning Ritual: Doom scroll, then come to Sonndr.

Current Read: Territory of Light, Yuko Tsushima

Current Show: The Sopranos Rewatch

Hot Take: “You don’t hate Toronto; you hate your pocket.” Shanik emphasizes that it is not fundamentally the city or one’s geographical situation that is always to be despised, but rather the conditions one creates for oneself with what they are provided. He stresses that Toronto is truly a unique and city with lots to offer, if one opens themself to seek that out.  

Nathan

“I’m a very private person. I don’t let anybody else know anything about me. Just kidding, but really, how do you answer that question? You are different things to different people so if you’re asked, tell me about yourself, it is going to often be in a professional context. But, if you’re with friends you might describe yourself differently, so it is difficult to say who Nathan is at large. I am still trying to figure that out.”

Simply upon the classic question of asking one to detail themselves as they see themselves, Nathan demonstrates his profound manner of interpreting the world which he occupies. It is imperative we see ourselves beyond the parameters that confine us, and to also see ourselves in the multifacetedness that being a person is. The reduction of our identities to a title inhibits our degree of expression and connection with other members of the community, and to question what qualities and components compose of ourselves is a challenging task. Yet paradoxically, it is this very observation that paints a larger image of who Nathan is. Often accompanied by his canine companion Pancake, Nathan is an adored member of our community and especially by our baristas. When Nathan and Pancake arrive to the shop, it is inevitably going to be a humorous time, a lovely conversation, and an optimistic “see you soon”.

Favourite Drink: Black Drip Coffee

Favourite Pastry: Lemon Financier by Breadhead

When asked what Nathan looks most forward to when entering Sonndr, he states that it is the handcrafted bar (by our friend Cam, who you can find here). Though it is not solely the craftsmanship and aesthetic appreciation he has for the bar that makes it his favourite part about Sonndr, but also the communal newspaper and crossword puzzle that is scattered upon it. The crossword puzzle is a beloved aspect of Sonndr culture, in which the fragmented contributions of multiple people over the span of our shop hours serves as a document, an inscription and artifact of sorts, as to the happenings of the Sonndr community that day.

Morning Ritual: Wake up next to my boyfriend.  

Current Book: Long Island Compromise, by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Current Show: Disclaimer. Cate Blanchett – an icon.

Hot Take: “Having fun is a decision.” Nathan stresses that a joyous time is not confined to the place one is in, but also the mindset and energy you are willing to allow yourself as you bring yourself to a social situation.

“It is about being open-minded and willing to have a good time.”