Jameson Irish Whiskey Launches Intimate Gig Series in Partnership with Sofar Sounds

Pernod Ricard UK has announced the launch of a major new series of brand experiences for Jameson Irish Whiskey, in partnership with music events start-up Sofar Sounds. The initiative, Sofar Sounds’ biggest ever UK partnership, was developed in collaboration with Havas Media and JUMP, Havas Media Group’s content and partnerships division.

Jameson is partnering with Sofar Sounds for eight intimate gigs in cities across the UK over the next eight months, with the London launch event taking place on Wednesday 27th November. In line with Jameson’s Seen and Heard platform, which champions new music, the shows will take place in unexpected venues and feature up-and-coming artists rather than more established headline acts.

The event series aims to drive consideration amongst its core target audience of L.A.D.S: adults aged 25-to-44 described as Learning, Active, Down-to-earth, Social connectors; and to create a synergy between new music and the whiskey brand.

The partnership was selected based on Havas Media’s insight that Jameson drinkers are three times more likely to buy products from companies who sponsor exhibitions or music events. Instead of choosing to sponsor a music festival, Jameson decided to partner with Sofar Sounds, as the start-up’s ethos, approach and grassroots community would help to deliver a more authentic and innovative experience.

The campaign is supported by social-first content, which will run across the Sofar Sounds website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter; and a partnership between Jameson and the VICE music channel Noisey, which seeks to help position the brand as an authority in the music space. As part of this, Noisey will run a six-part content series, ‘Behind the Sofa(r)’, which will offer an insider’s look at the ever-changing music industry.

In parallel with the campaign, Jameson is also running a competition offering budding musicians the chance to win studio recording time with a music producer and to make their own music video, as well as other prizes to help elevate their career as a new artist.

Katia Fragkou, head of marketing at Pernod Ricard UK, said: “We have curated a series of shows that will really speak to passionate lovers of live music. Sofar’s ethos and approach to up-and-coming artists perfectly complements our Seen and Heard platform, making them the ideal partners for this exciting initiative.”

Nick Wright, managing director, JUMP, added: “Havas Media Group has worked with Jameson for many years, but this is the first time we have created a campaign of this scale together. Partnering with Sofar Sounds and VICE has given us the opportunity to make something which feels authentic and credible for Jameson’s target audience, putting the brand at the heart of these fantastic live music experiences.”

Tom Lovett, commercial director, Sofar Sounds, emphasised: “As a global music platform, Sofar Sounds seeks to create spaces where music matters - bringing together artists, guests, hosts, and community members to connect around authentic shared moments. We’re thrilled to work with Jameson and Havas Media Group to uniquely scale these moments of community across the UK through this first-to-market partner program, creating bespoke events that lift emerging artists up and allow fans an opportunity to toast the music they fall in love with."