Newark songwriter sets himself music challenge in battle with anxiety

A songwriter is using the New Year to let go of his anxieties and is calling on other musicians to join him.

Richard Fry, 41, of Newark, has been playing guitar and writing his own songs since he was a teenager and, despite studying at drama school, has always described himself as more of a singer than a performer.

He said in the past he had struggled with the vulnerability of performing his own songs, but that 2021 was the year to change that.

“I was never good at learning other people’s songs because I’ve got a terrible memory,” said Richard. “So, I thought I may as well write my own.

“All I want to do is prove to myself I can put together an album of music that people will really like. I’m not trying to become the next Olly Murs.

“This year is my chance to understand what inspires me and allow myself to connect to something higher.

“I think positivity is the first thing. It attracts the right people into your life and when you allow things to come, they will do.

“It’s me and my guitar at the moment but I’d like to work with others in the future.

“I need other people to help bring my music to life.”

Richard said with pandemic and his decision to take his music more seriously, he was inspired to write a song about the coronavirus lockdown.

He said: “It is called We Can Get Through. With everyone in the community pulling together, doing Facebook Live events — I thought sod it, who am I to hide away?

“I’ve got songs from 2012 that I’ve written but I’ve got around ten songs I’d like to release in an album, the decent ones.

“Despite last year being bad, I feel I can let go of some fear and fly into 2021 — I’m not hiding any more, something good is just around the corner.”

Richard is also using 2021 to take up writing, and has started his own blog.

He is currently searching for inspiration and hopes to have written 52 posts by the end of the year. You can read his blog at dontquotedylan.com

If you’d like to join Richard in spreading your musical wings this year, contact him on 07415 650 584.

Hoping to put his musical talents to good use, Richard recently spoken with close friend Angela Swan — mum of 24-year-old Tom Swan, of Collingham, who lost his life to a brain tumour weeks after marrying his childhood sweetheart.

Their plan is to start a charity in Tom’s name for 18 to 24 year olds with life-limiting and terminal brain tumours.

They aim to launch the charity during a Facebook Live fundraiser in which Richard will perform his songs, and raise awareness and funds for the charity. He will be assisted by Newark filmmaker Alex Abraham.

Angela and Richard are looking for guidance in setting up the charity. If you can help, please contact Richard on the number above.

Around £3,000 has already been raised in Tom’s name.