<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Community – Live Music, Concerts & Music Events | Sofar Sounds</title> <atom:link href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/category/community/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:46:45 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <image> <url>https://sofar-blog-images.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/favicon.svg</url> <title>Community – Live Music, Concerts & Music Events | Sofar Sounds</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>SOFAR VOICES | MEET CASSIANNE: WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS COURAGE</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-voices-meet-cassianne</link> <comments>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-voices-meet-cassianne#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[cat.kiene]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 26 Apr 2025 05:54:11 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Artists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sofar London]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sofar Voices]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/?p=4023</guid> <description><![CDATA[Before we dive in, we’re excited to introduce Sofar Voices, where we spotlight different members of the Sofar community — or the Sofam, as we like to call it. In each edition, you’ll get to know fans, artists, crew, curators… you name it. If they’re involved in creating the Sofar magic, they’ve got a story […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before we dive in, we’re excited to introduce Sofar Voices, where we spotlight different members of the Sofar community — or the Sofam, as we like to call it. In each edition, you’ll get to know fans, artists, crew, curators… you name it. If they’re involved in creating the Sofar magic, they’ve got a story to tell, and we’re here to share it. Enjoy! </span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cassianne’s journey with Sofar started behind the scenes in London, where she first joined as a crew member and quickly became a fan of both the talent onstage and the team making the magic happen. Eventually, she stepped into the spotlight herself, bringing her fearless, genre-bending sound and undeniable presence to Sofar audiences across the city. Whether she’s MC’ing a show or performing a track off her upcoming album, Cassianne brings a sense of joy, power, and truth that’s impossible to ignore. From a birthday performance at one of Europe’s biggest festivals to an unforgettable wine-glass-drop moment during a Sofar show, Cassianne’s story is all about embracing the unexpected and showing up as your truest self.</span></i></p> <figure id="attachment_4033" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4033" style="width: 388px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-4033" src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/89DB9ABE-9BD5-4EAB-82F7-B185B81AE830-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=300&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=225&wpsize=medium" alt="" width="388" height="517" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/89DB9ABE-9BD5-4EAB-82F7-B185B81AE830-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=300&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=225&wpsize=medium 225w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/89DB9ABE-9BD5-4EAB-82F7-B185B81AE830-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=769&wpsize=large 769w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/89DB9ABE-9BD5-4EAB-82F7-B185B81AE830-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1023&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/89DB9ABE-9BD5-4EAB-82F7-B185B81AE830-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1153&wpsize=1536x1536 1153w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/89DB9ABE-9BD5-4EAB-82F7-B185B81AE830-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1538&wpsize=2048x2048 1538w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/89DB9ABE-9BD5-4EAB-82F7-B185B81AE830-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fm=pjpg&ixlib=php-3.3.1 1922w" sizes="(max-width: 388px) 100vw, 388px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4033" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Casiannne at Sofar London, photo by James Adigun</em></figcaption></figure> <p><b>Tell us about your connection to Sofar!</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I was a crew member first, and I became a huge fan just by witnessing the talent and the dedication of the crew behind producing and organizing every show to perfection. I became a fan of both the crew and the artists alike. It’s not an easy task to curate events that people want to keep coming back to time and time again. Seeing how the audience leaves feeling elated every time I MC and knowing they feel like a part of the event brings me so much joy. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I then started performing with Sofar, and being able to connect authentically with a crowd of people is such a beautiful experience. Sofar allows artists to be their authentic selves, and that is all an artist could ask for.</span></p> <p><b>Love how your path with Sofar has unfolded—being part of the team and now inspiring from the stage. Describe your sound in one sentence.</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My music is eclectic, a fearless fusion of raw lyricism, hypnotic rhythms, and genre-bending soundscapes that challenge norms, ignite emotions, and celebrate authenticity; my music creates rebels.</span></p> <p><b>That’s incredible! Since you’ve lived in a few different places, what’s something that truly surprised you when you moved to London?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The biggest culture shock was how expensive it is. I knew because people told me, but I didn’t know—lol. Another shock was how vast London is. It’s massive! I love exploring, going on little walks, and discovering hidden gems—secret streets, hideaways, or a mom-and-pop restaurant nestled in a corner. It’s a magical place. Living here feels like being in my little show, like The Good Place or The Truman Show—only it’s the matrix, and I’m fully aware I’m in it but enjoying it nonetheless—haha.</span></p> <figure id="attachment_4034" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4034" style="width: 495px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-4034" src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/9B389E9C-7D0C-4CDF-A8EF-EABFE392D286-1-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=225&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium" alt="" width="495" height="371" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/9B389E9C-7D0C-4CDF-A8EF-EABFE392D286-1-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=225&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium 300w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/9B389E9C-7D0C-4CDF-A8EF-EABFE392D286-1-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=769&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&wpsize=large 1024w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/9B389E9C-7D0C-4CDF-A8EF-EABFE392D286-1-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=577&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/9B389E9C-7D0C-4CDF-A8EF-EABFE392D286-1-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1153&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1536&wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/9B389E9C-7D0C-4CDF-A8EF-EABFE392D286-1-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1538&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2048&wpsize=2048x2048 2048w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/9B389E9C-7D0C-4CDF-A8EF-EABFE392D286-1-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fm=pjpg&ixlib=php-3.3.1 2560w" sizes="(max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4034" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Sofar London with Cassianne, photo by James Adigun</em></figcaption></figure> <p><b>Love that you’ve turned the city into your adventure. What advice would you give someone who’s trying to rebuild their life and career in a brand new place?