FOREST HILLS, NY – Native New York City EDM duo Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, known as SOFI TUKKER, returned to their hometown to deliver a high-energy performance at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens as part of their *Bread Tour* on September 26th, 2024. SOFI TUKKER is currently touring across North America following the release of their latest album, *Bread*, which dropped on August 23rd, 2024. The tour has been highly anticipated by fans eager to see the duo’s vibrant live performance and to experience the euphoric tracks from the new album in a live setting.
The first time I experienced SOFI TUKKER live was at Coachella 2023. I stumbled into their set by chance, but what I saw wasn’t just a pleasant surprise – it was a revelation. The seamless connection they built with the audience left a mark. By the time their set was over, I had transformed from a curious onlooker to a full-fledged fan. Their Coachella stage design – which made a bold impression back then – returned tonight at Forest Hills with the same visual flair. It felt like stepping back into a familiar dream, knowing exactly what magic was about to unfold.
Beyond their evident live skills and tight sound, SOFI TUKKER has a stage presence that is both captivating and authentic. It’s impossible to ignore how their infectious energy radiates into the audience, uniting the crowd in a single pulse. What sets their music apart is its ability to spark joy, instantly getting under your skin and making you want to move. That same euphoric vibe translates perfectly into their latest album, Bread. As an EDM duo, SOFI TUKKER continues to push their creative boundaries, experimenting with different instrumentation that keeps their sound fresh and playful. From pulsing basslines to exotic rhythms, they layer every track with groovy, dance-inducing beats and melodies that make every drop hit harder. They also dip in and out of English and Portuguese lyrics with ease, paying homage to their deep Brazilian influences. The album’s title itself is an acronym for “Be Really Energetic And Dance,” and that’s exactly what it achieves.
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The show kicked off with the album’s title track, “Bread,” accompanied by fun choreography and playful props – yes, there was actual bread involved. Immediately, the stadium was engulfed in colorful lights, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night of dancing, joy, and nonstop energy. SOFI TUKKER’s music takes heavy cues from Brazilian dance music and culture, and their songs’ lyrics, often sung in Portuguese, add to their vibrant and unique appeal. Their stage setup was equally as colorful and dynamic as their music, immersing the audience in a full sensory experience. From the very first track, it was clear that the night was designed to be a massive dance party.
Right off the bat, the hometown crowd was treated to something extra special, as SOFI TUKKER was back performing in New York. The stadium erupted when the familiar sample of Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” filled the air, heralding their track “Summer in New York.” It was a moment that felt like a true homecoming, with the city itself woven into the fabric of the song. The energy remained enthusiastic and palpable as they powered through a setlist packed with favorites, including their high-octane track “Throw Some Ass.” Every dedicated fan knows about the infamous “Sofi Says” segment of their live shows – and at Forest Hills, it was no different. The entire stadium threw their inhibitions to the wind, diving into a spontaneous and liberating twerk session. It was pure, wholesome freedom, and the kind of moment where every body and soul in the crowd were one – dancing, laughing, and vibing together.
While the duo’s set was largely an all-out dance-fest, they allowed room for a more intimate moment with “Hey Homie.” The song slowed things down, providing fans with a chance to take in the moment, appreciate their surroundings, and connect with the people they came to share the night with. Yet, the duo kept the momentum rolling effortlessly, moving through a meticulously curated setlist that included bangers like “Emergency,” “Woof,” and the undeniably catchy “Purple Hat.” Each song was accompanied by captivating choreography, mesmerizing visuals, and a lighting design that perfectly elevated the performance to a multi-sensory experience.
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SOFI TUKKER’s ability to craft a set that flows seamlessly from one mood to the next, while maintaining an electric atmosphere, is a testament to their prowess as performers. They possess an innate understanding of how to command a crowd, knowing exactly when to turn up the heat with thumping basslines or pull back with introspective melodies that let the crowd breathe and savor each song. Their performance is more than a concert – it’s an immersive journey, bringing the audience into the world of SOFI TUKKER, where every song feels like a celebration of life, music, and community.
The night culminated in a euphoric finale as SOFI TUKKER closed their set with their Grammy-nominated debut single, “Drinkee.” It was the perfect conclusion to a night overflowing with energy, nostalgia, and the distinct SOFI TUKKER flavor that runs throughout their latest work, *Bread*. There’s something poetic about ending a show with “Drinkee” – a song that introduced the world to their genre-blending, boundary-pushing style, and still stands as a powerful testament to their musical identity. It left everyone on a high, sweaty and smiling, knowing they had just been a part of something uniquely special.
SOFI TUKKER’s performance at Forest Hills Stadium was more than just a homecoming – it was a triumphant celebration of where they’ve come from and where they’re going, leaving the audience craving more. It’s rare to see a duo so committed to creating a live experience that is as electrifying as the music itself, and tonight, they more than delivered.
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