
In the new artist dashboard, we’re working to make it easier to book tour dates, whether that means filling in an open Monday night, using Sofar to promote another gig or setting up an entire tour of Sofar shows. Improved booking tool: Last year, 2,000 artists did tours with Sofar.We’re testing the beta version with a small group of artists now, and it will be available to everyone in March. We’ve rolled out the beginnings of a brand new artist dashboard to do all that, with lots more to come soon. A Sofar artist dashboard: A lot of artists have asked for a better way to manage their profiles, see show booking requests and access event details.
SOFAR SHOW FULL
Sofar’s New Payment Structure A full list of new Sofar features: New Compensation LevelsĬurrently, in ticketed cities, all performers at standard shows (three acts, 20-25 minute sets) are guaranteed a flat rate of $100 in the US, £75 in the UK, $100 CAD in Canada and 100€ in Spain.Īs of February 18, 2020, most ticketed cities will have three payment levels, where the total payment for each artist is based on the number of tickets sold for the show. Under the new leadership The Echo Nest founder Jim Lucchese, Sofar has pledged to do better and this week’s announcements are part of the service’s ongoing rehabilitation.

Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.Sofar had come under fire for sometimes paying the three artists on their shows as little as $100 each for house concerts and other intimate shows that often grossed many times that. Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. After that, all you have to do is wait for your confirmation email and enjoy the music. “It’s important to a lot of people, and I hope it keeps growing after I’m gone.” “In almost every city you visit, Sofar can be something familiar for you to meet people and have a good time,” Tolbert says. Volunteers host shows, help choose the talent, market the events and more. Those who are interested can not only attend the shows, but they can get involved with Sofar by volunteering. Tolbert will graduate from UGA in May 2019, and she wants to see Sofar grow as much as it can in the coming semester. This allows both artists and fans to feel as if they are fully immersed in the music. There are two rules that Sofar attendees must follow: There can be no talking while an artist is performing, and guests must stay for every act. “There’s no openers or closers-instead, every act is equal.” “Sofar is about bringing people closer to the artist,” Tolbert says. Tolbert says she wants to help promote the local music scene, and she makes a point to book at least one local act per show. Though the relative lack of demand makes Tolbert’s job easier, she says she wants nothing more than to see Sofar grow in Athens. There is a Sofar show every month, and most who apply are approved. The application process in Athens is much simpler, as ticket demand is lower. In London, Tolbert says she would apply to about three shows a week and be awarded a ticket once a month. She finds venues and artists, as well as vets those who apply for tickets to make sure the same people aren’t chosen over and over. She has since built a team of volunteers to help coordinate the monthly shows. Tolbert became Sofar’s Athens city director after she reached out to the organization about expanding to the city. “It helps you really appreciate the artists you’re seeing in a new way.” “Sofar is something I think everyone who likes music should experience at least once,” Tolbert says. After living in London and attending Sofar shows there, she knew this event was something that the local community would appreciate. Lauren Tolbert, the Athens Sofar representative, began her volunteer position with the company last year. There are three bands on every bill, and no one knows who is performing until they arrive. The day before the show, attendees are given the venue location. Those who are interested go to the Sofar website, apply for the show date and city they are interested in and wait to see if they have been selected.

The shows are built on a raffle system and function the same way in every location. Sofar Sounds offers a secret-show setup that is accessible to everyone.

SOFAR SHOW SERIES
What started as a series of house shows in London has now spread to 423 cities worldwide, including, most recently, Athens. This dream scenario is what Sofar Sounds is built on. You wish, more than anything, that the band would play a personal concert for those whose only motive is to enjoy the music.

The band sounds great, but you can’t focus with all the chatter in the background. Picture this: You and your friends have arrived at a venue to see one of your favorite artists.
