SOFI TUKKER on Style, Travel, and Letting Go

What happens to a stage look after the lights go down?

For SOFI TUKKER, each piece holds a story, carrying memories of performances, cities, and moments from the road. During weekend 1 of Austin’s biggest music festival, select pieces from the Grammy-nominated duo’s performance archive will find a new home through 1 Less Thing Artist Closet.

The vintage-inspired shopping experience invites guests and locals to discover the stories behind the duo’s colorful wardrobe and shop pieces from their collection, with proceeds benefiting FEMME HOUSE, the nonprofit co-founded by their longtime friend and collaborator LP Giobbi. Rooted in circularity and conscious consumption, Artist Closet gives memorable looks a second life while supporting a cause close to the artists’ hearts.

Known for transforming color, movement, and global influences into a world that extends far beyond music, SOFI TUKKER has built a visual identity as recognizable as its sound. We caught up with the duo to talk about Austin’s electric energy, fashion as a form of creative expression, and the people and places that continue to inspire them.

Backstage with SOFI TUKKER

You’ve played stages all over the world. What makes Austin, and the energy around ACL, feel different from anywhere else?

We've definitely had some of our favorite shows ever there. We've gotten to play in Austin so many times since the beginning of the band, in particular because of SXSW so it's one of those places we've really gotten to see our growth. The first time ever at ACL in the tent was unforgettable. A crowd surf to remember. Hehe. So excited to be back, it's always electric.

Color has always been part of the SOFI TUKKER world, from your visuals to your live shows. What role does fashion play in building that world, and what do you love most about seeing fans interpret it in their own way?

We get really inspired by color, we always have. It's really fun to match our sound with the visual. It feels like it's building a multisensory world, not just auditory. The coolest thing is when we are at our shows and get to see all the animal print and color represented in the crowd.

The proceeds from the 1 Less Thing: Artist Closet activation will benefit FEMME HOUSE. Why was their mission one you wanted to support?

We've been a part of FEMME HOUSE since before it even had a name! The inception happened on our tour bus with our best friend, LP Giobbi, and we've always supported her mission of bringing more feminine energy into dance music. She's such a force for good and we are proud to play a small part.

Your work has taken you around the world. How has travel changed the way you make music?

Travel inevitably opens our minds to different sounds and feelings, things are hot in different parts of the world, and it makes us zoom out and not take things for granted. Global sounds have always been a part of our music, especially Brazil which has been a main source of inspiration for us since the very beginning. When we met, Sophie was making music all in Brazilian Portuguese and planning on moving back to Brazil after college, before I convinced her to start a band and move to New York instead.

When you have 24 hours off in a new place, what does the perfect day look like?

After a lot of sleep, we usually like to find a good local coffee spot, get in a good workout, and hopefully have some local friends to show us around, shop and eat.

SOFI TUCKER’S FAVS:

Never board a flight without: Sleep mask and earplugs
First thing after checking in: Plug in the phone
Favorite city to wake up in: Paris or Rio
Best crowd in the world: Mexico City
Most likely to miss the flight: Sophie
Most chaotic suitcase: Tucker
Vintage find or something custom: Vintage