Croakheads North: an Interview with R_th

Q: What does the scene mean to you personally?

It’s something that genuinely excites me. Being able to see up-and-coming DJs right on your doorstep is such a buzz. I love seeing on socials what new events are popping up and watching local DJs and creatives step up and grow over time.

It’s also about connection, I love chatting to people after their sets and being like... I need the ID of that track or that blend you did was insane. There’s a real sense of community, especially up North. Giving people their flowers and celebrating what they’re doing is a big part of why I love the scene.

Q: Which Northern grassroots venue shaped you the most, and why?

24 Kitchen Street in Liverpool. It’s always been a venue I’ve seen that nurtures up-and-coming talent and consistently puts on events that make you fall in love with it again and again. When I first got into DJing, it was the place I set my sights on. I remember thinking, “this is where I want to play one day.” Being able to go on and play there at different events has been such a full-circle moment and something I’ve really enjoyed.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge facing grassroots venues in your area right now?

One of the biggest challenges is how saturated things can feel. There are so many venues and events happening at once, and it can be difficult to support everything. At the same time, a lot of events are rightly trying to spotlight emerging DJs, but without a recognisable headliner, it can be harder to promote those nights to a wider audience and bring people through the door.

Q: What gives you hope for the future of Northern nightlife?

It feels like people are really starting to recognise the value of Northern nightlife. It’s no longer just about coming up for cheap drinks; there’s a genuine grassroots culture here that’s worth experiencing. There’s a real buzz building around what the North has to offer. The scene feels exciting, and it’s great to see more people tapping into that and supporting it.