<?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>How To – Live Music, Concerts & Music Events | Sofar Sounds</title> <atom:link href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/category/community/how-to/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:16:53 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1</generator> <image> <url>https://sofar-blog-images.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/favicon.svg</url> <title>How To – Live Music, Concerts & Music Events | Sofar Sounds</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Music, Connection, Community: How to Meet New Friends at a Sofar Show</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/how-to-make-friends-at-a-sofar-show</link> <comments>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/how-to-make-friends-at-a-sofar-show#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[cat.kiene]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 20 Sep 2025 06:43:28 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[How To]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sofar Tips & Tricks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spaces]]></category> <category><![CDATA[community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sofar Shows]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/?p=4216</guid> <description><![CDATA[Connection is the secret ingredient at every Sofar show. Sure, the music is magic, but so is talking to the stranger sitting cross-legged beside you in another stranger’s backyard. Call it ancient wisdom, call it timeless practice, but making friends around music has always been part of the experience. We’re inviting you to lean into […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Connection is the secret ingredient at every Sofar show. Sure, the music is magic, but so is talking to the stranger sitting cross-legged beside you in another stranger’s backyard. Call it ancient wisdom, call it timeless practice, but making friends around music has always been part of the experience. We’re inviting you to lean into it: the art of small talk, solo dates, and “text me when you get home” goodbyes. Here’s your guide to making a friend (or soulmate) at a Sofar show.</span></p> <h3><b>1. Take a seat</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sofar shows are all about cozy, casual vibes. Instead of grabbing a corner and hiding behind your phone, sit somewhere central, or even ask if the seat next to someone is taken. That tiny “mind if I sit here?” can open the door to a whole conversation. And even if you don’t pick who ends up beside you, it’s still an open invitation to turn a stranger into a new connection.</span></p> <h3><b>2. Compliment without overthinking</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s the ultimate icebreaker: “Love your jacket” or “That was such a good song choice for the opener.” Simple compliments go a long way; noticing the little things can open the opportunity for a big connection. Plus, at a Sofar show, you already know you’ve got one thing in common: music. Whether it’s swapping thoughts on the artist’s set, determining the genre, or giggling over a lyric, the show itself gives you an instant in.</span></p> <h3><b>3. Talk about music (duh)</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The easiest common ground is literally playing right in front of you. Ask your neighbor if they’ve heard the artist before, what their favorite Sofar show was, or what gigs they’ve been to recently. Boom, you’re chatting without even trying. Bonus points if you plan your next Sofar show together. </span></p> <h3><b>4. Bring a +1, leave with +2</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rolling solo? Brave and brilliant. But if you bring a friend, challenge yourselves to leave with one new connection between you. It takes the pressure off, and you might double your weekly show crew by the end of the night.</span></p> <h3><b>5. Stick around after the encore</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The show might be over, but the conversations are just getting started. Instead of sprinting for the exit, linger a bit! Grab a drink or share your wine, thank the hosts, chat with the artists, or turn to the person next to you and debrief about the night. Post-show magic = prime friend-making time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Because the only thing better than discovering new music is finding new people to share it with. <a href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/">See upcoming Sofar shows (and an opportunity for friendship) near you!</a></span></i></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/how-to-make-friends-at-a-sofar-show/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How To: Travel as a Music Lover</title> <link>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/how-to-travel-as-a-music-lover</link> <comments>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/how-to-travel-as-a-music-lover#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[cat.kiene]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 16 Aug 2025 08:00:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[How To]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sofar Tips & Tricks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spaces]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/?p=4191</guid> <description><![CDATA[A trip without music? Could not be us! Whether you’re heading across the world or just across town, there are plenty of ways to make music the highlight of your journey. From catching live shows in unexpected venues to curating the perfect travel playlist, we’ve rounded up our favorite travel tips for music lovers. 1. […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A trip without music? Could not be us! Whether you’re heading across the world or just across town, there are plenty of ways to make music the highlight of your journey. From catching live shows in unexpected venues to curating the perfect travel playlist, we’ve rounded up our favorite travel tips for music lovers.</p> <h2><b>1. Going to a Sofar City?</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before you book that dinner reservation, check the Sofar calendar. Our shows pop up in <em>hundreds </em>of cities across the globe. Picture this: sipping wine at a candlelit jazz set in Paris or watching an emerging indie pop band under string lights in Melbourne.</span></p> <h2><b>2. Chat with the Locals</b></h2> <p><span style="font-size: 20px;">Skip the tourist traps and ask your rideshare driver, barista, or bartender where they go for live music. You’ll find basement venues, rooftop gigs, and hole-in-the-wall treasures you’d never see on TripAdvisor. Our favorite? Finding local record shops to connect, discover, and get details on a show tomorrow night. </span></p> <h2><b>3. Pack for the encore<br /> </b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What we mean: wear shoes you can stand in all night and layers for chilly outdoor shows. *Bonus points for a tote bag to stash a vinyl, merch, or umbrella.</span></p> <h2><b>4. Create the city soundtrack </b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make a playlist for the city you’re visiting; add local artists, vibes, or lyrical homages to cultivate and immerse in your travel experience! Even better, track artists you’ve seen (or want to see) at Sofar. It’ll set the tone and maybe even inspire a last-minute ticket purchase. Or, as always recommended, plan your trip around your favorite artists’ tour dates!</span></p> <h2><b>5. Embrace the unfamiliar genre </b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You wouldn’t eat the same meal every night on vacation, so why stick to one type of music? See a folk trio one night or a hip-hop set the next. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">PS Sofar shows make it easy to hop genres and discover new favorites.</span></em></p> <h2><b>6. Don’t have it <em>all</em> planned out</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some of the best gigs happen when you least expect it. Leave a gap in your itinerary so you can say yes when a new friend invites you to a Sofar show, block party, or pop-up performance.</span></p> <h2><b>7. Memories > Momentos </b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Snap a photo of the setlist, jot down the name of that song you loved, and follow the artists after the show. That way, your trip playlist keeps growing long after you’re home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And the best advice?<a href="https://www.sofarsounds.com/"> Finding a Sofar Show in your next destination.</a> With secret concerts around the world, consider us a local friend who always knows where the good music is.</span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/how-to-travel-as-a-music-lover/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>