As the New Year unfolds, the music world is buzzing with exciting updates. Festival lineups, tour announcements, and fresh singles are setting the tone for an exciting 2025 music scene.
While we’re eager to share what lies ahead, we want to begin the year with a moment of reflection. Our hearts go out to our Los Angeles community impacted by the devastating wildfires—friends, families, venue partners, and artists.
Our CEO and LA resident, Warren Webster, shared these words to our local community:
“[…] Even in the midst of this ongoing tragedy, we’ve heard from many of you expressing your desire to get together through Sofar. Some of you have even volunteered to host shows in your homes. Your support and kindness warms the heart—we appreciate you. […]”
This display of community is powerful as we come together to support in the ways we can. Please consider joining us in the following efforts:
Donate to MusiCares—Relief for music professionals
Donate to The American Red Cross, LA Chapter
Help long-time Sofar hosts Rosenthal Winery rebuild
Listen to LA-based artists ; and the broader music community…”
Music has always been about community, and it’s time to lean into connection more than ever. As we look forward, let’s celebrate the artists, the music, and the moments that united us.
1. Leave it to a fifth-generation Texan to perfect the country ballad. Rising star Angel White dropped another banger with his latest single, “Save Some for Me.” Packed with passionate lyrics, layered instruments, and his effortlessly smooth voice, this track is best played loud—and definitely don’t call your ex while listening. If you’re thinking what we’re thinking (this is a must-see-live artist), Angel’s US tour kicks off this February, with stops at Stagecoach and Cattle Country festivals.
2. Speaking of Texas, the 38th SXSW begins March 7th in Austin, and the lineup is stacked with Sofar artists. From Yasmin Williams and her legendary strumming skills to high-energy Nashville band, The Criticals, the talent is unmatched. Latin pop artist Sofia Reyes, genre-bending Summer Pearl, and the sweet storyteller Ken Pomeroy round out the list of 80+ Sofar artists joining the festival. Pregame for a jam-packed week with the official SXSW Playlist, and hear the artists you may have caught first at a Sofar!
3. We told you the festival line-ups were hot with Sofar artists this year, and Tennessee’s Bonnaroo is no exception. Indie-rock favorites Flipturn are set to play, as well as the esteemed “Sailor Song” artist, Gigi Perez. Remi Wolf isn’t just a major headliner—she’s hosting a 70’s pool party super jam! Consider this our RSVP because that is a party we don’t want to miss.
4. Lola Young is on a roll and not slowing down. The “Messy” artist is wrapping up her this wasn’t meant for you anyway tour with a February finale of back-to-back European shows—but she’s far from done. With more dates lined up across Europe and the UK, plus her first-ever Coachella performance on the horizon, now’s the time to catch her live—grab your tickets while you can!
5. Hohnen Ford’s new single has us hooked. “I Get Along Without You Very Well” highlights her notable lyrical style and Nico-esque vibe. Fingers crossed this single makes the setlist for her tour with fellow Sofar alum, Grammy winner, and producer, FINNEAS. This is a tour you (we) don’t want to miss!
6. Lala’s star is rising, and we’re here for it. The Broadway veteran and Netflix star just dropped “Pretend,” blending pop and R&B in a way that keeps us hitting repeat. Her Sofar NYC performance left a lasting impression, and we’re eagerly waiting for more.
7. Alt-indie-folk-artist Shelby Natasha just dropped “salmon song”, which reflects the track’s title with immersive soundscapes and gentle bridges. The Seattle native has played over 100 Sofar shows and has another one on the books at the end of the month. (Don’t tell our boss we told you.) Can’t make it? Catch her at a Sofar in Portland, OR on February 7th (oops, we did it again). In the meantime, enjoy her performance of “Hemingway,” an unreleased track she’s saved for the stage:
Catch these artists and more just like them at a Sofar near you!
