Category: Richard Dawson

“I’m trying to convince people that I’m a wizard and she always helps,” Richard Dawson chuckles, over Zoom, acknowledging the presence of his adorable and aptly named cat Trouble, who has cozily curled herself around the crook of the songwriter’s neck, perfectly poised like a luxurious scarf. She mostly remains in that position while Dawson speaks about the various themes and influences that provided a strong foundation for his excellent eighth studio album, The End of The Middle. A far more self-contained offering–not difficult compared to its larger than life predecessor The Ruby Cord, which boldly announced itself with the epic 41-minute opening track, “The Hermit”–End of The Middle exists within an intimate space that’s immensely welcoming and warm.

Richard Dawson of Newcastle Upon Tyne. This is how the songwriter credits himself on the cover of his new record The Ruby Cord—the third part of a possible trilogy (beginning with medieval Peasant, and modern times in 2020) which finds him delving into the different timelines of communities in England. Alex Riggs joins Dawson (and a cat named Trouble) to explore more.