Sofar Sounds

{{Multiple issues|{{Peacock|section|date=June 2019}}

{{Original research section|date=June 2019}}|section=yes}}

Sofar Sound was founded in London in March 2009 by Rafe Offer, Rocky Start, and Dave Alexander. The concept originated when Rafe Offer invited eight friends to Alexander's flat in North London to watch him perform.{{cite news | title=How Sofar Sounds is redefining the live music scene around the globe | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sofar-sounds-songs-from-a-room-live-music/ | publisher=CBS News | date=24 January 2017}} The second event, and first to be ticketed, also took place in London. The company expanded to major cities such as Paris, New York City, and Los Angeles in early 2011.{{cite web | title=How Did a Secret Concert Series With Mostly Unknown Bands Get So Popular? | work=L.A. Weekly | url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/how-did-a-secret-concert-series-with-mostly-unknown-bands-get-so-popular-7339846 | publisher=LA Weekly | date=16 September 2016 | last1=McManmon | first1=Michele }}{{Cite web|url=https://gazette.com/arts-entertainment/at-sofar-sounds-concerts-you-don-t-know-who-s/article_aaebc748-f6a4-11e9-911e-bb5db053ee92.html|title=At Sofar Sounds concerts, you don't know who's playing or where. You should go anyway.|last=Hancock|first=Amanda|website=Colorado Springs Gazette|date=November 2019 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-11}}{{Cite web|url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/04/29/barges-and-breweries-sofar-sounds-hosts-secret-concerts-in-brooklyns-most-unique-locations/|title=Barges and breweries: Sofar Sounds hosts secret concerts in Brooklyn's most unique locations|date=2019-04-29|website=Brooklyn Eagle|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-11}}

Jim Lucchese became the CEO of Sofar Sounds in February 2019.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8529961/sofar-sounds-department-of-labor-investigation-augment-volunteers-paid-crew|title=Sofar Sounds Augments Volunteers With Paid Crew|date=2019-09-16|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-11}}

In May 2019, the company raised $25 million from Battery Ventures and Union Square Ventures, adding to the $6 million previously raised from Octopus Ventures and Virgin Group.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8512661/sofar-sounds-raises-25-million-from-investors|title=Sofar Sounds Raises $25M From Investors: Here's How It Plans to Use the Funds|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-06-11}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8512661/sofar-sounds-raises-25-million-from-investors|title=Sofar Sounds Raises $25M From Investors: Here's How It Plans to Use the Funds|last=Cirisano|first=Tatiana|date=March 11, 2020|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}} As of November 2019, the company had hosted over 22,000 performances.

In 2019, Sofar Sounds announced the creation of Sofar Crew, comprising part-time employees hired to work alongside Sofar Ambassadors.

The company was investigated in 2019 by the New York Department of Labor regarding its use of unpaid labor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.talkhouse.com/sofar-sounds-concerts-community-controversy/|title=Sofar Sounds: Concerts, Community, and Controversy|website=Talkhouse|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-11}} This investigation concluded in a settlement in which the company agreed to stop using volunteer workers within their business model.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/sofar-sounds-new-programs-1203506034/|title=Sofar Sounds Unveils a Battery of New Programs for Artists|date=2020-02-18|website=Variety|access-date=2020-03-11}}

In August 2019, Sofar Sounds relocated its headquarters to Roundhouse, a creative hub in London that also includes the Bucks Music Group.{{Cite web|url=https://www.roundhouse.org.uk/blog/2019/12/chalk-farm-becoming-hub-of-creative-industries-talent-/|title=Chalk Farm becoming hub of creative industries talent|website=Roundhouse|language=en|access-date=2020-03-11}}

In March 2020, Sofar suspended all shows due to the international coronavirus pandemic. The company reportedly compensated all artists for cancelled performances, worked to reschedule them, and created a Global Artist Fund with a goal of $250,000 for live music relief.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sofar-sounds-canceled-concerts-coronavirus-972411/|title=Music Startup Sofar Sounds Will Pay Artists For Canceled Shows|last=Hissong|first=Samantha|date=2020-03-25|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-16}} At the end of March 2020, the company launched a daily livestream to support independent artists during the pandemic, allowing viewers to donate directly to artists or to the Global Artist Fund.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/sofar-sounds-launches-listening-room-livestream-1203549405/|title=Sofar Sounds Launches 'Listening Room' Livestream|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=2020-03-30|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2020-04-16}} The causes supported by proceeds of this activity expanded in 2022 to encompass the Russo-Ukrainian war.{{Cn|date=June 2025}}

Typically, three artists perform at each Sofar gig without a dedicated opener or headliner,[https://www.sofarsounds.com/faq "Frequently Asked Questions"] Sofar Sounds (Retrieved 31 May 2017.) providing a similar opportunity for all featured artists.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article234925702.html|title=Secret shows: Sofar Sounds Sacramento aims to connect community with local musicians|last=Morgan|first=Claire|date=April 16, 2020|website=The Sacramento Bee|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}} Musicians of any genre can apply to perform via a form on the website.[https://www.sofarsounds.com/about/artists "The best audience in the world"] Sofar Sounds (Retrieved 31 May 2017.){{cite web | title=Are living room concerts the future? | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/38761302/are-living-room-concerts-the-future | publisher=BBC | date=27 January 2017}} As of February 2020, an Artist Dashboard allowed artists to request to play shows in specific cities and on certain dates or within a date range.

