A cozy place where like-minded souls connect: welcome to The North Café!

The North Café Series: the storytelling episodes

Among all the musical projects that I've watched growing up from scratch, The North Café Project is definitely my favourite. Passion, storytelling, art, instrumental music, love... this ambitious musical project has them all, and even more. Conceived of and created across continents in the aftermath of a global pandemic, it is the brainchild of instrumentalist, John Silvers (USA/UK), who has collaborated with co-founder and musician, Elfin Bow (UK), sound designer and producer, Woody Woodward (UK), visual artist, Gus Lopez (USA) and mastering engineer, Derek Smyth (AUS) to create a unique and intimate offering of story and music. At a time of division and isolation, this global effort to unite and uplift, is a double album release comprising both an episodic story in four parts, with instrumental musical excerpts, and an accompanying album of the full compositions by John Silvers (ukulele) and Elfin Bow (piano). 

Creating something unique and making it work, while managing long distance collaborations, has not been easy at all. John and Elfin had to overcome many obstacles, including the decision to leave aside the first version of the episodes that didn't convince them and start it all again from zero. Decision that made the resease be postponed for more than a year. I'm so incredibly happy to announce that the first 4 episodes (Autumn Releases) are finally available on all music platforms! Inspired by people who have positively impacted the lives of John and Elfin (including me in the first episode!) the narrative follows characters who interact inside The North Café. Written by John Silvers and Elfin Bow and narrated by Elfin Bow, this is the first two of four double album releases (Storytelling Episodes + Music Album), with the next release planned for December this year. 

I already told about the magical way I had to met John and Elfin on Instagram (read here), and I will just add that The North Café is a project that combines passion, inspiration, authenticity and talent. The quality bar is very high in these wonderful little jewels of peaceful, heart-warming music and storytelling. They are perfect for a cosy autumn afternoon, with a hot cup of tea in the hands and a good sweater to keep you warm!

In anticipation of the release and its potential impact on those who listen, John Silvers says, "The North Café Project is first and foremost a project of faith in humanity. It is, in my opinion, a much needed warm hug to a world that feels like it’s getting colder and colder. It’s about people and the differences they make in the lives of others. The small acts of love that are so often dismissed or unnoticed, but that make the biggest difference of all. It is my greatest hope that these releases become a nice warm blanket for those who need it most".

"Love speaks so strongly at this café, where open-hearted, like-minded souls are creating and weaving their gifts, finding true inspiration from each other. Creating so many stories, beautifully spoken with interwoven melodic music". (Ian Rothwell, Salford City Radio)

"The North Café Project is an ambitious and creative endeavour that successfully blends the elements of storytelling and music that paints the picture of a familiar, welcoming space that, once you enter, you don’t want to leave. Even if it’s your first time, you feel like you’ve always been here". (Jae Cabrera)

John Silvers and Elfin Bow, the minds behind The North Café Project

Instagram: @thenorthcafeproject

YouTube: The North Café Project

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