North Shields is quickly becoming known for its burgeoning music and culture scene. On any night of the week, you can watch and be entertained by music acts at the many superb venues in the area. But these gigs are also igniting other creative ideas.
Amidst the vibrant buzz of the growing music landscape, Richard O’Brien is fostering something special. Not just a musician, but also an academic with a PhD in Shakespeare, a lecturer in creative writing, and a published poet, Richard is the architect of “Songwriters In Conversation,” an event series hosted at the welcoming Baba Yaga’s. These events are more than just gigs; they are intimate explorations into the minds and processes of the artists who shape our sonic landscape.
His approach is deeply rooted in his academic background, particularly his interest in how lyrics and music intertwine. The “Songwriters In Conversation” events are born from this curiosity, aiming to dissect the craft of songwriting with a focus on the local, Northeast music scene. These aren’t your standard Q&As; they’re thoughtful dialogues that delve into themes such as “surroundings” and “collaboration,” themes deliberately chosen by O’Brien to ground each event with a specific focus.
I have attended both of the free events and found them to be compelling and captivating. As a consumer of music rather than someone who can write or play it, I was fascinated in the thought processes and creativity that goes into writing songs. Each event opens up with Richard performing one of his own songs under his music moniker ‘Groundbird’ then neatly segueing into compact setlists by the invited artists. So far we have been treated to sets from Nev Clay, Novyi Lef, Milky Wimpshake and Staithe.
“I wanted to ground this really locally,” O’Brien explains during the interview. He’s passionate about the often-overlooked talent thriving in the North East, artists who may not get the national spotlight but who are nevertheless incredibly talented. The series provides a platform for these musicians to speak about their art, their writing process, and what it means to be a musician in their specific community.
The atmosphere at Baba Yaga’s is casual and welcoming. The events are free, making them accessible to everyone, and they strike a balance between musical performance and in-depth discussion. O’Brien ensures that the audience has a chance to interact, though he is mindful of allowing room for shyer attendees. The artists, in turn, seem to appreciate the opportunity to share their perspectives in such a supportive environment. Feedback from the artists has been overwhelmingly positive, citing the venue’s encouraging atmosphere and the audience’s genuine interest in their lyrics and creative process.
For Richard, these events also feed into his academic work. He hopes to analyse the conversations, extracting valuable insights into the art of songwriting.
He also has his own passion project, ‘Groundbird.’ Having always written poems and lyrics, Richard finally took the plunge to perform his music in the last two years. He writes from a place of rich literary background drawing inspiration from Catholic imagery, “I love the high drama of angels and demons and all of that,” as well as internet culture. The name ‘Groundbird,’ he explains, comes from a poem he wrote as a tribute to John Clare, a 19th-century poet from his own region, which highlights a bird’s ability to sing even when hidden and represents a sense of humility and a “grounded” approach to music.
As for the future of “Songwriters In Conversation,” Richard is optimistic. He has secured funding to expand the series, aiming to create a wider reach through video podcasts on YouTube. He envisions the events continuing to be free, believing this fosters a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. The hope is that these events become known as a place where you get an intriguing and informative experience.
In a region brimming with creativity, Richard O’Brien’s “Songwriters In Conversation” is carving out a unique space, celebrating the artists who enrich the local music scene and offering a thoughtful exploration of the magic behind their songs. The series aims to be more than just a sequence of events; it is a living, evolving part of the region’s vibrant and expanding cultural narrative. It offers a rare opportunity to connect with the creative minds behind the music, to understand their processes, and to appreciate the depth of talent flourishing in the North East.
The next event is scheduled for 17 August 2025 at Baba Yaga’s in North Shields. Be sure not to miss out on a chance to engage with the art of song in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply inspiring and which highlights the power of dialogue and melody.
For more details follow:
Instagram:
@groundbirdsings
@thelasttimeisawrichard
@babayagasns
Photo: Richard O’Brien with Nev Clay and NOVYI LEF band members Euan Lynn and Thomas Reah, at Baba Yaga’s Loft for ‘Songwriters in Conversation #1: Writing the Modern City. January 2025.
