Gig Review. SoFar Sounds 29 May 2025

Gig Review. SoFar Sounds 29 May 2025

Jennie Lynch

SoFar Sounds describe their concept as ‘a global community that connects artists and audiences through unique and intimate experiences’ and that brings people together to ‘create a space where music and arts matter.’

I had been meaning to check out SoFar Sounds for some time. This was also their first event in Leeds for a while, so when the email came through, I grabbed tickets for myself and my partner. Prices vary depending on city and venue, but for £18 a ticket, we got to see not one but three up-and-coming artists.

Having only been given the address of the venue the day before, I was relieved to find that it wasn’t actually in someone’s garden shed. The website suggests that the events can be at a variety of sometimes eclectic locations, ranging from churches to people’s living rooms. The setting on that particular Thursday night turned out to be the event room of Archive, a pleasant café bar on Kirkstall Road, with proper seats, toilets, and everything! I would say that it was reasonably accessible for anyone with mobility issues. The café bar itself was open for food and drinks, and appeared very busy for a mid-week evening. It’s easily accessible from Leeds City Centre and the areas where many of the students live, which probably helps! The bar for the event was small but quite well stocked, including a choice of alcohol-free options.

We arrived with no idea who we were going to see, although I noted that the promoters had sent an email giving us a heads up at some point between us leaving the house and arriving at the venue.

The venue had a cosy atmosphere, and the lighting was subdued, without being ridiculously dark. The layout was mostly café-type style with tables, benches, and some chairs set out facing the stage area. The set-up indicated that this was going to be very much a gig where you paid attention to the music, and the acoustics were pretty good. The performers commented on how nice (if slightly unnerving) it was to have the audience’s full attention for a change.

We were surprised to see that there were possibly up to 200 people there, but somehow the gig still managed to feel intimate.

So, to the event itself. After a brief introduction, we were treated to performances from 3 fairly well-established (though not very well known) artists with a quick 10-minute toilet and bar break in between.

First up was Mike McKenzie, an award-winning singer-songwriter based in Edinburgh. He performed an acoustic set with a guitar and a bit of self -deprecating chat in between. The songs were beautifully crafted and heartfelt. His gentle, melodious, yet precise vocals convey a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. He was warm and engaging – even if he did make us sing.

The second performer, Some Honey, is based in Birmingham. Also known as Tee, she is of mixed Asian and UK heritage, her mum being Thai. I’m only mentioning this as she is passionate about representing artists of mixed East Asian heritage in the UK music scene. She also writes most of her material. This evening, she accompanied herself on a guitar, which she said was not usual for her. Her personality is engaging, and her voice is soulful, with her lyrics drawing on deeply personal experiences.

The final act, William Jack, hails from Adelaide in Australia but is now based in London. He is described as a multi-style cellist and songwriter. And what a cellist! He managed to fuse classical technique with elements of rock and jazz, executing some astonishing feats such as playing the instrument like a guitar. As well as some Arabic-inspired music, there were more modern rock-influenced numbers, such as a Red Hot Chili Peppers cover (Snow/Hey Oh). Jack’s occasional vocals were less about lyrics and more about using his voice as an accompanying instrument. The performance was intense and drenched in emotion. The audience was entranced.

We didn’t have time to chat to the performers afterwards as we had an early start the next day, but my other half did manage a quick word with William Jack, who told him that he was hoping to book a gig up at The Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds for the autumn (he has played there before). It’s not confirmed yet, so I suggest you keep an eye out on the socials.

In conclusion, it’s a great concept. We got to hear new music with cool vibes, and I would definitely do it again.

Links

https://archiveleeds.co.uk/

https://www.hydeparkbookclub.co.uk/

https://www.mikemckenzieonline.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mikemckenzieonline