Get Ready to Dance: Sofi Tukker Returns to Budapest with Their Electrifying New Album
If you’re visiting Budapest this summer and love music that makes you want to move, mark your calendar for July 15th. The Grammy-nominated American electro-pop duo Sofi Tukker is returning to Budapest Park with their brand-new album “Bread,” promising an unforgettable night of dancing, energy, and pure musical joy.
From College Dorm to Global Stardom
The story of Sofi Tukker reads like a modern fairy tale of musical destiny. Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern first crossed paths at Brown University, where their vastly different backgrounds would eventually create magic. Tucker was a promising basketball player whose career was cut short by illness, leading him to discover his passion behind the DJ booth. Meanwhile, Sophie had just returned from Rio de Janeiro, where she’d been immersed in the world of bossa nova as part of a jazz trio playing original compositions.
When Tucker convinced Sophie to take a leap of faith and move to New York to pursue their musical dreams together, neither could have predicted what would follow. Just one year later, their debut single “Drinkee” earned them a Grammy nomination, instantly catapulting them into the international spotlight. Their first album also received Grammy recognition, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the electronic music scene.
The Sound of Modern Pop Culture
Today, Sofi Tukker’s music has become woven into the fabric of contemporary culture. You’ve likely heard their infectious beats in major advertising campaigns for brands like Apple, Peloton, and Smartwater, even if you didn’t realize it at the time. Their ability to create music that resonates across different media platforms has made them highly sought-after collaborators, working with numerous renowned artists on both original tracks and remixes.
Their discography tells a story of continuous evolution. Following their 2018 debut album “Treehouse” and 2022’s “WET TENNIS,” the duo released their third full-length album “Bread” in 2024, which represents their most daring and innovative work to date.
Two Years in the Making: The “Bread” Album
The creation of “Bread” was no quick endeavor. The duo spent two full years crafting what would become a dance-filled, optimistic record that encourages listeners to shed their fears and embrace life with full intensity. The album masterfully blends Brazilian funk, drum and bass, bossa nova, pop, and Portuguese poetry, creating the distinctive soundscape that has become Sofi Tukker’s signature.
Sophie Hawley-Weld perfectly captures the album’s essence: “Bread is pure energy. Literally carbohydrates. That’s exactly what we want to achieve with our music – when you put on the album, it gives you energy.” Tucker Halpern adds that while they didn’t initially know the title track would become the album’s central theme, the message became increasingly clear during the creative process. They wanted to convey that while the world can sometimes feel dark, it’s fundamentally a very entertaining place.
Best deals of Budapest
The Deeper Meaning Behind “Bread”
The album title isn’t arbitrary. Bread has been a symbol of abundance, energy, sensuality, and community for millennia. But there’s also a clever twist – “Bread” serves as an acronym for “Really Energetic And Dance,” perfectly encapsulating the duo’s musical philosophy.
As Sophie explains, “Bread is something that people around the world use to connect and come together.” Through their music, they aim to capture that same community-building power, creating songs that bring people together on dance floors across the globe.
Brazilian Soul in Electronic Music
Brazil has always been integral to Sofi Tukker’s musical identity, and “Bread” takes this connection even deeper. A significant portion of the album was recorded in Brazil, with Tucker noting that “Brazil is like a member of the band.” Sophie’s fluency in Portuguese and the time spent in the country during the album’s creation further strengthened their bond with Brazilian culture and poetry.
Their longtime friend Chacal, a Brazilian poet, played a particularly important role in the album. He wrote verses specifically for the band, addressing themes explored throughout the record. One notable example is the song “Cafuné,” named after Sophie’s favorite Portuguese word that has no direct English translation – a perfect example of how the duo embraces the untranslatable beauty of cross-cultural musical fusion.
A Visual Feast
Even the album’s artwork tells a story. The cover features Sophie wearing a dress made entirely of bread, photographed in front of one of Rio’s iconic buildings, surrounded by joyful Brazilian dancers. This visual perfectly captures the beautiful, playful, and dance-inducing world that “Bread” represents.
What to Expect at Budapest Park
When Sofi Tukker takes the stage at Budapest Park on July 15th, organized by Live Nation, you can expect an explosive celebration of their new material alongside their greatest hits. The duo is renowned for their energetic live performances and their ability to create an immediate connection with their audience.
For visitors to Budapest, this concert represents a perfect opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant music scene. Budapest Park itself is one of the city’s premier outdoor venues, providing an ideal setting for Sofi Tukker’s high-energy performance. The combination of their infectious music, the beautiful summer evening, and the electric atmosphere of a Budapest crowd promises to create memories that will last long after your visit to Hungary’s capital.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Sofi Tukker for the first time, this concert offers a chance to be part of something special – a celebration of music that transcends borders, languages, and cultures, bringing people together through the universal language of dance and joy.
Related events