The return of Sofar Sounds Memphis is back and just in time for those hot Memphis summer nights.
Have you ever bought tickets to a show and had no idea where it would be or who’s even performing until 36 hours before it starts? That’s Sofar Sounds, and after a five-year pause, the global concert series is finally making its way back to the Bluff City this summer.
If you’re not familiar with Sofar, the organization best describes itself as a global music community that puts on intimate and very secret venues in very unexpected places spotlighting local artists in cities all around the world. Now, Memphis is back on that list, with its first returning show happening on July 18th.
For 20-year-old local producer, Jayson Shepard bringing the beloved event series back is less about putting on another show but more so building a diverse community of music lovers and giving local talent an intimate platform to share their artistry in a unique way.
Why now?
Ask Jayson why he’s bringing So Far back right now, and he’ll tell you he believes the timing couldn’t be better.
“I feel excited to bring it back now because I feel like Memphis is really showing its creative and musical side, like it used to,” he said. “Do you see all these artists coming out of Memphis, all these new sounds? Memphis is everywhere.”
He’s not wrong.
Anyone paying attention to the city’s music scene lately has watched a new wave of Memphis artists build real, national attention. In his words, a lot of Memphis artists need a space to actually express themselves and show what they can do, and So Far is a platform that provides that sacred space. Because Sofar hosts shows in cities across the globe, a Memphis artist performing here is participating in the same experience as artists in London, Tokyo, and everywhere else in between.
Jayson thinks what actually sets Memphis apart right now is the city’s next generation of creatives.
“The new generation of creatives coming out of Memphis,” he said. “Especially my generation have a hunger, and a shared drive to live and create freely, on our own terms, without waiting for permission.”
All About the Super Secret Venues
The whole concept of So Far Sounds hinges on the element of surprise, and Jayson took time to break down exactly how that works.
“Basically, our job is to give you a concert, give you an intimate concert, but at an unexpected place,” he explained. “That’s why it’s usually secret. It could be at a car shop, it could be at someone’s house. Usually we’re going to have some house shows too, but it could be at a warehouse, it could be anywhere.”
Be clear, the location isn’t just a gimmick. It’s core to the entire experience. As Jayson put it, “it’s all about the space and how the music makes you feel in that space.” A song hits differently in someone’s living room than it does in a giant venue with a sea of people between you and the stage. So Far strips all of that distance away. You RSVP, you get the address closer to the date, and you show up ready to be surprised, both by where you are and by who’s performing.
Mark Your Calendars, Get Involved!
So Far Sounds Memphis returns July 18th at 7 PM.
Beyond attending a show, Memphians can also become part of the growing community. Sofar is actively seeking local musicians, vendors, volunteers, and unique venue partners for future events. More info can be found here.
If you’re looking for a different way to experience live music this summer, this might just be your chance. The location stays under wraps until closer to showtime, so for now, all you have to do is grab your ticket, keep an eye on your inbox, and get ready for a night of great music in a place you never expected. See you at the secret spot!
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This blog was written by Diona Ballard
Diona Ballard is a writer and photographer based in Memphis, Tennessee whose work explores culture, music, identity, and pop culture.
