Oct. 28th – Last Monday, I went by Insomnia, one of the recent additions to our directory, to check out their early-week offerings. On Monday nights, local DJ Dwight Hybrid mixes “Poprocks! Indie Mixtape Mondays”, a weekly series that showcases the diverse sounds of indie, indiepop, indietronic, and retro indiemusic. I sat down with Dwight between mixing some longer tracks to get the story behind the event and learn a bit about his background.

“I moved the night around different places with great success,” he explains. Poprocks has been going on for a while, ironically having started nearby, on the northwest corner of the Bathurst/Bloor intersection at the now-defunct Annex Wreckroom back in February 2007.

“I did the flagship night on Saturdays, which I called ‘PopRocks!’ and was a new thing,” recalls Dwight. “I coined it as an indiepop, alternapop, retropop, electropop night. So all things kind of pop, but more on that indie side of the spectrum. We built that night into a 600-800-person weekly behemoth.”

Unfortunately, times change and people move on, and as Dwight became too busy with other gigs, he just didn’t have the time to do the night regularly, beyond a club night once or twice a year. However, he started to want to do it as a more “grassroots” event, after learning how people wanted to hear this kind of indie music in a more casual context.

Unlike most restaurants, which rely on generic background playlists from the internet or radio, Insomnia offers a curated mix of genres throughout the week that are as eclectic as they are engaging. It’s a good fit for the vibe Dwight wants for Poprocks.

Jennifer C., a long-time regular at Insomnia and a friend of Dwight’s, agrees. “There are few places like it in the city. The food is always good, the drinks are amazing, [and] being able to request almost any song allows for much-needed variety,” but it’s done in such a way that “allows the choice between socializing with company, or having a relaxing place to unwind,” she remarks. “I’ve even used it as a place to study.” 

She also notes how the regulars on Mondays have grown, providing a space for folks to reconnect after years of disruption to nightlife. Contrasting many nightlife spots, Insomnia’s volume and selection allow people to either engage in conversations or lose themselves in the music without being overpowered – no earplugs necessary. 

As Dwight, Jennifer, and I have some drinks, he describes how the atmosphere here is different from the club scene, where it’s all about dancing, and it’s often too loud for conversation. At Insomnia, people come to unwind, listen to great music, and have the option to talk or simply chill.

Referring to what you might hear on a given Monday, “It’s gonna be something that you want to kind of ‘chill, chat, and chair dance’ vibe to,” says Dwight.

Monday’s playlist included some personal favourites of mine from artists like Mr. Kitty, The Midnight, and Cut Copy, along with classics from acts like Underworld, showcasing a blend for die-hard fans and new listeners alike.

“Growing up, indie meant independent,” Dwight, explains. He talks about the evolution of indie music and how the UK’s scene has always given it a unique identity. “In the UK, indie always had that ‘Beatles orientation’ to it—slightly outside the mainstream but still popular.” This sort of music was always independent from mainstream culture, yet somehow part of it.

Dwight has been DJing for over 30 years, having longtime residencies and spinning at some of the biggest clubs in Toronto such as Whiskey Saigon, The Phoenix, The Joker, Club 107, Tattoo Rock Parlour, and others as well as scene-defining venues such as Catch 22, The Dance Cave, Annex Wreckroom, Neutral, Round Venue among countless others. He brings that expertise and a love for the story of this music to his residency at Insomnia. “This is a classic track from Underworld “Cowgirl” which pioneered an era,” he brings up while we chat, “but it’s also a template for what a lot of indie dance and indie electronic became—there’s an intro, a verse, a chorus, a fade.”

It’s ready for the dance floor but relaxed enough for the Insomnia vibe.

You might recall that I recently covered their Mixology event, held on Wednesday every week – Monday nights add to the restaurant’s unique musical offerings, making it a cozy but lively spot to start the week. Insomnia’s welcoming vibe is enhanced by its excellent staff and bartenders who know the craft well. They’ve even launched a new menu, so regulars and newcomers alike can enjoy something fresh. Plus, its proximity to Bathurst Station makes it an easy-to-reach, convenient spot by the TTC.

You can check out Dwight’s mixes on his Mixcloud, or follow him on Instagram @dwight.hybrid.  Follow Insomnia’s IG to keep up with all their weekly events. 

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