I first came across the founder of Sofar Sounds, Rafe Offer, when he spoke at a recent Lost Lectures event. Rafe's inspiring talk about setting up his own live music community led me to a recent gig held at the Foxcroft and Ginger cafe in Whitechapel.
Rafe was sick of going to gigs where the music served only as a feeble backdrop to the crowds of people jostling their way to get to the bar, talking loudly to their friends, and using mobile phones. His idea was simple: bring together artists, musicians and music lovers. Find a host who will provide a space (venues so far have included private homes, warehouses, restaurants, galleries), and let the music speak for itself.
Rafe's initial brainwave has now spread to over 100 cities and towns across the world.
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| Solar Sounds in Whitechapel, Foxcroft & Ginger |
It was strangely liberating to put away the iPhone that is normally welded to my hand and just sit back and enjoy the music.
The exact location of the gig is kept under wraps until shortly before the date. Drinks are BYO. The line-up is a surprise, but when we went, it turned out to be a very happy one. We were treated to an eclectic set list comprising of the Bloom Twins, Charlotte Carpenter, Osca, and spoken word poet, Suli Breaks (who also happened to be the resident artist at Foxcroft & Ginger). It might sound cheesy but there was genuinely, a really happy vibe in the room that night.
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