Queens’ popularity is steadily rising thanks to its cultural diversity, great food and relatively affordable housing.
One organization, Sofar Sounds, is taking notice of this popularity and has decided to bring its brand of intimate music shows to the “World’s Borough.”
Started in 2010 by a group of three friends who wanted to experience performances by their favorite artists in a more personal setting, the organization hosts secret shows in 263 cities across the world.
Until July 22, the New York City chapter only hosted shows in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Show-goers sign up for an email list, choose which show they are interested in – the shows are categorized by date and neighborhood – and wait to be selected. Once chosen, attendees receive an address the day before and can attend the show for free.
Now, the shows have expanded into Long Island City, where unique spaces such as warehouses and studios act as venues. On July 22, show-goers gathered at SPACES, a co-working space inside The Falchi Building at 31-00 47th Ave. Performers included Second Child, Yori Swart and Fernandito.
Sofar Sounds shows have been hosted in churches, living rooms, clothing stores and furniture showrooms.
“New York City is a large and vibrant city, filled with unique neighborhoods serving all types of communities,” said Brandy Cerne, assistant director for Sofar Sounds NYC. “We want to reach everyone possible and make our shows more accessible to new audiences that maybe didn’t have a chance to check us out before. So many of our current and potential guests live in Queens, and we saw a demand there for shows like ours.”
The artists performing at each show are kept under wraps, which gives attendees a chance to explore new music. There are no seats at these spaces, so fans are encouraged to sit on the floor and listen to the music without talking, texting or filming.
Since shows are hosted all over the world, Sofar Sounds has attracted artists big and small including Hozier, Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Leon Bridges. Artists can choose to receive a donation, which is collected from attendees, or a professional video of their performance.
Cerne said the organization is always looking for people to donate their spaces or musicians who want to perform. Though they’ve only booked shows in Long Island City, Sofar Sounds is looking to host shows in neighborhoods such as Astoria, Cerne said.
“There are interesting spaces for shows everywhere, and we love introducing people both from that neighborhood and farther away to that space and the people who live and work there,” she said.
If you are interested in hosting a show or performing, email nyc@sofarsounds.com.
To sign up to attend a show, visit the Sofar Sounds website.
