Sofa Salon at Berlin Music Week

Tags

Ben Salter, Berlin, Berlin Music Week, Elyas Khan, festival, First We Take Berlin, house concert, Kreuzberg, MELT!, MELT! Booking, Miranda Gjerstad, private, reservation, Sam Wareing, September 2013, September 4, September 5, showcase, singer-songwriter, Sofa Salon, Sweet Jean

UPDATE: We are nearly booked out. E-mail for the last available places for Sofa Salon/First We Take Berlin/Berlin Music Week.

First We Take Berlin and A Headful of Bees Presents
Sofa Salon for Berlin Music Week

Sofa Salon is again delighted to host two showcases for Berlin Music Week. This year, MELT! Booking is running the First We Take Berlin showcase program and I’ve assembled four of the most interesting and world class singer-songwriter acts from around the world.

Guests need to email berlinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com to reserve their place and get the address. Guests with a First We Take Berlin pass will have free entry. As usual, Sofa Salon guests pay 8€ for the highest quality live and intimate music experience.

Here’s the lineup. Here’s the Fb event for those of you so inclined.

MITTWOCH 4. SEPTEMBER SWEET JEAN (AU) + MIRANDA GJERSTAD (SE)
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SWEET JEAN is Sime Nugent and Alice Keath. Since forming in late 2010, Sweet Jean have built a reputation for their evocative songwriting, razor-sharp harmonies, and stirring live performances. The AU Review said Sweet Jean “can break your heart one minute and mend it the next. The duo has a natural ability to transport their audience to the heart of their songs.” Sweet Jean’s debut album Dear Departure was released on July 4 2013.
WEB: http://sweetjeanmusic.com/

MIRANDA GJERSTAD
At the age of 16, Miranda Gjerstad started to make a name for herself in the Swedish music scene. After moving to Berlin in 2009, she began a long term collaboration with Berliner epic indie rock duo Lonski & Classen and released the single Danger in November 2012. With her pumporgan, a powerful voice, direct songwriting and cabaret-inspired performances she has been seen playing at parties in the dark woods, in rock clubs and theaters, wearing glittering clown costumes and feathers.
WEB: http://mirandamiranda.bandcamp.com/

DONNERSTAG 5. SEPTEMBER BEN SALTER (AU) + ELYAS KHAN (UK)
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BEN SALTER rose to acclaim as an incredibly prolific songwriter and collaborator in two very different Brisbane bands, the punk rock Giants of Science and Country Rock supergroup The Gin Club. His clever lyrics span history, human frailty and good times sung in an honest and authentic Australian urban voice. His debut solo album The Cat was co-produced with another great Australian songewriter, Gareth Liddiard of The Drones. This is his second long tour of Europe.
WEB: http://www.bensalter.com.au/

ELYAS KHAN is a creative powerhouse who mixes the gorgeous Quuali-inspired singing of his Pakistani-British heritage with the acid guitar and art-synth processing of his NYC years.
Now based in Berlin with his fourth album to be released in France and Germany in 2013, his incredible musical freedom makes for an intense, ecstatic live experience.
WEB: www.elyaskhan.com

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Sofa Salons #34, #35, #36 and #37

Tags

2013, Berlin, Berlin COMPASS, collaboration, house concert, james cruickshank, Justin Cusack, Lavender Drake, Lucie Thorne, Matt Walker, Miriam Wuttke, new music, November, October, performance, Prita Grealy, ritual, Roller One, Sandra Sarala, seasonal, September, Sofa Salon, Susie Asado, upcoming events

Sofa Salon 35 by Kate Seabrook

Dearhearts,
Well… last week was an enormous week. At the opening press conference, it was heartening to hear that Berlin Music Week’s Head of Project Björn Döring welcomes the inclusion of house concerts as official showcases in the program. Not that we need legitimacy, but it’s lovely to see house concerts recognised as a vital part of the live music industry for performers and fans alike.

That said, we lived up to the hype with full houses and stunning showcases from Phia (AU), Town of Saints (NL), Mute Swimmer (UK) and our last minute fill-in act My Sister Grenadine (DE) and two wonderful new host apartments. Thank you Robert and Tammy. Indelible moments included Felix from My Sister Grenadine yelling into a hoodie, raucous crowd-particpation during No Time, Mute Swimmer’s infamous “why don’t you shut the fuck up” song, and the lovely group jam between Phia and Town of Saints.