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just do the damn thing because you’ll never know unless you take a Leap of Faith—title of a track off my next album, lol. But also, make sure you have some savings first because, unfortunately, we live in a world where cash rules everything around us—yeah, dollar dollar bills, y’all.</span></p> <p><b>The music world gets labeled as competitive a lot—what’s been one of your biggest challenges as an artist?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gatekeepers! I don’t think the industry is competitive at all. I think the music industry tricks us into believing it is by letting in only a few and making it seem inaccessible. Then they dangle record deals and celebrities in our faces, giving us something to aspire to. But true lovers of music know that everyone is different and unique in their way. Even if artists are inspired by others, we each have our own beautiful interpretations of what music sounds like, feels like, and how it’s expressed, uniquely to us.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This renders the idea of competition null and void because true competition only exists when people are doing the same thing, like in sports, where the goal is to win by running a race or playing a game to reach the same target. But music, art, and creativity? They are all vastly different depending on the individual, and the only goal there is, is the one we set for ourselves to grow and evolve into better versions of us through our art. Or at least I hope so. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yet, because the music industry is driven by money, it tricks artists into thinking they compete with one another, fighting for a nonexistent “top.” Not me, though. I just want to create. I’ve always wanted to create. And I do create music that touches lives, liberates people, and allows them to be free in who they are. Music that lasts lifetimes and breaks through generations. </span></p> <p><b>This is such a powerful perspective. Love the way you framed music as a space of freedom and evolution. Has there been a moment in your journey where you thought, “This is why I do this”?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes! When I performed at my first big festival in Lärz, Germany, with my band, it was at Fusion Festival—one of the most incredible places I’ve ever experienced. It was pure magic.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I was booked to perform twice on my birthday. I opened the day at 2 a.m. with a crowd of over 700 people who were going wild with me, and then I closed the day at 11 p.m. with just about the same number of people. Everyone was free, being themselves, allowing themselves to be fully immersed in the music. It was magical.</span></p> <p><iframe title="Caxxianne - Lemon Taste | Sofar London" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rT_w60NtMek?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><b>Funniest or weirdest thing that’s happened at a Sofar show you worked or played?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The funniest moment was at my Sofar </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">High Key</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> show at Buffini Chao Deck. I called an audience member, who was talking while I was performing, up on stage with me. I started singing to him, and the moment I locked eyes with him, his wine glass slipped right out of his hand and shattered… all while I was in the middle of singing a new track called </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Delulu</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">—lol</span></p> <p><b>Iconic! And finally, if you had to describe Sofar in three words, what would they be?</b></p> <p><b> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fun, Encouraging, Freeing </span></p> <p><b>Thank you, Cassianne, for sharing your story, your truth, and your joy with us. Your energy is magnetic, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of the Sofar fam. Excited to see where your journey takes you next! </b></p> <p> </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-voices-meet-cassianne/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Surprisingly Sustainable Sofar Venues Located All Over Mother Earth (Happy Earth Day!)</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofars-earth-day-2025</link> <comments>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofars-earth-day-2025#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[cat.kiene]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 19 Apr 2025 05:11:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spaces]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Backyard Venues]]></category> <category><![CDATA[earth day]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sofar Venues]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Unique Music Venues]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/?p=4022</guid> <description><![CDATA[At Sofar, we’re all about music that leaves a mark on your memories, not on the planet. We bring people together in places that already exist, utilizing underused spaces and creating unforgettable shows. Eco-friendly venues aren’t limited to upcycled spaces. Rooftop gardens, vertical farms, and a world of other spots are viable for inspiring and […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At Sofar, we’re all about music that leaves a mark on your memories, not on the planet</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">We bring people together in places that already exist, utilizing underused spaces and creating unforgettable shows.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eco-friendly venues aren’t limited to upcycled spaces. Rooftop gardens, vertical farms, and a world of other spots are viable for inspiring and supporting sustainable initiatives.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To celebrate Earth Day, we’re highlighting five incredible (and incredibly </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">different</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">) venues across the globe that keep the conversation of conservation alive. Let’s hear it for good music and good choices!</span></p> <h2><b>1. Backyards & Gardens</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> There’s something special about live music under the open sky—no velvet ropes, just a few guitars, some good company, and maybe some string lights. Sofar started in a backyard (literally—our Sofar Founder Rafe’s backyard), and that </span><a href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/backyards-for-live-music" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">backyard spirit</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has been with us ever since.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From patios in São Paulo to public gardens in Europe or cozy corners in Chicago, these green spaces are where community, nature, and music meet.</span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="This Must Be The Space: Rafe's House in London" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E5jCJCldGoY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <h2><b>2. Farm.One, Brooklyn, NY, </b><b>USA</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Only in New York can you find a hydroponic haven growing leafy greens year-round. </span><a href="https://www.farm.one/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Farm.One</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in Brooklyn is all about rethinking how we grow food in cities, and we’re all about rethinking where live music can happen—so it’s kind of a perfect match.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The space is packed with sustainable innovation and, yep, there’s a brewery too (because why not?). Whether you’re sipping something local or enjoying a farm-to-table salad, the Sofar experience here feels fresh in every way.</span></p> <figure id="attachment_4030" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4030" style="width: 307px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4030" src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/farm.one_1682203406_3086868362215518607_2313353062.