Attendance is managed via an email ballot guest list. The line-up for a concert is not revealed until the event begins, and the location is announced 24 hours prior to the show.{{cite web | title=The Modern Concert, Pt. 2: What Is Missing From The Artist-Brand Relationship in Live Music? | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/cheriehu/2016/02/29/the-modern-concert-pt-2-what-is-missing-from-the-artist-brand-relationship-in-live-music/#c40714b254f8 | work=Forbes | date=29 February 2016}} Events normally operate under a BYOB policy, and attendees are asked to arrive on time, stay until the end, and listen quietly without phones or other distractions.{{cite web|title=East End Review|url=http://www.eastendreview.co.uk/2014/05/13/sofar-sounds-rafe-offar/|website=East End Review}}

Artists' performances are often filmed, with edited videos uploaded to their Sofar Sounds YouTube channel{{citation |title=Sofar Sounds YouTube channel|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/Sofarsounds|website=Youtube|access-date=31 May 2017}} and shared on the website.

Sofar cities are classified as either full-time cities or ambassador locations. The majority are run by ambassadors who typically organize one or two shows per month.{{Cite web|url=https://jambands.com/news/2019/10/29/sofar-sounds-and-cinzano-throw-intimate-pop-up-show-in-brooklyn/|title=Sofar Sounds and Cinzano Throw Intimate Concert in Brooklyn|date=2019-10-29|website=Jambands|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-22}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/in-the-house/Content?oid=14433525|title=In the House|last=Moore|first=Erin|website=Salt Lake City Weekly|language=en|access-date=2020-03-22}}

Sofar operates in approximately 444 cities worldwide.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/sofar-sounds-new-programs-1203506034/|title=Sofar Sounds Unveils a Battery of New Programs for Artists|date=2020-02-18|website=Variety|access-date=2020-03-22}} In about 90% of these locations, shows are free, with a "pass-the-hat" system used to collect donations to pay artists and cover expenses.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8546671/sofar-sounds-breaks-down-cashflow-pledges-70-percent-future-profits-artists|title=Sofar Sounds Will Pay Artists More, Opens Its Books on Event Profits|date=2019-12-19|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-22}} In the remaining 10% of cities, tickets are sold online. As of February 2020, there were three payment levels in the ticketed Sofar cities, and artists were paid based on ticket sales. In major cities with Sofar shows, the reported profit split averages 63% for artists and 37% for the company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sofarsounds.com/blog/articles/how-money-works-at-a-sofar-show|title=How much are Sofar Sounds artists paid?|last=|first=|date=19 December 2019|website=How much are Sofar Sounds artists paid?|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-03-22}}

{{as of|2017|1|24}}, non-discounted tickets ranged from $10–$30 per person in the US,{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/whats-next-for-sofar-sounds-and-its-genius-volunteer-based-business-model-1203325982/|title=What's Next for Sofar Sounds and Its 'Genius' Volunteer-Based Business Model?|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=2019-09-06|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2020-03-22}} £10-18 in the UK, €13 in Madrid, and $12–18 (CAD) in Vancouver and Toronto.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sofarsounds.com/faq|title=Be still and listen|website=Sofar Sounds|language=en|access-date=2020-03-22}}

File:Bastille - War Child Sofar Show (23.02.15).jpg

In June 2015, Sofar Sounds partnered with Uber to host a series of secret gigs in London.{{cite web|title=Event Magazine|url=http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/ubers-demand-ice-cream-activation-returns/brands/article/1357162|website=Event Magazine|access-date=31 May 2017}}

In July 2016, it was announced that Virgin Group's Sir Richard Branson would invest in Sofar Sounds.{{cite news | title=Richard Branson invests in secret gig start-up | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/07/14/richard-branson-invests-in-secret-gig-start-up/ | first=Rhiannon | last=Curry | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=14 July 2016}}

