Sofar Sounds Bring a New Year's Secret Gig Special to Beijing, Dec 30

When it comes to music, there's no right or wrong way to enjoy it, but we know that with smartphones, tablets, step-calculating watches, and brain activity monitoring earrings (soon to come), we can rarely focus on a single task. Enter Sofar Sounds, who look to return music to a simpler time through intimate and secret gigs, uninterrupted and honest.

The Sofar Sounds concept was officially born in the flat of Rafe Offer and Rocky Start in London, 2009, and has since spread from those cozy beginnings around the world, inviting listeners and cities in on the action. From well-known names like Emeli Sandé, Ed Sheeran or Bastille, Sofar Sounds pride themselves on promoting young, local artists trying to get their music out there and find a space to perform. 

In order to make that work, Sofar Sounds follows a set of strict rules that are created to make the experience special and, perhaps, slightly magical. Show-goers first have to sign up on their website, and those who are selected will receive an email invitation to either buy tickets or confirm their attendance (some shows are free of charge or donation-based, while others have a fixed ticket price). The show's venue is announced one day before the performance but the line-up remains secret. Why all the mystery? It's just more fun that way. 

Sofar Sounds have been inviting Beijingers to appreciate and discover music together since the autumn of 2013 and have two upcoming shows on Dec 30 and Jan 27. We spoke to Sofar Sounds' partner and event organizer in Beijing Meng Qin about what attendees can expect from the gigs.

"Sofar Sounds" definitely sounds cozy. How does it differ from other small gigs or acoustic shows?
Meng Qin: Sofar Sounds brings back the community, intimacy, and respect of music. At Sofar Sounds, the music always comes first. People sit, listen, and never talk through the set.

The shows have quite strict guidelines and a set of rules: secret location and lineup, discouraged chatting throughout the show etc. What do you think that brings to both sides – artists and audience?
It has to be quiet during the event. People focus on the music and respect the music. There is no “opener” and no “headliner.” It is actually a win-win setup both for fans seeking new sounds and emerging artists hoping to break into new markets.  

How does Sofar choose venues and artists for each show?
Normally we don’t go to typical live music venues such as bars or livehouses. Sofar is now happening in a wide range of venues – houses, apartments, offices, breweries, galleries, museums, boats – basically anywhere you wouldn’t expect music to be performed. 

What does a usual show look like? How many artists attend and how is time and attention divided?
For monthly regular shows, we have three to fours acts. The New Year special event is compiled slightly differently. It will be a three-hour show with five groups of musicians. Each set has a 30-40 minutes slot. 

How have Beijingers taken to this style of entertainment? Going to a show when you don't know who is performing might seem quite baffling. 
Our audiences in Beijing seem to adopt the Sofar format alright. On occasion people ask about the location and line-up but after we explain the concept they all feel thrilled and excited. 

The concept hails from London and is now active in 387 cities worldwide. How did you get involved in Sofar Sounds?
I met Sofar Sounds’ co-founder Rafe Offer at a Sofar gig in London, 2013. We started talking and he said, “Hey, would you like to bring it to China?” and I said, “Why not?” That’s how it started. Agreed in 30 seconds.  

Any hint as to what genre or vibe we should expect come Dec 30?
You may encounter very different types of music from indie to electronic to folk. The venue is modern and cozy; beautifully decorated, soft lights, soft carpet – the perfect way to spend a relaxing holiday season afternoon enjoying music. 

Sofar Sounds is all about sharing and participation. Have a great living room and want to host one of their shows? Or maybe you've been waiting for the right time to give people a taste of what you've been working on? Simply get in touch with Sofar Sounds via their website. 

Sofar Sounds will throw a gig on Dec 30 ... somewhere in Chaoyang. Sign up and get your tickets here.

More by this author here.

Images courtesy of Sofar Sounds