It’s already dark at 7pm and the rain is lashing down. As I head towards Kelham, I’m aware that autumn has arrived. Winter isn’t far behind.
The Merchant’s House courtyard, however, is lit up by fairy lights. Sam Taylor, one of the promoters of Northern Nights and a seasoned songwriter himself, greets me with a warm grin and leads me into a small, candlelit room with cabaret-style seating and a cosy feel.
At one table, the musicians discuss their final plans for the evening. For its inaugural event, Northern Nights has brought together a talented bunch of troubadours. Performing tonight are Michele Stodart, part of Mercury Prize-nominated band The Magic Numbers; Robert Vincent, winner of the UK Americana Music Association’s Song of the Year award in 2025; and Ed Cosens, Sheffield songwriter, former Reverend and the Makers guitarist and the second half of the brains behind this gig series.
Instead of each singer delivering their own set, the performers take turns to sing a song, often choosing what to play based on what has come before. If one songwriter shares something new, the others follow. Themes of mental health and our relationship with the natural world surface throughout the evening, each songwriter approaching them from a different perspective.
While taking photographs, I realise I’m focusing on the interplay between the musicians: the intent listening followed by a nod of approval, the smiles and the laughs between songs. It gives the event a real intimacy; you feel as though you’re a real part of the proceedings, sitting with three friends swapping stories and songs.
The crowd are completely enchanted by the atmosphere. They sit in silence during the songs. Take a look at any of their faces and you’ll see a huge smile. Everyone seems to appreciate how special it is to be here, in the company of these incredibly talented singer-songwriters.
It’s inevitable that the musicians will eventually play together. A guitarist can only sit still with a guitar for so long. Ed and Rob are invited to join Michele on a song and leap at the opportunity.
Then Ed and Michele preview a new song, with the working title ‘We’re Alright’. The pair are due to record at Yellow Arch Studios on Sunday. Rob proclaims it the highlight of the evening – and I’d agree. I’m looking forward to hearing it again once it’s released.
If I were to use one word to describe Northern Nights, it’d be hygge. The Danish word is used to describe that warm feeling you get when you’re relaxed, cosy and among friends. It can be commercialised, but it’s more than candles, fluffy cushions and hot chocolate. It’s a feeling of contentment and calm.
As the rain lashes down outside and I listen to all this beautiful music, that’s exactly how I feel.
On Monday 9 November, Northern Nights takes its curated acoustic nights to Bishops’ House for an evening of gothic folk in the old Tudor manor. Performing that evening are Sam Moss, all the way from Virginia, and The Greatest Endangered Thing. Keep an eye on @northernnightsofficial for more events in the future.
