Indianapolis, aka Indy, isn’t defined by just one or two styles. The Circle City is a vibrant music community still exploring exactly what it wants to be. Historically, the city’s musical roots go back to Jazz and the flourishing outlet created on the predominantly Black hub of Indiana Ave during Jim Crow segregation. Our famous Madame CJ Walker Theatre treated patrons with artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Wes Montgomery, Louis Armstrong, and so many more. Today, Indianapolis is home to a kaleidoscope of talent that could play on any stage in the world. There are too many great artists to name, but we hope you enjoy just a few of our Sofar Indy favorites.
KRISTINA SHARPE
Kristina Sharpe is an incredible singer, songwriter, classically-trained pianist, record producer, and mixing engineer. Her combination of classical piano wizardry, effortless vocals and tactful storytelling have all the makings of success. While she’s a powerhouse solo artist in her own right, she also fronts an eclectic band called Sunset Etc. She’s currently in the studio recording new music and we can’t wait to hear.
Hear “Deep End”
CIRCLE CITY SOUND
Circle City Sound has been playing together since 2013 during their college days at Marion University. After rebranding earlier this year, the Indianapolis band joined the Sofar community and quickly became a crowd favorite. They call their music “Lover’s Rock” and they have a little something for everyone no matter what you love. They’re recording new music and plan to share their new album early next year.
Hear “Get Better”
NAPTIME RECORDINGS (SHEA FARMER & KING FLOWER)
King Flower, aka Garrett, and Shea Farmer run a cozy recording studio out of their house once their son, Gus, lays down for naptime. Garrett, known as King Flower, handles production and engineering, and Shea writes and sings. They are both multi-instrumentalists who can be heard in various capacities across most of the music recorded in their studio. Shea recently released her debut project, Odessa, a tribute to her late grandmother. Together they have grown Naptime Recordings into a record label full of their friends, and we’re excited to hear what’s next.
Hear “ “Pink”
J. STOKES
J. Stokes is an alchemist fusing carefully selected production with uncanny, stark lyricism. He once described his art to me as, “that of a hermit learning his relationship with being seen in his most creative forms.” Fresh off his first headlining tour across the Pacific Northwest, Stokes is staying creative and always working on new material.
Hear “Wave”
DAVEY & THE MIDNIGHTS
Davey & The Midnights blew us away at their recent first Sofar Indy performance. They merge the best parts of blues, folk and Americana. Their songs feel like those nights you’ve seen (or played) an absolutely amazing show and the feeling just keeps going. It creates a twilight moment that lingers into dawn. They hit the road quite often, so if you get the chance to see them, GO!
Hear “Sweet Not Knowing”
Words by Steven Rutherford
Photo credit: J. Stokes performing Sofar Indianapolis, photo by Just Jess Photography
