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Founded in 2010 and now in 242 cities around the world, Sofar Sounds is an ever-expanding network of artists and fans of music. Offering an interesting way to discover new music, Sofar Sounds gives people the chance to attend “Sofars,” or intimate, pop-up concerts that are not widely-advertised. Many renowned artists have been part of Sofar Sounds events, including Bastille, George Ezra, Hozier, Karen O and Leon Bridges.
There is a lot planned within New York City in the Sofar Sounds world for May 2016. At least one event is scheduled for practically every day of the month, Lower Manhattan residents can find local happenings in SoHo on May 3 and 18, in Tribeca on May 12, and on the Lower East Side on May 14 and 21. More details can be found on the company’s official website.
Sofar Sounds’ NYC Director, Christine Cook, kindly answered some questions for Downtown. She otherwise revealed there to be a “special secret album release show” on May 17 somewhere in our area. Christine can be followed directly on Twitter via the handle @Cookc3.
Where did the idea for such a secretive company come from?
Christine Cook: Our idea isn’t necessarily to be secretive, but to cultivate a welcoming listening environment for both artists and audience. We’ve found that not announcing lineups is an element that really adds to that.
How are you able to get so many people involved to keep a secret? I mean, there are artists, crew people, people renting a venue, social media reps, and so forth…
C: We allow artists to announce they are playing, but don’t announce it ourselves! We don’t work too hard to maintain secrecy as our main mission is focused on supporting more artists and bringing a communal experience to more people.
Secrecy aside, what is the biggest challenge for you in your job?
C: We spend the most time ensuring that the quality of our events stays consistent as we scale. Our priority is keeping the Sofar magic alive at every gig.
Prior to Sofar Sounds, where were you working? Did you come from a music industry background?
C: Before working for Sofar Sounds, I was working in copywriting and ticketing at an event start-up. I had been volunteering for Sofar for over a year at the time and had a background in music from interning at Sub Pop [Records] and other Seattle music entities.
What was the first event that Sofar Sounds had put on?
C: Our first event was in 2009 in a tiny north London flat. It featured the music of one of the initial founders, Passion Ate Dave.
Is there an event that you view as your biggest accomplishment?
C: The show with Karen O in August 2014 was truly magical. It was very rewarding to share her [Crush Songs] album in 27 of our cities on the same day; it really demonstrated the power of our global community.
Are there plans for Sofar Sounds to do anything besides producing events like these? Like producing a series?
C: Right now we’re focusing on producing more of our events to support more artists and music fans.
How is Sofar Sounds able to produce events in so many cities at once? Are there employees in every city?
C: There are not employees in every city, we are very fortunate to have hundreds of incredibly-talented volunteers around the world. As we grow, more and more employment opportunities are arising and we are able to cultivate our commercial cities.
What was the first concert you ever attended as a fan?
C: My first concert was The Backstreet Boys at The Tacoma Dome in 2001. My first Sofar show was the first Sofar Seattle show I organized in 2013.
Do you have a favorite venue in Manhattan?
C: I really love shows at Sterling Sound in Chelsea Market. There’s something really magical about being in a place with so much history.
When you’re not busy with Sofar Sounds, how do you like to spend your free time?
C: I have a degree in Fiction Writing, and when not working on Sofar, I’m working on my writing or reading books!
Is there a restaurant in Manhattan that you feel defines “the perfect meal?”
C: Tacombi in Nolita is one of my favorite places in Manhattan. There’s nothing better than that Esquites Corn.
Finally, Christine, any last words for the kids?
C: Join us at a gig this spring!