🎶 Have We Lost the Magic of Music? Or Am I Just a Grumpy Old Man? 🎶

How do you discover new music in an age where new music is EVERYWHERE?!

Sometimes I wonder, is it just me, or has the magic in music faded a bit? Thanks to Spotify (mainly!), every song in the universe is at our fingertips—anytime, anywhere. But I remember when music was more... well, sacred. Like when I’d save up my £2 pocket money for weeks to buy a single album at Woolworths (yes, old age alert). The excitement of finally peeling off the cellophane, flipping through the little booklet to see what the band looked like, and listening to every track on repeat until every note was part of me. Is that magic gone, or am I just showing my age?

I’ve been guilty of sticking to the familiar instead of exploring new music. In such an overwhelming sea of options, it's easy to just press play on Radiohead once again. I’d almost lost the drive to hunt down that new artist or band that could truly move me. But new live music has reignited that spark. There’s nothing like experiencing new songs up close, feeling that connection in the moment, and rediscovering the thrill of fresh sounds that make you feel something extraordinary.

If you’ve ever felt like this too, our Blue Lantern nights at Chester’s Garret Theatre might be just what the doctor ordered. We’re on a mission to bring back that spark of wonder in music—up close and personal, with every breath, every guitar squeak, every gasp from the crowd right there, alive in the room.

And, I have to tell you, our first few nights have been unforgettable. There’s something amazing about being surrounded by people who love music, who get it. Take our last session with Seafoam Green—those harmonies in a cozy theatre, wrapped in fairy lights? I was floored. There’s this unique kind of magic when musicians share the stage, pouring out their sound, stripped back to its raw beauty.

A tradition is already forming at Blue Lantern, with each night ending in a collaboration finale. Imagine musicians coming together for a one-of-a-kind, unrepeatable performance. Last time, we joined Seafoam Green on stage for their song “Home.” The connection between us, and with the audience, was electric. One listener summed it up as “overwhelming,” and they nailed it. This is exactly the kind of magic we want to share.

Instagram link to finale - CLICK

Our next Blue Lantern Session is coming up on Tuesday December 3rd, featuring none other than BBC radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe and his folk outfit, Radco. Seven folk musicians, one stage, and (shh!) maybe a xmas tune or two. I promise, it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable night. The last time they played in Chester, it was a SELL OUT! So, grab those tickets now.

Radco Tickets - Storyhouse Chester - click

So, come join us for the magic, and maybe find a little bit of that wonder you didn’t even know you were missing.

And finally….

Tomorrow night in Wrexham, we're gathering for a reunion like no other at the Soul Suite (LL11 1SN)—the place where our journey in the open mic scene began. Musicians from near and far are coming together to celebrate our shared love of music for a one-off night. We’re dedicating this evening to the memory of Lyndsey, the beloved wife of John Lloyd, one of the original Blue Lantern family, who we lost to breast cancer last year. It’ll be a night of music, friendship, and fundraising, with more than a few goosebumps along the way.

See you there!