And now we’re onto the next two shows. In collaboration with Sandra Sarala’s excellent seasonal/ritual performance series Berlin COMPASS, Sofa Salon #36 is an intimate Kabarett this Saturday 22 September. Following that, we have Sofa Salon #37 on Saturday 6 October featuring further explorations of Australian songwriting talent in Justin Cusack, Roller One and special guest James Cruickshank.

I’m really excited to bring you these performers, so email berlinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com for reservations and the address.

SEPT 22

Sofa Salon & Berlin Compass presents Sandra Sarala (NZ) + Lavender Drake (AU) + Miriam Wuttke (DE) Sandra Serala’s excellent seasonal/ritual performance series Berlin COMPASS, Sofa Salon hosts an intimate Prenzl’berg Sofa Salon next Thursday 22 featuring the dark voice of Berlin chanteuse Lavender Drake (AU), performance artist Miriam Wuttke (DE) with her new piece Heimat–Land-Luxus, and hostess/previous Sofa Salon poet Sandra Sarala (NZ) who combines real world poetry and anarchic East European folk song. 6€. Doors 19:00. Email belinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com for reservations and address. Facebook event

OKT 6

Roller One (AU) + Justin Cusack (AU) + James Cruickshank (AU) In my continuing crusade to bring every good Australian songwriter to Berlin to play in a living room, I present two former Sofa Salon artists and one special guest. After last May’s SAND Journal Dayfestival, two Melburnian acts return to the Salon: Justin Cusack (ex-Black Pony Express) with his dusty, heart-worn troubadour songs and the gorgeous Willie Nelson-esque alt.country of duo Roller One. Our special guest artist is James Cruickshank in his last European show for a while, a guitarist and songwriter well-respected for his work with The Cruel Sea and Tex Perkins. He brings us songs from his three seductive solo records. 6€. Doors 19:00. Email belinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com for reservations and address.

NOV 16

Matt Walker (AU) + Lucie Thorne (AU) Matt Walker is a well-loved figure on the Australian roots music scene, known for his astonishing white-boy blues voice and mastery of dobro, lap steel and guitar. His tourmate, Lucie Thorne is an itinerant troubadour armed with a deadly red Guild electric guitar and a seductive, womanly voice. I’m already receiving reservations for this show, so email requests to berlinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com.

JAN 26

Susie Asado (DE) Sofa Salon is delighted to work again with Paper & Iron Booking to present alternative Folk doyenne Susie Asado and her wonderful portmanteau of languages, cities and well-travelled songs.

MAR 2

Prita Grealy (AU) Combining hip-hop, soul and folk, the vivacious Prita Grealy innovates while she uplifts. This will be a perfect Spring Awakening.

Sofa Salon for Berlin Music Week and 2012 lineups

July saw two amazing Salons in one long week with great punk attitude and soulful songs from the amazing Emperor X and Remarkable Shipwrecks, plus a very sticky, summery night of music from Big Strong Brute and exuberant Italian trio Lapingra.

Thank you to the artists, the audiences, my housemates and hosts and to Elena at Paper & Iron Booking for bringing Chad/Emperor X to Sofa Salon.

The second half of the year sees some astonishing songwriters grace the Sofa Salon, including two Salons for Berlin Music Week and the new Sofa Salon dinner series near Zoo Station.

I’m really excited to bring you these performers. Email berlinsofasalon@googlemail.com for reservations.

AUG 3

Saudia Young (DE) Our guest for the next show is Berlin-based NYC songwriter and cabaret performer Saudia Young who turns her soft and low alto voice onto swinging jazz styles.You don’t need to have dinner to see the show, but come and watch some great live music near Zoo station. DE: Präsentiert von Sofa Salon und Kartoffelkiste: Berlins neueste Liedermacher-Serie. Echtes Berliner Essen und Original Live Musik in der gemütlichen, charmanten Atmosphäre der Kartoffelkiste auf dem EuropaCenter. Jeden zwei Wochen. Frei Eintritt. Einlass: 20:00. EN: Sofa Salon and the Kartoffelkiste present Berlin’s newest singer-songwriter series featuring real Berliner food and local music in the cozy, charming atmosphere of the Kartoffelkiste at the Europa Center, Zoo. Every fortnight. Free entry. Doors 20:00. Facebook event     Venue

AUG 17

Die Wanderdüne (DE) Our guest for this show is Berlin folk musician Die Wanderdüne who roams widely through gorgeous improvisations and different instruments. DE: Präsentiert von Sofa Salon und Kartoffelkiste: Berlins neueste Liedermacher-Serie. Echtes Berliner Essen und Original Live Musik in der gemütlichen, charmanten Atmosphäre der Kartoffelkiste auf dem EuropaCenter. Jeden zwei Wochen. Frei Eintritt. Einlass: 20:00. EN: Sofa Salon and the Kartoffelkiste present Berlin’s newest singer-songwriter series featuring real Berliner food and local music in the cozy, charming atmosphere of the Kartoffelkiste at the Europa Center, Zoo. Every fortnight. Free entry. Doors 20:00.

