What is Sofar community? It’s a global web of close connections between musicians, listeners and curators around the world that’s been growing for more than a decade, and it’s been my pleasure to be a part of it for almost six years now both as an artist and as a city leader in Riga, Latvia.
Living in Northern Europe does get a bit dark and cold during winter months, so I started this year with a trip to the other side of Europe. I went to Portugal where I got to meet two amazing Sofar teams and perform at two Sofar shows with my music as Pacific K. From the moment I started communicating with the city leaders, I felt like I was in the company of good friends I’ve known for a long time.
My first stop was Portugal’s second biggest city, Porto. A gorgeous city full of rich history, cozy streets, stunning views, and warm people that make this one of my favourite places I’ve ever visited. The venue for the night was Supernova, a place that runs as a cafe, hostel and event space for different creative ideas. Themed around the universe and stars (hence the name), the room was filled with magical moments.
City leader Luis and his team welcomed me with hugs and smiles. With stars and planets painted on the walls and fairy lights hanging above the stage, it was set to be an amazing night. The hosts were serving hot drinks, wine, and amazing cakes during the breaks. People were seated on the floor and in the comfy chairs around the room with all their attention focused on the music, and I got to share my songs and stories with them.
Nothing beats a Sofar community, a room of music lovers who are always the most careful listeners. I also got to enjoy some great music from the other artists on the line-up, traditional viola braguesa player João Diogo Leitão and indie-rockers Nunca Mates o Mandarim.
After the show, we sat down around a table to have dinner with the team and talk about music, surfing, Porto, and our Sofar community experiences. I stayed the night upstairs in one of the hostel rooms, so it was literally my home for that day. If you’re ever in Porto, Supernova is definitely worth a visit.
A week later, I made my way to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of the country that’s always buzzing with great energy. The Sofar team in Lisbon are a very international bunch who have all found their way to this beautiful city from various corners of the world. The show was taking place in Destination Hostel. Located inside a train station and filled with tropical plants, the hidden space felt like a little oasis in the middle of the city.
The night was amazing. The room was quite big and spacious, but with all the green plants and fairy lights around me, and people sitting closely on the floor and stairwell that lead to the bedrooms upstairs, this was one of the vibiest gigs I’ve ever played.
The moment I hit that first note and looked up into the audience, I knew there is no place I’d rather be than right then and there, with the Sofar community. After my set, the night continued with great music from a couple of incredible artists — Mokina with mellow pop-jazzy tunes, and Tomás with beautiful Portuguese singalongs. Tomás invited me to share another gig with him a few days later and even offered me a place to stay.
That is the magic of Sofar shows, and Sofar community. Regardless of whether you’re a musician, organiser or listener, when the show starts, you know you’re in the right place wishing that the night would last forever. The intimacy of the shows makes you feel like you’re amongst friends, which, eventually, you are, because by the end of the night you’re more than likely to make a new friend, chat with musicians or even volunteer to host the next Sofar show in your own living room. I surely made a few new friends who I’ll want to meet next time I’m in Portugal (yes, I’m definitely coming back).
All I can tell you is whether you’re travelling the world or exploring your own city, one thing is certain—Sofar has the power to make you feel like home away from home.
Ready to make a few new friends and be part of the Sofar community? Check out upcoming shows.
Words and photos by Kristaps Bedritis
