Los Angeles, California, the city of endless sunshine, and a hub overflowing with talented artists. We love all of the LA Sofar community, but here are 5 LA-based artists who’ve been keeping a close eye (and ear) on lately.
1. Soft Streak
We told you– there are too many artists, so naturally we gotta start with a duo. The LA-based pair makes electronic pop that feels as well-worn as acoustic folk, with the clarity of precise synthy beats. They put their debut LP, Ways to Lose, out last year, and we can only expect it’s the first of many solid albums ahead. For the moment though, we’re still stuck on this Sofar performance of their single “Ride”. (Sidenote: go take a gander at their intriguing, kinda cyber-fourth-wall-shattering homepage)
2. Tonina
The artist originally comes from St. Louis, Missouri, but now dwells in LA. The singer/songwriter, bassist, and music journalist creates jazz-inflected soft tunes, along with newly spun covers in English, Spanish, and Italian. Her performances are so easy to fall into, just like this intimate Sofar where the artist keeps things sparse and simple, letting the song radiate warmth right through the screen.
Ayoni
The 21-year-old Barbadian, LA-based artist sings with a clarity and depth far beyond her two decades. In fact, you should just get right to her Sofar performance, where, draped in deep red, she moves through a broad vocal range, each note equally lush and present.
4. Reggie Becton
A PG County, Maryland native, Reggie Becton now finds home in LA, or at least perhaps musical inspiration which led to his 2021 LP, California. The artist makes a smooth R&B, just take his stripped down Sofar of “Rainin’ in LA”, with two acoustic guitars and Reggie’s voice haloing over the crowd.
5. KORDELYA
It feels right to wrap the list with KORDELYA, because the Mexican/American artist makes the kind of bright synthy songs that just leave you in a good mood and call to mind the best version of LA– pink sunsets, a warm, dry breeze, and the beach just a highway drive away. Watch her Sofar performance below.
Photo credit: Tonina performing at Sofar NYC, photo by Rachel Ansley