AUG 18

Ned Collette (AU), Ben Salter (AU) + Mark Geary (IE) Three great songwriters grace us with music from their critically-acclaimed new albums. Ben Salter is from Brisbane bands Giants Of Science and alt.country collective The Gin Club and co-produced his intelligent, complex debut solo album The Cat with members of The Drones. Ned Collette is a past host and performer at Sofa Salon. He brings us literate musings from his sixth album, 2. Mark Geary is an Irish singer-songwriter whose time in NYC saw him share stages with acts like Jeff Buckley and Glen Hansard (The Swell Season, The Frames) as well as releasing four albums including the haunting melancholia of this year’s songs about love, songs about leaving. Hear some great music and enjoy drinks at the Peter Falk Memorial Bar. Email reservation requests to berlinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com

SEP 5-7

Berlin Music Week Showcases Sofa Salon and A Headful of Bees host three official showcases for Berlin Music Week. Mittwoch 5. September – Sofa Salon presents Phia (AU) + Town of Saints (NL) Australian songwriter Phia has made kalimba (African thumb piano) and loops the centre of her indie pop sound, constructing energetic, layered songs with soaring vocals reminiscent of Björk’s Vespertine album. She will play songs from her new album recorded in Poland. She is supported by Dutch/Finnish acoustic folk-punk act Town of Saints who are renowned for their joyous live shows and will be playing songs from their new EP The Silent Sea. Facebook event     Berlin Music Week page  Donnerstag 6. September – A Headful of Bees Music presents Eric Eckhart (US), Ken Burke (IE), Wasp Summer (AU), Miss Kenichi (DE) and Nina Hynes (IE) at Lovelite, F’hainMy label-collective A Headful of Bees showcases new music from five of Berlin’s finest folk/roots singer-songwriters at Friedrichshain venue Lovelite for Berlin Music Week: the classic guitar pop of Eric Eckhart, Ken Burke’s Irish acoustic-pop storytelling, Wasp Summer‘s soulful alt.country folk, the delicate East German Americana of Miss Kenichi and the experimental pop of well-known Irish indie chanteuse Nina Hynes. Facebook event     Berlin Music Week page  Freitag 7. September – Sofa Salon presents Mute Swimmer (UK) + Il Tempo Gigante (DK) Over solid and ingenious melodies, Mute Swimmer commits darkly funny and metaphysical sabotage on the art of performance. Il Tempo Gigante is Danish musician Rolf Hansen whose distinctive guitar-style and layered folk-pop recalls a one-man Beirut or Radiohead. Facebook event     Berlin Music Week page  Email reservation requests to berlinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com. I will be taking email reservations like normal but you will need to reserve your spots early as I need to save space for people who buy Berlin Music Week Club Tickets. If you want to experience three days of incredible showcases all within the Friedrichshain/Kreuzberg nexus, pre-order your Club tickets for these events here.

OCT 6

Roller One (AU) + Justin Cusack (AU) Both acts are previous Sofa Salon performers. I’m happy to welcome back Melburnians Roller One and Justin Cusack with their distinctive takes on dusty, spacious Australian Folk. Email reservation requests to berlinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com

NOV 16

Matt Walker (AU) + Lucie Thorne (AU) Matt Walker is a well-loved figure on the Australian roots music scene, known for his astonishing white-boy blues voice and mastery of dobro, lap steel and guitar. His tourmate, Lucie Thorne is an itinerant troubadour armed with a deadly red Guild electric guitar and a seductive, womanly voice. Email reservation requests to berlinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com

JAN 26

Susie Asado (DE) + guest Sofa Salon is delighted to work again with Paper & Iron Booking to present alternative Folk doyenne Susie Asado and her wonderful portmanteau of languages, cities and well-travelled songs. Email reservation requests to berlinsofasalon [aet] googlemail.com

Sofa Salon July and Berlin Music Week

Dearhearts, Sofa Salon is back after the Sommerpause and I have some amazing lineups, collaborations and festival news for you for the rest of 2012. Feast your eyes and ears.