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=300&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=250&wpsize=medium" alt="farm.one brooklyn, ny" width="307" height="368" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/farm.one_1682203406_3086868362215518607_2313353062.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=300&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=250&wpsize=medium 250w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/farm.one_1682203406_3086868362215518607_2313353062.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=855&wpsize=large 855w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/farm.one_1682203406_3086868362215518607_2313353062.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=920&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/farm.one_1682203406_3086868362215518607_2313353062.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1282&wpsize=1536x1536 1282w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/farm.one_1682203406_3086868362215518607_2313353062.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1710&wpsize=2048x2048 1710w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/farm.one_1682203406_3086868362215518607_2313353062.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fm=pjpg&ixlib=php-3.3.1 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4030" class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of farm.one<b style="font-size: 16px;"></b></figcaption></figure> <h2><b>3. Snowdonia, Wales – Sofar x Columbia Europe</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Last year, we teamed up with </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sofarsounds/reel/C7ouR6EPd_v/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia Europe for an unforgettable #HikeFest. </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia brought the gear, Mother Nature brought the views, and we brought the music. Over 250 hikers hit the trails, trekking up to 7 hours for a Sofar show like no other. The Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir of the Welsh mountains made for an epic stage, prooving that when community, adventure, and sustainability come together, amazing things can happen at 3,000 feet.</span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Alice Boyd - Life In Cities | Sofar Wales" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zf19xsXrNHU?start=9&feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <h2><b>4. Maximilian Towers Linz, Austria, EU</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sofar Artists lit up (figuratively) one of the most unexpected venues yet: a 19th-century military tower in Austria. Local hip hop artist Mrs Seriouz, Vienna-based indie band Ernst die Band, and folk accordionist </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jakobsteinkellner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jakob Steinkellner</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">brought a distinctly “unplugged” energy (since there’s no electricity inside the tower).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Turm 20 is part of a chain of 32 towers built in the 1830s, which are now mostly abandoned. But one tower has been brought back to life by Turm 20 Theater, an arts nonprofit known for Shakespeare, flamenco, and tango nights. This was the first time the interior was used for a music show, and it was anything but ordinary.</span></p> <figure id="attachment_4031" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4031" style="width: 395px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-4031" src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/Linz_Maximilian-Kirche-02.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=225&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium" alt="Linz Chapel Tower" width="395" height="296" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/Linz_Maximilian-Kirche-02.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=225&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium 300w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/Linz_Maximilian-Kirche-02.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&wpsize=large 1024w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/Linz_Maximilian-Kirche-02.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=576&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/Linz_Maximilian-Kirche-02.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1152&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1536&wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/Linz_Maximilian-Kirche-02.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2048&wpsize=2048x2048 2048w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/Linz_Maximilian-Kirche-02.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fm=pjpg&ixlib=php-3.3.1 1597w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 395px) 100vw, 395px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4031" class="wp-caption-text">Maximilian Chapel Tower in Linz-Waldegg</figcaption></figure> <h2><b>5. A Temple in Chiba, Japan</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just outside Tokyo, a Sofar show at the historic </span><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6401.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Naritasan Shinshoji Temple</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> brought a whole new meaning to sacred sound. Surrounded by centuries-old artifacts and quiet, echoing halls, artists performed in a space where every note felt reverent. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Located in Narita City—just a stone’s throw from the airport—the temple dates back to the 10th century and offers a stunning, peaceful backdrop for an intimate show. </span></p> <figure id="attachment_4032" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4032" style="width: 508px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-4032" src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/laa8vKc5-Web_Ready-sofar-tokyo.png?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=png&h=169&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium" alt="so" width="508" height="286" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/laa8vKc5-Web_Ready-sofar-tokyo.png?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=png&h=169&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium 300w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/laa8vKc5-Web_Ready-sofar-tokyo.png?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=png&h=576&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&wpsize=large 1024w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/laa8vKc5-Web_Ready-sofar-tokyo.png?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=png&h=432&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/laa8vKc5-Web_Ready-sofar-tokyo.png?crop=faces%2Centropy&fm=png&ixlib=php-3.3.1 1536w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/laa8vKc5-Web_Ready-sofar-tokyo.png?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=png&h=1152&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2048&wpsize=2048x2048 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 508px) 100vw, 508px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4032" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of Sofar Tokyo</figcaption></figure> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Want to see a show in a sustainable venue near you? </span><a href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check out what’s coming up!