In March 2017, a partnership was announced with Airbnb for their new Music Experiences format,{{cite web | title=Airbnb Breaks into the Music Scene with Newly Launched Music Experiences | url=https://press.atairbnb.com/airbnb-breaks-into-the-music-scene-with-newly-launched-music-experiences/ | publisher=Airbnb Blog | date=8 March 2017}} enabling Airbnb customers in San Francisco to reserve seats at a Sofar event via the Trips platform.{{cite web | title=Sofar Sounds announces Airbnb Partnership | url=https://www.virgin.com/news/sofar-sounds-announces-airbnb-partnership | publisher=Virgin Blog | date=9 March 2017}}

UK and Irish acts who have performed at Sofar shows include James Bay, Hozier, Emeli Sandé, Will Young,{{cite web|last1=Corner|first1=Lewis|title=Digital Spy|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a650397/premiere-will-young-performs-acoustic-version-of-love-revolution.html|website=Digital Spy|date=June 2015 |access-date=31 May 2017}} Tom Odell,[https://www.facebook.com/sofarsounds/photos/a.405124186096.176772.301642231096/10154161517186097/?type=3 Photo from Sofar Sounds Facebook page] (Retrieved 31 May 2017.) actor Robert Pattinson,{{cite news|last1=Cowan|first1=Matt|title=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/video/2010/07/22/songs-from-a-room?videoId=123595601|access-date=31 May 2017|work=Reuters Video|agency=Reuters|publisher=Reuters}} Wolf Alice, Bastille, and Lianne La Havas. Bastille also participated in a special live-streamed Sofar Sounds #Voting show[https://www.facebook.com/sofarsounds/videos/10153517467666097/ Video from Sofar Sounds Facebook page] (Retrieved 31 May 2017.) held in London in June 2016 to encourage voting in the EU referendum.{{cite web | title=Bastille to play intimate EU referendum gig | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/bastille-12-1200595 | publisher=NME | date=13 June 2016}} Other London performers include Lucy Rose, The Staves and Kae Tempest. In 2013, Robert Pattinson performed at an event.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/music/sofar-sounds-the-story-so-far|title=Sofar Sounds: the story so far|website=Time Out London|language=en|access-date=2020-02-16}}

US performers who have appeared in Sofar concerts include Giselle Bellas, Leon Bridges, Fantastic Negrito, Saba,{{cite web | title=Fans Flock to Secret Home Concerts | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/fans-flock-to-secret-home-concerts-1486574385 | publisher=The Wall Street Journal | date=8 February 2017}} Yeasayer,{{cite web | title=Yeasayer | url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/music/yeasayer | publisher=Time Out New York | date=27 April 2016}} and Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman Karen O,{{cite web | title=Tiny Concerts at Coffee Tables Near You | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/21/arts/music/tiny-concerts-at-coffee-tables-near-you-.html?_r=4 | work=The New York Times | date=20 October 2014}} while acts such as Núria Graham and Ali Somay have played Sofar Barcelona{{cite web|last1=De Puig|first1=Carla|title=La Vanguardia|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/local/barcelona/20150303/54428666093/sofar-sounds-barcelona-conciertos-secretos.html|website=La Vanguardia|date=2 March 2015 |access-date=31 May 2017}} and Sofar Istanbul, respectively.{{cite news|last1=Akyildiz|first1=Tolga|title=Hurriyet|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/kelebek/keyif/28888037.asp|access-date=31 May 2017|agency=Hurriyet|publisher=Hurriyet}}

The local Sofar Sounds branch in Los Angeles teamed up with the charity Movember for a Giving Tuesday event,{{cite web | title=Partner Spotlight: Sofar Sounds | url=https://us.movember.com/news/11295/partner-spotlight-sofar-sounds/?search-scope=global&category_id=7 | publisher=Movember Foundation Blog | date=5 November 2016}} while the New York City branch previously organized a gig in aid of Planned Parenthood.[https://www.facebook.com/SofarNYC/photos/a.568969056470340.1073741829.561637250536854/1329543747079530/?type=3 Photo from Sofar Sounds NYC Facebook page] (Retrieved 31 May 2017.)

On 20 June 2017, World Refugee Day, Sofar Sounds announced a global event series called 'Give a Home', in partnership with Amnesty International. 'Give a Home' took place on 20 September 2017, featuring thousands of performances in over 300 cities and 60 countries, in aid of refugees.{{cite web | title='Give a Home': Massive global concert series will show solidarity with refugees | url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/06/give-a-home/ | publisher=Amnesty International | date=20 June 2017}} Confirmed artists included Ed Sheeran, Moby, Mashrou' Leila, among others.[https://www.sofarsounds.com/giveahome Sofar Sounds Website] (Retrieved 16 August 2017.)

At the 2017 Grammy Awards, several nominees, including Leon Bridges, Fantastic Negrito and Saba, had previously played Sofar locations.{{Cite news|last=Karp|first=Hannah|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/fans-flock-to-secret-home-concerts-1486574385|title=Fans Flock to Secret Home Concerts|date=2017-02-08|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=2020-03-22|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660}}

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