While picking ‘favorites’ can be–tricky, every Sofar team member has that one video that means a little something more to them. Whether it’s the energy boost or the intimate atmosphere, these performances capture the Sofar experience in a special way. Check out this expert-approved list of unforgettable Sofar moments!
Allah-Las | “Catamaran”
“One of my favorite bands playing in an LA dorm room on the verge of a big break. This video is a testament to Sofar’s acute talent-finding ability and a literal example of our goal: to make fans feel like they’re in an artist’s bedroom.” – Ryan
Beans on Toast | “The War on War”
“Beans (on Toast) is one of my favourite British folk singers, and I recently discovered this performance he did 10 years ago! 🤯 He’s talking about this ‘new song’ and, that he can’t remember the first line because it’s new—so it feels like a time capsule. This track is now one of his most popular songs, and when I saw him again live last year, he reflected on it in a modern context and whether or not he should still play it. This is what I love about folk and protest music—it doesn’t matter how old the songs are, they will always hit a level of social consciousness and responsibility. I think we could all be a little more like Beans 🧡.” – Fran
Ben Cosgrove | “Pine”
“This performance always hits me in the feels and showcases the combination of artistry and intimacy I can’t find anywhere except at Sofar shows. Ben’s music is a roller coaster of emotions and leaves me absolutely captivated. I always share this video when friends ask what the Sofar experience is all about.” – Anna
Enrique Ive | “Summer God”
“This is one of my current favorites: ‘Summer God’ by Enrique Ive from Sofar Gran Canaria. The entire performance feels like I’ve bottled up a perfect summer night and can relive it over and over. Moments like Enrique’s jazzy runs at 3:57 or the seamless communication between him and his accompanist at 1:00 capture an intimacy I’ve only ever experienced at Sofar shows.” – Angela
Khruangbin | “August Twelve”
“Some of my favorite shows are in small, intimate venues, and I’m so jealous I wasn’t at this Khruangbin Sofar Bristol show… nine 👏 years 👏ago. I would’ve loved to see them before they started playing on the big stage. This performance has all the smooth, groovy vibes that I need in my life.” – Kaleigh
Olivia Dean | Sofar Listening Room
“This Listening Room from Olivia Dean came out in mid-2020—a time when I desperately needed something to get excited about. I fell in love with her as an artist because of her silky vocals and the infectious vibe captured in this video. I finally got to see her live a few years later!” – Jenny
Ramzailech | “Lidiya Frielech”
“Nine years ago, a ‘Klezmer’ band from Tel Aviv ventured into an edgy, creative Berlin flat. The sheer joy in the room is palpable and infectious even today. It’s worth watching all the way through—at the 4:21 mark, it kicks into the highest gear. I can’t help thinking about the history between Jews and Germans and the way humanity heals. Also, it busted any old myths that Sofars need to be chill, sit-down affairs. Meanwhile, the instrumentation and overall vibe is something to behold.” – Rafe
Yal Solan | “You’re the One That I Want” (Grease Cover)
“Radha and Steph from the marketing team sent me this video my first week at Sofar, and it, well… gave me *chills*. Grease is my favourite childhood movie, I’m obsessed with musicals and theatre, and watching this rendition from this beautiful artist in Beirut was like having Sofar fairy dust sprinkled all around me.” – Diana
Ready to discover artists just like these? Browse Sofar shows near you.