</span></a></p> <p> </p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofars-earth-day-2025/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>New Music Alert: April</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/new-music-alert-april-2025</link> <comments>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/new-music-alert-april-2025#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[cat.kiene]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 06:05:37 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Artists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[New Music Alert]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Playlists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cat ridgeway]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chappell Roan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charley Crockett]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dende]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ian Flanigan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nicotine dolls]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/?p=4009</guid> <description><![CDATA[This lineup is stacked with fresh sounds that are about to take over your playlist. From re-mastered favorites to genre-blending anthems, these songs are bringing all the vibes—whether you’re in the mood to dance, cruise, or drop a hint to your situationship. Expect smooth storytelling, punchy beats, and a few tracks that might just become […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This lineup is stacked with fresh sounds that are about to take over your playlist. From re-mastered favorites to genre-blending anthems, these songs are bringing all the vibes—whether you’re in the mood to dance, cruise, or drop a hint to your situationship. Expect smooth storytelling, punchy beats, and a few tracks that might just become your new obsession. Don’t just take our word for it—here’s your April New Music Alert:</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qjXrK9g78aj1CXHAVmD66?si=e3a937758a6b4dc7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">[LISTEN ON SPOTIFY]</span></a></p> <p><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4_SsHNp9R6ej3Lok4BN1T0HP3xc1NluL&feature=shared" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">[LISTEN ON YOUTUBE]</span></a></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Charley Crockett | </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lonesome Drifter</span></i></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While we’ve repeatedly listened to </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/64lDGn2XUSnXAncXh9Zzow?si=TPla0dkDSIytnN3W4S6ohw" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lonesome Drifter</span></i></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">since its debut, Charley Crockett has been listening to the comment section. The 2017 hit </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3QbLX9ij8b4ip2ohQN9CZi?si=5ff0d7fa2a9e4a10" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Jamestown Ferry”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has been re-released and added to the tracklist, just another treat from the now Grammy nominee! Catch a live version of Jamestown Ferry and other classics on Charley’s </span><a href="https://store.charleycrockett.com/pages/tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">US tour</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. See you there? </span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Charley Crockett - Jamestown Ferry (Live From The Ryman)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2W518UWuid0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ian Flanigan | </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Man Mama Raised</span></i></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keeping it country—fresh out of Nashville, TN, Ian Flanigan just dropped his sophomore album, </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5SlDID1GKGX6ECmHXmlXgO?si=D8xFWxTmQbKlROIz-wi9Yw" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Man Mama Raised</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jumping into his Americana blend of country and folk, Ian stays rugged yet smooth, creating an easy no-skips listening session. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Man Mama Raised </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">includes gentle ballads like </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3zhK1RnwKNhqBihXGVFcKD?si=84ab4510da9a443d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“All Of You”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, but for a honky-tonk bop, give </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6WaedH6k4VPVXu81E7X4ZB?si=685ab6eefc1d4b07" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Gimme Cash”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> a listen. Consider us subscribed for updates on more show dates!</span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Ian Flanigan - The Man My Mama Raised (Official Music Video)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y65a4VsweK8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nicotine Dolls | </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">An Attempt at Romantic</span></i></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nicotine Dolls just dropped </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">An Attempt at Romantic, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">an album</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> packed with their nostalgic, indie-rock sound. The album’s 12 tracks highlight the New York natives’ ability to stay consistent with vibe-providing albums. </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4jzoGvY4P8zuSNDbU3IKPa?si=a85e41d892b64783" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I Need Love”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is your late-night drive track, with punchy, 80s pop beats, while the Dolls slow down and get vulnerable on </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3oYkrTi8Jd4wDhMRyH9TDs?si=0923ad4831094176" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Still Saying Goodbye.”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Be sure to vibe out with the Nicotine Dolls on their </span><a href="https://nicotinedolls.komi.io/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaUH9e9YEOu0yPqJAmtg6TbUsE6ilBkFxtugYn89AwDfpI970Byh4uwJy4_aem_l4Y9uhzbnlA_FbO5NXSMcg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">North American Tour</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, *manifesting* a show date near you!</span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Nicotine Dolls - I Need Love (Official Music Video)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3g0A74TSIPk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chappell Roan | “The Giver”</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s been hard to keep up with Sofar Alum Chappell Roan because she keeps on giving! From </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.iamchappellroan.com/tour/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">touring globally</span></a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to her Grammy wins, Chappell still made the time to drop her latest single, </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7GicDmV1udDFss8K0QY1v1?si=FudRhUubSmWqg5o_u3zYgQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Giver.”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Chappell delivered a country-pop anthem, dance routine included.</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> *Please note, this might become your top song of 2025!</span></i></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Chappell Roan - The Giver (Official Lyric Video)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DubtPdXXjew?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cat Ridgeway | “What If?”</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Folk meets dream-pop with Cat Ridgeway, and it’s a genre-blend you didn’t know you needed. Cat dropped the epic teaser, </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0yL1cJnu4DDBv7xWxrOr6J?si=d91dbf1ee35445e7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“What If?”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a groovy single off her upcoming album, </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/5F0l0mdQ8307VloplGoQ9T?si=8ddb410d9a764f14" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sprinter</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. With dancey, high-energy and layered beats, Cat is a notable festival artist for a reason. Hear Cat and more from </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sprinter</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on her</span><a href="https://www.catridgeway.com/spring-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> upcoming tour!