Day 14 - Sofar Sounds

Last night I went to something called Sofar Sounds.  It's a movement happening all over the world, creating music performances in intimate spaces - usually people's living rooms.

A friend had heard about it and managed to get herself and me tickets.  As you can imagine, spaces are limited.  We were emailed the address just the day before and knew nothing about what music was going to be played.  All we were told is to arrive at 8pm, and asked not to talk during performances.

We rocked up to a large house, clearly rented by students.  There were already a lot of people (mainly scruffy-trendy university students that Shona and I decided were annoying, but we couldn't quite say why!! haha so judgemental...maybe more on that another time!!) sitting on the floor of the large living room, but then more and more people were squeezed in.  *Next time: bring a cushion, and a drink*  So it wasn't exactly comfortable, but once the music eventually started, it was good enough not to care too much.

There were four acts, each playing about three songs each.  To be honest I don't go to many gigs, and I'd rather go out dancing than sit and listen to live music.  Partly because I'm not very good at sitting still (!), and also because I often end up thinking too much and getting a bit melancholy.  But last night the music, lyrics and performers were so engaging that there was no worry of that.

There was a singer songwriter, Marika Hackman, with a beautiful voice and poetic lyrics

Anna Phoebe, an incredible violinist with her band

CC Smugglers - a really lively group of guys with banjos, accordions, harmonicas, violins, guitars, ukeleles.... they've just had a documentary made about them too... 

And finally, a man with a guitar, a husky voice, and a great sense of humour: John Smith

It was a real privilege to hear them all, and could have happily listened to more from all of them.  I think my favourite was Anna Phoebe and band (see video below of them playing another gig), partly because the way they interacted with each other, and their facial expressions, whilst playing was brilliant.

So if you ever get the chance to go to a Sofar Sounds event, DO IT!!