Sharing the Stage: Glasgow Songwriter Round

One of the most notable things about Jenn Tapner, curator of the Glasgow Songwriter Round series, is that she always brings fairy lights. While there are some above the performers, a point is made to wrap them around the staging and mic stands too, adding her own glimmer, while lighting up the performers. But the idea behind this glowing events series is to give artists a platform to share their music with like-minded individuals, to play and discuss their artform without fear of judgement or competition in an informal setting.  

The setup is simple – four songwriters, four microphones, oftentimes a piano, and one stage, but not a raised stage, bringing a level of intimacy not afforded at a standard gig. Each songwriter gets to introduce themselves and their songs, and speak about the process of writing or the inspiration behind the music, and then they perform. If it feels fitting, the other musicians may vocally harmonise alongside them, strum softly on guitars or touch lightly on piano keys. And this might be the most magical part – the performers are able to collaborate. Any and all bravado vanishes and it becomes an immersive experience for all involved. 

"The initial concept was inspired after visiting The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville," Tapner says of the Glasgow Songwriter Round. “I fell in love with the style of the sessions there – focused entirely on songwriting and storytelling. I was particularly drawn to how collaborative these rounds were. I loved seeing the artists sitting together, listening to each others' stories and songs, and often joining in to sing or play along. There was something very memorable about how attentive the audience were. I feel like I didn’t blink for two hours while I was in that little cafe.”

Initially hosted at Inn Deep in Glasgow’s West End, the decision was made to move to prestigious music venue King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in July to accommodate demand after the first three events sold out, with entry becoming free. Removing payment barriers has added an element of inclusivity, meaning more people can attend and fully embrace the experience. Each night of the series has been chronicled as ‘volumes’, with each having their own dedicated highlight on the Round’s Instagram.

With country music at the heart of the events Tapner experienced in Nashville, lineups at the Glasgow events aren't exclusive to the genre, with jazz, soul, Americana, Scottish folk and more featuring so far.

For the performers, it’s been a nuanced experience. “Having the space to be vulnerable and talk to the audience about the stories, inspiration and process behind your songs, more than you would playing a normal gig, is quite freeing," says alt-soul artist Russell Stewart, who played Volume 6 of the series. "That and being encouraged to hop on your fellow performers’ tunes for impromptu jams just makes for such a unique shared experience. It’s nights like these, where you feel a real connection between everyone in the room, that create those special live music memories and it’s important to recognise the nourishment you get from that.” 

Cara Rose who played Volume 4 agrees: "For audiences it’s a really special, intimate experience where you get to see several diverse acts in one evening, and for the performers it’s a wonderful format – it feels great to share the stage/performance with other people," while Eve Simpson (Volume 5) describes the Glasgow Songwriter Round as her "Nashville dream come true." She adds, "There are very few bespoke nights that centre songwriters, and even fewer that take the format of a round."

Tapner speaks to the success of this format. “If you look around the room at the Rounds, you’ll see people laughing, crying, smiling, or sitting quietly with their eyes closed. It’s a beautiful experience to share a space with such an engaged audience, one that respects the musicians’ craft and is there to truly listen. It’s incredibly important for musicians to feel heard. Sharing a song you’ve written is so vulnerable – putting your feelings into music and sharing them with strangers. I’ve often found that some audiences don’t always provide the level of attentive listening that musicians need.”

“This series is so important to the ever growing Glasgow music scene,” affirms Glasgow neo-soul artist kitti, who shared the bill alongside Rose during Volume 4. “Having the opportunity to talk about our songwriting as artists is very special and can give the audience a far deeper insight into the mind of who we are.”

With lyrics, words and connection at the forefront – the Glasgow Songwriter Round offers a heartening experience where performers can truly be heard, illuminated, of course, by fairy lights.

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The next Glasgow Songwriter Round will be hosted in the bar of King Tut’s on Mon 11 Nov, featuring Grace Honeywell, Josie Duncan, Michael McGovern and Zoë Bestel

Follow the series on Instagram @glasgow_songwriter_round