</span></a></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Cat Ridgeway - Sprinter (Official Music Video)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HoKfkL8vbCQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dende | “Need U Like”</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dim the lights and get the candles out for this one. </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6kpOKxfq6OS16y54LIEqcE?si=ba5c0f1adac54645" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Need U Like”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is the latest sexy cool single off Dende’s upcoming album</span><a href="https://tr.ee/I7xvIpWbx-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">i am, because you are…</span></i></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Oh, and IYCMI, his February release of </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3RJV3Qrx3FTeuGWPCevZ2E?si=X6yhkvrCROmPWtuMEgmfjA" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Louvre (feat. LUCIIA)”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> matches the energy of iconic 90s R&B duet ballads (ahem, “My Boo” anyone?!) Now hear us out: Can we get more</span><a href="https://tr.ee/20GlqaBtZq" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> cities on the listening party list?</span></a></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Dende, LUCIIA - The Louvre (Lyric Video)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OI9uCuHcUSQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><a href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Catch these artists and others just like them at a Sofar show near you!</span></a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/new-music-alert-april-2025/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Sofar Sounds at SXSW 2025: Intimate Performances That Stole the Spotlight</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-sounds-at-sxsw-2025</link> <comments>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-sounds-at-sxsw-2025#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[cat.kiene]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:07:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Artists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spaces]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[artists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[festivals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sxsw]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/?p=3998</guid> <description><![CDATA[We’ve been itching for festival season to kick off, and last week, Sofar hit the ground running at SXSW in Austin,TX—a globally renowned festival celebrating music, film, and tech. Across three special events, we witnessed the magic that happens when artists and audiences connect in an intimate setting—proof that live music has the power to […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><a href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-artist-news-january-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">We’ve been itching for festival season to kick off,</a> and last week, Sofar hit the ground running at SXSW in Austin,TX—a globally renowned festival celebrating music, film, and tech.</em> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Across three special events, we witnessed the magic that happens when artists and audiences connect in an intimate setting—proof that live music has the power to surprise and inspire.</span></em></p> <p><b>Kicking Off with Sofar Studios</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We kicked off our Sofar Studios showcase with an intimate gathering</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the Equipment Room—a speakeasy-style vinyl lounge known for its cozy atmosphere and rich acoustics. The evening’s performers, </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6GRkcUEjH1zDb1nKjfaHGA?si=BFJrsDEpQxWvk4ldJ8cPwA" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Dana Harper</b></a><b> (Dallas, TX)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5q6z6GTth6lMbL9I8CAgby?si=hxC4dQ9oRfiIh9GNBzHXJQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Anderson East</b></a><b> (Athens, AL / Nashville, TN)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, delivered show-stopping sets. </span></p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHEmD8TxqN8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <p> </p> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div> </div> <p> </p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHEmD8TxqN8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Radha️ (@radhamusic_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dana, a longtime Sofar favorite with over 40 performances under her belt, captivated the audience with her powerhouse vocals and smooth R&B grooves. Anderson, reflecting on his past Sofar experience, shared how he had initially been hesitant to perform in an intimate living room setting but was quickly won over. His stripped-down solo set at SXSW was nothing short of mesmerizing—his voice commanding the kind of rapt attention rarely seen at a festival known for its bustling energy.</span></p> <figure id="attachment_4000" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4000" style="width: 534px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4000 " src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8893.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium" alt="sxsw2025" width="534" height="356" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8893.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium 300w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8893.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=683&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&wpsize=large 1024w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8893.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8893.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1025&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1536&wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8893.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1366&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2048&wpsize=2048x2048 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4000" class="wp-caption-text">@candescent.photography</figcaption></figure> <p><b>Two Nights of Official Showcases</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Later in the week, we hosted two official showcases at the Grill Room at The Driskill Hotel, open to all festival badge and wristband holders. Word quickly spread, drawing packed crowds both nights. At one point, the room was so full you couldn’t squeeze in another person!</span></p> <figure id="attachment_3999" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3999" style="width: 540px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3999" src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A9222.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium" alt="sxsw" width="540" height="360" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A9222.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium 300w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A9222.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=683&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&wpsize=large 1024w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A9222.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A9222.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1025&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1536&wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A9222.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1366&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2048&wpsize=2048x2048 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3999" class="wp-caption-text">@candescent.photography</figcaption></figure> <p><b>The lineup featured a diverse mix of global talent across genres:</b></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3A9Soubh2RQ0YpAKEPAxQF?si=ND00kPabQoaLI0-acMTBlg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Olivia Komahcheet</b></a><b> (Austin, TX) </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">– A transcendent set blending found sounds (nature recordings, voicemails) with techno beats and layered vocals.