Over the last 13 years of Sofar, we’ve had the privilege of seeing thousands of talented artists in rooms all over the world. And while we’re always eager for the live music we’ve yet to see, we also like to take a moment to rediscover some of the earliest intimate performances. Here are 5 Sofars to fall in love with all over again.
1. Ceci Bastida – La Sofi | Sofar Sounds Los Angeles
Ceci Bastida makes 2011 feel like yesterday. The way the artist’s voice is like a distant warm call amidst a swirl of soft and lush percussion just makes it seem like we’re right there in the room. Seriously, this thing is chock full of textures and time-travel powers.
2. David Ryan Harris – Shelter | Sofar NYC
David Ryan Harris brings us to 2012 in New York City with this tender tune. A sweet ballad in a small stacked apartment, with a sea of seated folks surrounding the artist as he moves through an airy love song.
3. Seryn – We Will All Be Changed | Sofar Dallas – Fort Worth
Another from 2012, but this time we head to Texas for a sing-along, anthemic number from Seryn. Nine voices moving together over stomps, claps, soft wisps of subtle sonic texture. There’s nothing quite like a choir—you’re gonna feel the pull of high, live energy, even through the screen.
4. Daniela Spalla – Arruinármelo | Sofar Sounds Buenos Aires
That’s right, it’s still 2012, but now we’re down in Argentina. Long before she was filling the Pepsi Center in Mexico City for huge performances, Daniela Spalla was giving some of that big pop vision in a living room in Buenos Aires, all simply with loops and a nord.
5. Cymbals – Like An Animal | Sofar London
Cymbals give us this intoxicating number from 2013. Silky vocals draped over percussive drums and violin that tiptoe through the verses and slide through the chorus. It’s a dance you gotta see.
6. Ourselves The Elves – Cincinnati Clocks | Sofar Manila
Ok so technically this is six (we just couldn’t stop). Here’s one more stunner from 2014, a dusty slow song that sets the tone with the line “stop by the freeway, I wanna go take a look at the stars.” Let this thing slow you down and drop those shoulders.
Photo credit: Seryn performing Sofar Dallas, image via YouTube
