Sofar Sounds is one of those special, perfectly formed ideas that only come along every so often: intimate, secret concerts in living rooms across the world featuring stripped-down performances from unknown artists that have been chosen for their uniqueness.
It works like this: sign your name up to the list, and if you’re one of the lucky ones hey presto, you’re in. No one knows whether they’ve got a ticket or whereabouts that ticket will lead them until a week before the show. Nor do they know who these mystery performers will be until they arrive.
By design, Sofar events are made for people to seek them out – private concerts for dedicated, attentive listeners. There are no headliners and there is no door charge – what’s important is that people come, they listen, and give musicians the love that they deserve.
Each city’s Sofar is run by local people, so each one bears its own distinct fingerprint. The idea started in London and has been so successful it has spread as far as Athens and Amsterdam, Bratislava and Brighton. Launched at Romsey’s inaugural Art Festival, Cambridge’s Sofar is a year in now and comfortably peopled with happy revellers, a rotating cast of music-lovers coming together for the same reasons and who are pleased to meet you while they’re at it.
Attendees are a pick ’n’ mix of people drawn from the mailing list like names from a hat. First come, first served is the general rule, but they like to give newcomers a chance to check it out. As a consequence, the night manages to avoid the problem a lot of subcultures encounter in a town Cambridge’s size in that you’re always seeing the same faces. There are fans and regulars of course, but the ebb and flow of new people discovering keeps the nights exciting.
Never knowing who’s performing or where they’ll be is all part of the appeal; it’s for a love of music and a love of music alone that people come. Though traditionally held in living rooms, Cambridge’s shows have expanded their reach to include places like St Barnabas Press, Rock Road Library and The Leper Chapel – so as well as the venue being a surprise, it’s very often a pleasant one.
The heart of the brand is that it’s about communities. Have you ever wanted to host a house full of beautiful music and respectful guests? You can. Just get in touch and Sofar will do the rest. For musicians, the nights are valuable for many reasons. Imagine playing an intimate living-room gig to a roomful of friends you’ve not met yet and you may not be far off.
The express purpose of the brand is to cultivate dedicated, attentive audiences in each of its locations, which contrary to what you’d expect is something of an elusive quality. Of equal import to any independent musician, Sofar Sounds is a respected brand, widely recognised for the quality of its performers. It’s built upon very pure ideals, and the idea has proved popular in countless countries. To say it’s a global phenomenon is no understatement. The network is broad, and you’d be hard-pressed to find an online community more open to new music.
What’s more, you get a nice film at the end of it. If you’re curious, the fruits of these cinematic labours can all be found on the Sofar Sounds YouTube channel, but to get a real feel for the shows it’s best to attend in person. After all, there is something magic about live music, and little pockets like Sofar Sounds are where these magic moments live.
The next date for Sofar Cambridge is 20 September. If you’re interested in signing up, either as a host, a performer, a volunteer or an attendee, visit the website. Chances are you’ll make some great new friends.