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dRlHic1Sq4S9G0XBOKHqy?si=18xFXA82RnCQ6BvCs0u_fg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>ADJUA</b></a><b> (Cardiff, Wales)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Crystal-clear vocals with a touch of ‘90s R&B nostalgia.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1PdmgC2URr5bdLpcS5YBdk?si=cbwd98jLQ76Vy3eEfDhWEg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Fake Dad</b></a><b> (Los Angeles, CA)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – High-energy, punk-infused art pop that had the crowd electrified.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1SFz3S9eSUTc49ysstadiO?si=OYMeH498QQmg0tbgTBwN2A" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Boo Seeka</b></a><b> (Sydney, Australia)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Synth-driven pop that transformed the space into a dance party.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/71NBOcJ9lMeXqnbnya1z0x?si=qIX9EPRJRC2gDtuhPcRS1Q" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>HIMALAYAS</b></a><b> (Cardiff, Wales)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – True rock & roll, complete with a mosh pit, befitting a band that has toured with Foo Fighters and collaborated with AC/DC.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/57Iir1NKPEKKZkVZCXpSfb?si=bsTx5OKESHGkdilX08A4xw" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Afterthought</b></a><b> (San Francisco, CA)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Socially-conscious hip-hop with the unexpected addition of a saxophone.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0tPy6X0CV3nqKiLZjKSOyT?si=qbS-Mu4HTDCuHntOpGmWsg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Lauren Frihauf</b></a><b> (Denver, CO)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Hauntingly beautiful lyrics and an angelic voice.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5bV84EFrcgU2xCZSEuvDAs?si=ry0haX1IQhu9Q3SJkRa0vA" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Mohsin Zaman</b></a><b> (UAE / Toronto, ON)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – A fusion of traditional Middle Eastern music and 1960s-style folk storytelling.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1YQiMR5M12HJ28hkJz7qnn?si=pjpk7GzbT32oMydZAW3uVA" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Ailbhe Reddy</b></a><b> (Dublin, Ireland)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – A dynamic blend of indie-pop and rock, reminiscent of The Cranberries.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Q9NXJYkMG6MzGfW5231Zr?si=XOBJtUVIS9mBoVoYeJ8JWg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Beatbox Collective</b></a><b> (UK)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – The world champions of beatboxing delivered a mind-blowing performance, joined by special guests including U.S. champions Beatbox House and Soup from Jurassic 5.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1N0ACznriUeiiOJWN8hHC7?si=nAH6dT2xSPaK_6ziNbnsvw" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>PUNCHING BAG</b></a><b> (Pomona, CA)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – High-energy, guitar-driven rap that had the audience shouting along.</span></p> <p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/088hvWlXHIipa6ZYe0N664?si=xGtQ0lYxScG0rhfM-y07mA" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Palmyra</b></a><b> (Charlottesville, VA)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Soul-stirring bluegrass harmonies that won over the entire room.</span></p> <figure id="attachment_4003" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4003" style="width: 528px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4003" src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8400.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium" alt="sxsw 2025" width="528" height="352" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8400.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium 300w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8400.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=683&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&wpsize=large 1024w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8400.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8400.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1025&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1536&wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/5Q1A8400.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1366&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2048&wpsize=2048x2048 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 528px) 100vw, 528px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4003" class="wp-caption-text">@candescent.photography</figcaption></figure> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SXSW was packed with moments that remind us why we do what we do at Sofar. Chill-inducing performances, genuine artist discoveries, and a room full of people falling in love with music in real time is what built our community. Tune into our social channels for more footage from these incredible shows, and if you missed us this time, we’ll see you at the next Sofar event!</span></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Special thanks to Chyna Brackeen for sharing her insights on the showcases and for leading Sofar’s involvement at SXSW.</span></i></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-sounds-at-sxsw-2025/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Sofar Artist News: March</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-artist-news-march-2025</link> <comments>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-artist-news-march-2025#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[cat.kiene]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 06:35:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Artists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[amahla]]></category> <category><![CDATA[donovan keith]]></category> <category><![CDATA[elise petersen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[kasador]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lisa chido]]></category> <category><![CDATA[little comets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nolan lundsford]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/?p=3993</guid> <description><![CDATA[There’s always something fresh brewing in the Sofar universe. March is serving up soul in all forms: sultry slow jams, foot-stomping bangers, and everything in between. Some familiar names are making big moves, and some new faces are about to earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Let’s get into it! 1. UK Indie darlings […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s always something fresh brewing in the Sofar universe. March is serving up soul in all forms: sultry slow jams, foot-stomping bangers, and everything in between. Some familiar names are making big moves, and some new faces are about to earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Let’s get into it!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. UK Indie darlings Little Comets are back at it, casually dropping not one but </span><i>two</i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> back-to-back singles. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Indie-pop-rock fans with an appreciation for nostalgia will soon discover that Little Comets’ </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/57Dd9obABfxRswQhpwihbd?si=QPaZIAiJQNG8B7pehK8XKw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“KING PRAWN” </a><span style="font-weight: 400;">hits all the right notes, high-energy included. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Teleport to a music festival dance party with the groovy drop,”</span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0huegoNhnw66aO417YIGX0?si=bd64f16d88924345" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HIJKL</a><span style="font-weight: 400;">” (Have I Just Killed Love), and until we manifest our festival dance party…</span><a href="https://www.littlecomets.