Dearhearts, Danach die Sommerpause, ‘Sofa Salon’ kommt wieder mit großartig Künstler and Festival Nachricht! Fest Ihre Augen und Ohren!

JULI 1

Sofa Salon 2nd Birthday Celebration! Emperor X (US) + Remarkable Shipwrecks (AU) In collaboration with Berlin Booking Agency Paper and Iron, I’m proud to present an intimate concert from US underground electro-acoustic noise wunderkind Emperor X (Bar/None Records). Chad Matheny’s gleeful shows in tunnels, festivals, houses and bus stations are part fierce acoustic indie-rock and part sampled/looped noise heaven.  Making his Berlin debut at Sofa Salon, Remarkable Shipwrecks is Melburnian Simon Morrison’s new project, all low-fi folk rock stripped and resonating with raw intensity.

JULI 6

Lapingra (IT) + Big Strong Brute (AU) Italian toycore band Lapingra is a collaboration between two quirky musicians with shared passion for Barbie, bake-a-cakes, Björk, Disney soundtracks and Bauhaus. Their album uses toy instruments to bake oven-fresh and original songs. Big Strong Brute is the vehicle for Brisbane songwriter Paul Donoughue’s intelligent and sensitive folk-pop. He plays songs from new album, Avalanche Of Truth.

AUG 18

Ned Collette (AU), Ben Salter (AU) + Mark Geary (IE) Three great songwriters grace us with music from their critically-acclaimed new albums. Ben Salter is from Brisbane bands Giants Of Science and alt.country collective The Gin Club and co-produced his intelligent, complex debut solo album The Cat with members of The Drones. Ned Collette is a past host and performer at Sofa Salon. He brings us literate musings from his sixth album, 2. Mark Geary is an Irish singer-songwriter whose time in NYC saw him share stages with acts like Jeff Buckley and Glen Hansard (The Swell Season, The Frames) as well as releasing four albums including the haunting melancholia of this year’s songs about love, songs about leaving.

SEP 5-7

Berlin Music Week Showcases Sofa Salon and A Headful of Bees host three official showcases for Berlin Music Week. Mi 5. Sep – Sofa Salon presents Phia (AU) + Town of Saints (NL) Australian songwriter Phia has made kalimba (African thumb piano) and loops the centre of her indie pop sound, constructing energetic, layered songs with soaring vocals reminiscent of Björk’s Vespertine album. She will play songs from her new album recorded in Poland. She is supported by Dutch/Finnish acoustic folk-punk act Town of Saints who are renowned for their joyous live shows and will be playing songs from their new EP The Silent Sea. Do 6. Sep – A Headful of Bees Music presents Eric Eckhart (US), Ken Burke (IE), Wasp Summer (AU), Miss Kenichi (DE) and Nina Hynes (IE) at Lovelite, F’hainMy label-collective A Headful of Bees showcases new music from five of Berlin’s finest folk/roots singer-songwriters at Friedrichshain venue Lovelite for Berlin Music Week: the classic guitar pop of Eric Eckhart, Ken Burke’s Irish acoustic-pop storytelling, Wasp Summer‘s soulful alt.country folk, the delicate East German Americana of Miss Kenichi and the experimental pop of well-known Irish indie chanteuse Nina Hynes. Fr 7. Sep – Sofa Salon presents Mute Swimmer (UK) + Il Tempo Gigante (DK) Over solid and ingenious melodies, Mute Swimmer commits darkly funny and metaphysical sabotage on the art of performance. Il Tempo Gigante is Danish musician Rolf Hansen whose distinctive guitar-style and layered folk-pop recalls a one-man Beirut or Radiohead.

OCT 6

Roller One (AU) + Justin Cusack (AU) Both acts are previous Sofa Salon performers. I’m happy to welcome back Melburnians Roller One and Justin Cusack with their distinctive takes on dusty, spacious Australian Folk.

NOV 16

Matt Walker (AU) + Lucie Thorne (AU) Matt Walker is a well-loved figure on the Australian roots music scene, known for his astonishing white-boy blues voice and mastery of dobro, lap steel and guitar. His tourmate, Lucie Thorne is an itinerant troubadour armed with a deadly red Guild electric guitar and a seductive, womanly voice.