ANTIKKA CAFE & RECORDS: Siblings supporting community
Brotherhood in business
sounds like community at antikka cafe & records
I’m so excited to kick off the mini-series around The Space; where we cultivate community around music, in this conversation I had with brothers Raz and Shaunt Tchakmak – owners of Antikka Cafe & Records in Toronto’s Queen West neighbourhood. It’s a coffee shop, venue, record store and most importantly, an inclusive unique gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
You’ll hear a bit about my own journey discovering Antikka in our chat, but I will say; I love this place. I felt aligned with it the moment I set foot in the door last summer for an espresso tonic, graciously prepared by Raz as we bonded over a copy of Pantera’s Cowboys From Hell on the shelf. I feel connected to it in numerous ways; after that meeting a friend coincidentally invited to their monthly event, Grooves To Draw To – where co-owner Shaunt delivers an all-vinyl DJ set of jazz, funk, ambient, soul and more to support your creative journey as you sip a coffee or beer, sketchbook in hand.
Three months later, I found myself behind the decks for a guest set with Shaunt at the November edition of Grooves, a month later, delivering my own solo set. Needless to say, Antikka have been strong supporters of my journey as a new selector, but besides that, great friends, a place I love to spend time in, and a space that fosters TRUE community in every sense of the word.
In this episode, we discuss the concept around community spaces, the challenges and rewards in running + supporting local businesses, the power of music, family bonding and what Antikka has in the works this year, including a fresh new spot called The Oud and the Fuzz – it’s going to be big.
What you’ll hear in Part 1:
how we cultivate community spaces around music
the challenges and rewards in running your own business
the power of music
family bonds and how this contributes to Antikka’s MO
What you’ll hear in Part 2:
Raz and Shaunt dive into their Armenian heritage
what they’ve learned most about establishing a business together
how they have grown as people and entrepreneurs
their new project, The Oud and the Fuzz - your new favourite Kensington Market hotspot
CONNECT WITH ANTIKKA | THE OUD AND THE FUZZ:
antikka on Instagram | The Oud and the Fuzz on Instagram
antikka - Web | antikka - Facebook
Featured Track: Divine Feminine (The Fold Podcast Original Theme) - Crafted and Produced by SUPERDRAMAGO x LJones