If you’re looking for a unique, intimate musical experience then I recommend considering SoFarSound. I just went to my second NYC Sofarsound event and third overall (the other one being in Boston). It’s an immersive experience that you can do with friends or with someone on a laid-back date while discovering fantastic talent from independent artists.
What is Sofarsound?
Sofarsound describes itself as “secret gigs and intimate concerts.” Each event features three surprise artists in an undisclosed location that is released a few days before the event. The varied artists bring in their own musical styles so there’s something for everyone in the audience. The cost per ticket typically ranges from $10-30.
The intimacy of the experience breaks down the typical barrier between an audience and an artist. It’s a unique musical experience that will surely be memorable whether you are a local or a visitor to the city!
Booking tickets and getting there:
When you purchase the tickets, you get a general idea of where the event will be located. In New York City, it’ll tell you that it’s in Midtown or Chelsea for example.
However, the location is kept a surprise until a few days before the event. You also won’t know who will be performing until you get there. My little brother was visiting me before he went back to college and we are glad we worked this concert into his first trip to NYC.
We took a taxi cab to the location which was Arlo Nomad Midtown, a chic-modern hotel. The event was located on their “outdoor” terrace that is enclosed with glass. There was someone to check our names and Covid vaccination status. I noticed that there were fewer people and more social distancing than at the two pre-pandemic events that I attended.
This has been my favorite SoFarSound location so far. Arlo Nomad’s chic and modern decor created a wonderful ambiance. Although SoFarSound usually has mostly floor seating, there was a lot of chairs to sit on at the venue. We arrived early and I decided to check the hotel lobby out. Lots of great spaces!
Artists and their performances
The first artist was Jenny Kern (@Jennykernmusic) who performed four songs – three original songs and one cover song of Dual Lipa. She had beautiful vocals and shared songs that she composed just a few days ago. She also shared a piece that instilled in her the confidence to pursue music. Her set ended with a song that was being released at midnight. Between songs, she spoke to the audience members about the songs and their context. This type of intimate experience really makes SoFarSound special.
The second artist was Gabe (@Kimchi_papiiiii) – you couldn’t help but be immersed by his top-notch voice and talented songwriting. There was a certain spontaneity and humor that he brought into his performance. He began his set by inviting the audience to repeat words of affirmation with him. He then shared a song that he wrote about his dream girl followed by a playful cover of Toy Story’s “You Got a Friend in Me” and encouraged everyone to sing along. For his last song “High Exposure,” he pulled one of his friends out from the audience, who had originally come to watch, and borrowed the first artist’s guitar for a duet.
The third and last set of the night was OJ in the Yams, a charismatic group with two vocalists, a pianist, a guitarist, and a drummer.
They performed original songs and they brought on a whole new vibe that was the perfect way to end the musical night.
Overall Impressions
Both my brother and I enjoyed the experience – he even said “if I lived in NYC, I would come to one every week.” I appreciate the opportunity to enjoy live music where you can see the artists’ faces close up and discover new musicians. It was inspiring to see artists pursue their passions and dreams.
