An initiative called Sofar is working towards letting people bond over their love for music. No more pushing or shoving in a crowded room, no more looking over a person’s shoulder to watch a favorite artist perform.
An intimate setting in a stranger’s home, a new location every single time – will allow people to experience a plethora of independent artists. The focus will only be on the music and performance itself. No distractions.
Sofar was started in London in 2009 and has now spread to 222 cities in the world, including Bengaluru, Pune, Goa, and Mumbai. Bengaluru’s first performance took place in November 2015. Only those who sign up and get confirmed are told about who’s slated to perform on the day of the gig.
It’s a warm, comfortable setting – almost like being surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and acoustic guitars by a cosy campfire in the mountains. You pay what you want for an unforgettable experience, which will make you experience the sanctity of music like never before.
Source: Sofar
No more haggling over ticket rates, trying to get the perfect spot closest to the podium.
The fact that there isn’t a specific amount of money you need to cough up ensures that everyone can come and be a part of something beautiful, economic status no bar.
Various Indian artists such as Shaa’ir + Func, Vijayasimha, and Anup, Alisha Pais have performed close-up acts for this initiative. It’s going to be a monthly affair – full of music in its purest form, soulful and incredibly uplifting.
Source: Levent Ali / Flickr
One of the best things here is that you’re not going to be limited to a specific genre. They keep their options open, allowing artists from diverse backgrounds to apply and perform at a Sofar event, ensuring that every genre stands a chance.
Live music is supposed to be magic, in an ideal world, you’re supposed to feel a million things at once. Think Sufi gigs, for instance, and the need to keep your eyes tightly shut as you feel the beautiful notes hit you, one by one.
Source: PeterTea / Flickr
It’s a positive and much-needed step forward in the world of music: a way for like-minded souls to connect and bond over an undying love for all things music. To feel like the only person in the apartment, living and breathing music in that moment – a perfect world.
Check out their website for more information.
Featured image source: YouTube
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