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">catch Little Comets on their Spring UK tour!</a></span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Little Comets - The Blur, The Line and The Thickest of Onions | Sofar Philadelphia" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uQuUjkZcp5I?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><span style="font-size: 20px;">2. A fresh single <i>and</i> a live Abba cover drop? Genre-bending-Jazz artist Amahla just did that. Her latest drop, “<a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6BI4eYMebY367OGqGlZf56?si=63731a1db2c34256" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reason”, </a>gives space to her powerful vocals, yet is smooth enough for Sunday morning listening. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/183Ldb6l3OvxWq1aEHALVP?si=21b3a80e204248ab" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘“Money”, on the other hand,</a> is a velvety, classic Jazz masterpiece—best heard in dim lighting. (Fingers crossed that this means more to come…?)</span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Reason (Part 2/5) Ooooh Honey! LIVE! - Amahla" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vMAITX469Pc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. Nolan Lundsford just dropped his debut EP—and this is great news if you’ve been playing the </span><a href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-artist-news-february-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">new Charly Crockett album</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on repeat. Echoing the ethos of country music with tender story-telling tracks like “</span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6eqU0vGkmilJfsEN53e8EJ?si=14850cd8eb4a4ac7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">There We Were,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">” and “</span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/40wDjV7PsyusTbaTcKlsv8?si=3f6632b325e84097" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rest of My Life,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">” Nolan pulls on steel </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">heartstrings. Don’t think it’s all ballads; </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">after the (January 2025) release of his single, </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0b23rK7zwXFN3t3H2PGWuH?si=on_SI3wkSs2bYu7O3mEXEg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Suzuki XL7”,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> we knew Nolan was one to watch. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 4. Lisa Chido is serving up something </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0W1jwhM8N1U5G6KkOTczWa?si=udHxNxgRRMugHr5v8c9bUQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Slightly Sour</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> but oh-so-satisfying with her new EP; think soulful, offbeat indie-pop with just the right amount of R&B bite. Her track “</span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5kxSLKtRGw2a12U7EB7a6j?si=8c9d0090fef14f33" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wide Awake</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">” is a restless, late-night anthem, while </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/26J253Sue1CPsExaPYz3pN?si=ce726d636f394e48" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Clementine”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a seductive, late-night ballad. The NYC-based, Aussie-born artist is bringing her effortlessly cool sound to a Sofar show in New York, and trust us, you’ll </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">want</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to be in the room for this one.</span><a href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/events/59911" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Catch her live March 27th, </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">and maybe even say that you saw her before she blew up!</span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Clementine" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9h5Zot9-NGQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 5. Austin,TX-based, Midwest-born Donovan Keith is bringing back classic <span style="font-size: 20px;">soul with his new single </span></span><span style="font-size: 20px;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6QibE6v4XaoVytvgMIrbPq?si=fm_VNcupSxWcjBqn7kYPWA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Wonderful”</a><span style="font-weight: 400;">—a smooth, feel-good track accompanied by rich vocals and timeless beats. With a sound rooted in funk and R&B, he has the energy that turns every show into a party. </span><a href="https://donovankeithmusic.com/shows" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Catch him live at his upcoming shows in Austin</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and see for yourself!</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> <span style="font-size: 20px;">6. Elise Petersen, whose sound elegantly meshes jazz and indie folk influences, has just released her new single, </span></span><span style="font-size: 20px;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2Vv2U8CJBahR6oN2n6V3aO?si=svHSZppbQmGq7QMhrH1s7A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Said”</a><span style="font-weight: 400;">—an intimate track that feels like a fresh olive martini. Building on the buzz of her previous single,</span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/64qbrAGVWatgyE46xRGlwO?si=912785055b284a90" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> “Littering,”</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> she recently wowed audiences at Sofar shows in both NYC and London. Here’s to hoping for more live dates!</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 7. Fresh off the success of their noteworthy album </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1lgIG7IUeA4rpQ6bFJErE6?si=qatWMhPIQ9Ktqcc--0KxIg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>Youth</i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Kasador is back with their latest drop, </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5tsnzFcOBCjZa8EdKRER46?si=Y1krTpI9SB2xOYoBbL6aBA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Revolution No. 10.”</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The alt-indie-rock single soars with their undeniable energy- just in time for their </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGWVyuMxV9y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">upcoming tour across Canada</a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Don’t sleep on this—get your tickets now!</span></span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1k83k-c--tQ?si=zHHT-cdFKIDh5hD6" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Catch these artists and more just like them at a </span><a href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sofar show</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> near you!