Last night I went to Heldeke to experience the Hourof Sound, one of those Tallinn events that quietly prove why the city’s underground music scene is thriving. The show was hosted by Lebo Sibul, also known as the Estonian Onion, and delivered exactly what it promised: discovery, intimacy, and surprise.
As a musician myself, this kind of format is especially attractive. Short, focused performances in a cozy venue often reveal hidden gems that larger Tallinn concerts simply can’t. This particular night turned into something unforgettable, full of strong performances, a man who really wanted a drink, and me arriving as an audience member and leaving as part of the music. But more on that later.
Lebo Sibul: Laptop Rock and the Art of Hosting
The evening opened with Lebo Sibul himself, guitar in hand, performing his original songs in a style he calls Laptop Rock. The concept is straightforward but effective: rock music without a band, with a laptop replacing the traditional rhythm section.
I’ve seen Lebo perform several times, and each time his music sounds more refined. He’s a skilled songwriter, a confident singer, and completely at home on the electric guitar. But what stood out most this time was his growth as a showman. Balancing the dual role of performer and host is no small task, yet he does it with ease and warmth. Stage presence is an essential part of any active musician’s life, and Lebo clearly understands that he’s becoming not just a strong performer, but a genuinely engaging host.
Josie Kikas-Booth: Humor, Fire, and Total Command
The second performer of the night was Josie Kikas-Booth from the UK, a remarkably talented musician and, in my mind, a natural comedian. She opened with a few sharp jokes, instantly warming up the room before diving into the music.
And while the humor was playful, the music was anything but light. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a striking voice, she delivered an intensely expressive performance: fast arpeggios, powerful strums, and absolute command over her instrument. The guitar seemed to surrender entirely to her will. I’ll admit, I was so absorbed by the energy, melody, and sheer force of her performance that I barely listened to the lyrics. The combination of stormy guitar work and vocal intensity created a moment that will stay with me for a long time.
Ricky Liontones: A One-Man Band from Chicago
Next came another true gem, Ricky Liontones, a singer-songwriter from Chicago, USA. With a strong voice and refined musical taste, he built full compositions live using a looper connected to his guitar.
By tapping the guitar body for percussion, muting strings for rhythmic texture, and layering parts in real time, he constructed rich soundscapes on the spot. Then he started singing, and everything shifted. His tenor voice was powerful, controlled, and expressive, with complete command over nuance and dynamics. It felt like listening to a full band condensed into a single performer.
At one point, I caught myself thinking his music carried a hint of David Bowie, only to have the show briefly interrupted.
An Unexpected Break, a Bowie Moment
Hour of Sound usually runs uninterrupted, given its tight one-hour format. But last night was an exception, thanks to an audience member whose thirst simply couldn’t wait.
Strangely enough, the pause worked in everyone’s favor. Ricky returned to the stage, spoke about his love for David Bowie, and mentioned that it was Bowie’s birthday. He then performed an encore, an original song subtly woven with echoes of Bowie’s music, functioning almost like a medley. It was heartfelt, clever, and beautifully executed.
Neo-Classical Atmospheres: Nikita Menkov & Dan Voss
The fourth part of the evening featured an instrumental performance by pianist and composer Nikita Menkov and electric violinist Dan Voss.
The piece was half-composed, half-improvised, structured in direction but alive in detail. Nikita’s affinity for minimalism and contemporary classical music shaped a neo-classical sound world, while Dan’s electric violin added emotional urgency and depth. The work reminded me of Clouds by the late Italian composer Ezio Bosso, restrained, sentimental, and deeply human. The atmosphere in the room felt suspended, intimate, and quietly powerful.
When the Stage Became a World Map
That should have been the end of the night, but Heldeke had one final surprise.
All the musicians returned to the stage for an improvised jam. Lebo picked up his guitar, Nikita switched to bass, Ricky moved to drums, Dan stayed on electric violin, and somehow, I ended up at the piano. What followed was a spontaneous collision of musical worlds.
At a time when global politics feel increasingly fractured, something quietly meaningful happened on that small stage. Estonia, Russia, the USA, and Iran shared a moment, not to debate, not to divide, but to play. To celebrate life. To remind us why music still matters.
Why Hour of Sound Matters in Tallinn’s Music Scene
Among the many Tallinn events competing for attention, Hour of Sound stands out by doing something deceptively simple: giving artists space, time, and trust. I’ve played on the Hour of Sound stage before, and what makes it distinctive for me as a musician is the freedom it offers to bring out my human side rather than just the performer. It’s a cozy setting, shaped by interaction and an engaged audience, an environment that feels equally rewarding for musicians and listeners. Making a mistake on this stage is not a failure; it’s simply part of the process of being a musician, of being human.
In a city full of concerts, this format proves that discovery still thrives best in small rooms, close distances, and open ears.
For Tunitemusic readers and anyone following Tallinn’s evolving live music culture, this was one of those nights that quietly define why we keep showing up.
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