Before releasing their latest album, Wet Tennis, and touring again, Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, a.k.a Sofi Tukker, were live streaming with dj sets daily form their home in L.A. On one those earlier streams, Tukker proclaimed that they would play every day till covid-19 was over, or when the lockdowns would stop and a semblance of daily life returned. Tucker had thought this would last about a month, not knowing lockdowns would last for nearly two years before live touring would start again. When it did, and partly starting their latest tour, Sofi Tukker were hit with a covid-19 within their own tour group, back in June 2022 when there was another uptick of covid-19. One of those postponed dates was in Toronto, to many dismayed Toronto fans, but finally they have returned to Toronto to play to a sold-out crowd on a Sunday at History.
Sofi Tukker dancers, known as a group that calls themselves Bob’s Dance Shop, opened the show, getting fans hyped up and also showing them some dance moves, before Sofi Tukker took the stage. Sofi Tukker started the set with their portuguese single, Energia and Best Friend from their debut album, Treehouse, and leading into one of their singles from their latest album, Original Sin. Sophie paced back and from from her mic to different set of platforms on either side of the stage, as well as a centre, smaller platform. Tucker had his own spot with his dj deck and a couple drum kits filled with tennis balls separated end of the stage between the higher platforms. A big screen played visuals along with a middle screen that projected a score board between the duo. Part of the great thing about this is that fans can play along and interact with the band as they tally up the points during their set.
The interesting thing about Sofi Tukker is that they have an unique sound, but a sound that they want to take globally, which has served them well since they have become a house hold name in other parts of the world. This is in part from Tucker’s skill as a DJ and Sophie jazz and bossa nova humble beginnings. A growing number of fans became part of the an online community which called themselves the freak fam, born out of the pandemic, who came together during Sofi Tukker’s live streams. During the height of the pandemic, the band, through their live streams connected people around the world when people needed the most connection. Tucker reminded the crowd that there was a strong freak fam community in Toronto and Toronto had a special place for them. They joked about not being Canadians themselves since Tucker’s brother lives in Toronto now, expecting a child with his wife, and Sophie mentioned that both her parents are Canadians.
Some other highlights from the night: Tucker getting roasted for wearing his Boston basket jersey #33, in reference to their track Larry Bird, because you know Toronto are hard core Raptor fans! Sophie unique acoustic, bossa nova version of What a wonderful world, from the far left side, second balcony of the VIP section around fans. They ended their set with their massive hit, Drinkee, with the entire crowd jumping up and down in happy unison. Plus, there is nothing like seeing Sophie playing that electric guitar riff for Drinkee, just pure bliss. It was a night to be remembered, filled with a celebration of dance, joy and community.
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Be sure to check out Embrace Presents to see what other great acts they will be bringing to Toronto this year.