</span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-artist-news-march-2025/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Sofar Voices | Meet Josh Savage: When Music Opens Doors</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-voices-meet-josh-savage</link> <comments>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-voices-meet-josh-savage#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[cat.kiene]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 05:05:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Artists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/?p=3986</guid> <description><![CDATA[Before we dive in, we’re excited to introduce Sofar Voices, where we spotlight different members of the Sofar community — or the Sofam, as we like to call it. In each edition, you’ll get to know fans, artists, crew, curators… you name it. If they’re involved in creating the Sofar magic, they’ve got a story […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before we dive in, we’re excited to introduce Sofar Voices, where we spotlight different members of the Sofar community — or the Sofam, as we like to call it. In each edition, you’ll get to know fans, artists, crew, curators… you name it. If they’re involved in creating the Sofar magic, they’ve got a story to tell, and we’re here to share it. Enjoy! </span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">For Josh Savage, Sofar is more than just a stage—it’s been a launchpad, a home, and a global family. From playing his first Sofar show in Oxford in 2013 to curating Sofar shows in Winchester, Southampton, and Berlin, Josh has dedicated himself to creating spaces where artists can truly be heard. He’s traveled the world with Sofar, performing in over 100 shows across 44 cities, and has seen firsthand how music has the power to turn strangers into family. Whether it’s bringing live music back to Berlin post-pandemic or preparing for an upcoming Sofar show in a Berlin sex club (yes, really), Josh’s journey proves that when artists are given the space to grow, anything is possible</span></i></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-3987 aligncenter" src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarRotterdamn2019-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium" alt="Josh Savage" width="539" height="360" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarRotterdamn2019-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium 300w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarRotterdamn2019-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=683&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&wpsize=large 1024w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarRotterdamn2019-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarRotterdamn2019-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1536&wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarRotterdamn2019-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1366&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2048&wpsize=2048x2048 2048w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarRotterdamn2019-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fm=pjpg&ixlib=php-3.3.1 2560w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 539px) 100vw, 539px" /></p> <p><b>Tell us about your connection to Sofar!</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’m a Sofar curator, artist, and fan. I played my first Sofar in 2013 in Oxford, and it was the first time I ever truly felt heard as an artist. That night changed everything. Sofar gave me a platform to grow, taking me from playing in living rooms to touring with Snow Patrol and opening for Robbie Williams in front of 100,000 people. Wanting to give other artists that same opportunity, I founded Sofar Winchester and Southampton to help our local music scenes thrive. Artists today could use all the help they can get, and Sofar has always been a space where they can be seen, heard, and supported. When I moved to Germany and Sofar Berlin shut down during the pandemic, I relaunched it to keep that mission alive.</span></p> <p><b>That is incredible. What makes Sofar special to you?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sofar is a safe space where people come together and experience music as it’s meant to be heard without distractions, without barriers. We’re living through a loneliness epidemic, and even music fans and artists are more disconnected than ever—most people don’t even know the names of their favourite artists in today’s playlist culture. Sofar fixes that.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On top of that, small venues are disappearing—only 40% remain compared to the ‘90s—and artists today have fewer places to grow. Sofar is essential because it gives emerging artists a stage without the pressure of selling tickets or marketing a show. All we have to do is show up and play, and that’s incredibly rare.</span></p> <p><b>Definitely. You’ve travelled with Sofar around the world — how many shows has it been, in how many cities?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">101 Sofar shows across 44 cities in 15 countries. From living rooms in Europe to rooftops in Latin America, breweries in North America, and hidden cafés in Asia, every show is different, but the magic is always the same.</span></p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Josh Savage - Found in Mexico | Sofar Rotterdam" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OqP1FHJUcQ8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><b>Wow! And what would you say is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about global music culture?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No matter where you are in the world, music has the power to turn strangers into family. I’ve felt that again and again—like when I went to Russia alone, feeling completely isolated, and after my Sofar show, I suddenly had a room full of friends. The same thing has happened in places where I didn’t speak the language, yet music bridged the gap. That connection is universal.</span></p> <p><b>What’s the craziest thing, or most “Berlin” thing that’s ever happened at one of your Sofar shows?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’re about to host a Sofar show in a Berlin sex club—so that might top the list! But another unforgettable moment was when we had an outdoor show, and during the second act, a sudden downpour hit. My whole team scrambled to rescue the sound gear, artists’ equipment—chaos. A huge storm rolled in, the power cut out, and we had to improvise. The last act played an unplugged set by the glow of our battery-powered lights, with everyone huddled together in a small space. It was unplanned, raw, and somehow made the night even more magical.</span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-3988 aligncenter" src="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarSinglesnight2credit@shotbylarita-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium" alt="Josh Savage Sofar" width="504" height="336" srcset="https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarSinglesnight2credit@shotbylarita-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=300&wpsize=medium 300w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarSinglesnight2credit@shotbylarita-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=683&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&wpsize=large 1024w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarSinglesnight2credit@shotbylarita-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=768&wpsize=medium_large 768w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarSinglesnight2credit@shotbylarita-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1536&wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarSinglesnight2credit@shotbylarita-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fit=scale&fm=pjpg&h=1366&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2048&wpsize=2048x2048 2048w, https://sofar-sounds-blog.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/SofarSinglesnight2credit@shotbylarita-scaled.jpg?crop=faces%2Centropy&fm=pjpg&ixlib=php-3.3.1 2560w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px" /></p> <p><b>If you could curate a Sofar show with any three artists, living or dead, who would you pick?</b></p> <p><b>Chris Martin</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – Coldplay shaped my love for music, and seeing him in an intimate Sofar setting would be unreal.</span></p> <p><b>Metallica </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">(acoustic set) – Seeing a metal band strip things back is always insane, and Metallica would absolutely kill it unplugged.</span></p> <p><b>Reeps One</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – He’s a Sofar OG, and what he does with his voice as a beatboxer is superhuman. Imagine that lineup—it would be legendary.</span></p> <p><b>Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Josh! We’re honored to be part of your journey and hope to continue creating beautiful memories together. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f49b.png" alt="💛" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></b></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/sofar-voices-meet-josh-savage/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>