An Icelandic, sultry wind that can sweep you off your feet
It’s a hot summer night, mid-July. A dimly lit room, and an eager audience. Cocktail glasses clinking, the mood inviting. A spotlight shines on a small stage, set in a peculiar way; for normally performances are held on a bigger platform, where curtains are hung on each side — where instead, people are currently seated with their drinks in hand. The stage, as it turns out, is at the centre of the room, and the audience is all around it. A man walks up to it, clearing his throat. He is wearing sunglasses, holding a sweaty glass in his hand, as he looks around the room. This is the Love Doctor, the Wiggle Room’s favourite (and only) doctor, and he is here to introduce his, direct quote, “favourite performer of the night,” Heather Ragnars.
The Wiggle Room, located on St.Laurent Bvld in Montreal, is a beautiful home for burlesque, stand-up comedy, and live musical performances. It is also where Ragnars is a frequent performer.
Perched on a stool in front of her keyboard, mic stand in place, long blonde hair over one shoulder, Ragnars perfectly fits the decor in her long black dress, with a sweetheart neckline.
She takes a sip from her cocktail before beginning. “God, that shit’s good,” she says, making the audience chuckle. “If anyone’s interested, you can get a Love Doctor Potion for 10$ tonight. Highly recommend.”
She clears her throat, looks at the crowd and smiles. She has never looked more befitting and at home.
Icelandic-born, and Canadian-raised Heather Ragnars has become quite the musician throughout the years. She is a singer, songwriter, and Sync Manager at A Matter of Music, an artistic platform created by Dawn Wisner-Johnson and Beth Wisner-Jahnsen to offer artists equal opportunities to educate themselves in matters of music. They also offer a one-stop sync agency called A Matter of Sync, where they represent artists’ music and pitch it for TV and film.
Drawing inspiration from folk and RnB music from 1950s and 1960s, as well as modern age music, Ragnars’ songs are wistful, nostalgic, and daring.
In 2018, she put out her first EP*, “Bench Warmer” with popular songs like Crazy Love and I Know I’m Bad.
(*Technical term explained:
EP = Extended Play; longer than a single but shorter than an album. Typically includes up to 5 songs, all under 30-minutes-long)
Having been an avid live performer, the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to the frequent trips to the Wiggle Room. Resourceful Ragnars, however, made the best with what she had and organized recurring livestreams on Facebook during quarantine, to keep audiences entertained.
On July 2nd, 2021 she dropped her newest single, Each Other — a whimsical jazz-like ballad with racy, interesting lyrics.
I see the way you talk to me
You listen first, and then you speak
You appreciate my mind, that’s hard to find
You better stay on your side of this car
I’m here for conversation, nothing more
You wouldn’t dare complain
We’ve always wanted different things
But we’ve always wanted each other
At the start of her performance in the Wiggle Room, on July 21st, she introduced this song as, “the lyrics are the thoughts running through my head while I’m in a car ride with a man, but I’m married to another; a narrative I created.”
The melody is playful, teasing and whimsical — to go with the tango dance happening between Ragnars and the person she is addressing. Between keeping the person out of her way, and confessing to her attraction, Ragnars’ lyrics are evocative of the struggles of sexual tension with someone who is not available or yours.
Ragnars’ stage presence is incredible. Her live performance is captivating, and truly enthralling. She is at one with her piano, reliving her lyrics, and closing her eyes to feel the music. It is truly a bewitching sight to see.
Make sure to stream Heather Ragnars’ music on Spotify, and follow her socials below to stay updated on upcoming shows and music.
Check out her website as well : https://www.heatherragnars.com
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