Sometimes we love a song so much we wear it out with a few too many listens. That’s the beauty of a cover—a fresh perspective on a favorite. Here are a handful of new takes on songs we love to love.
Rozie Baker – Free Fallin’ (Cover) | Sofar Boston
We all know and cherish the Tom Petty classic, but Rozie Baker brings something mystical to this cover, an intimacy that reminds us of the pain and confusion laced in the lyrics. This thing’s a confession, and we’re all ears.
Joshy Soul – Electric Feel | Sofar San Francisco
While MGMT’s “Electric Feel” original is shiny electronic pop, Joshy Soul’s take is smooth and warm, like he threw it in a pot and simmered it and brought all these new aromas. it’s a more jazzy arrangement– trombone, saxophone, high harmonies (and a crowd that’s on their feet and into it). This cover brings us so much joy.
Matthew Santos – Summertime (Gershwin Cover) & Shadows in a Shoebox | Sofar Chicago
It can be downright intimidating to cover this beloved Gershwin standard, but Matthew Santos keeps it straightforward, leaning into a blend of jazz and folk– simple guitar, thumps of standup bass, and Matthew’s voice moving subtly but strongly. And that violin? Downright intoxicating.
Grace Savage – What I Might Do (Ben Pearce Cover) | Sofar NYC
Ok, prepare yourself for a brain-bending experience. Grace Savage takes this multifaceted electronic pop song and makes it perhaps even more kaleidoscopic, all through beatboxing and loops. It seems almost unreal, but she has been the UK Beatbox Champion four times, after all. You gotta see this intricate performance unfold.
Ubare – That’s all | Sofar Paris
Just when you think the Nat King Cole classic couldn’t get any warmer or sweeter, Ubare comes along and gives it a Bossa nova vibe and the thing feels like a sundae on a pleasant afternoon. And the mid-song whistle harmony solo? That’s the cherry on top.
AMYRA – Over My Head (Alabama Shakes Cover) | Sofar New York
AMYRA, aka Amyra León, really gets this one. The artist, poet, and Harlem native has graced us with many Sofar performances, but this in particular is a real stunner, with AMYRA’s voice ringing out the simple phrases with a strength that does Brittany Howard justice. And just when you think we’ve reached the peak, Amyra stills the song with a poetic, raw performance.
Veyl – Animals (Oneohtrix Point Never Cover) | Sofar Brescia
Sometimes the best way to honor a song is to keep it somewhat true to form. Veyl does just that with this stark, melancholy tune, leading with long harmonium notes, bathed in icy cool synths. Maybe it’s that occasional wash of lime-green light in the intimate, dark room, but I swear, Veyl made this song feel like northern lights.
Photo credit: Grace Savage performing Sofar London, photo by Donna Fügassa
