Life’s SECOND ACT, curated.

A space for RE-INVENTION, INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE and the spirit of EXPLORATION.

Championing the INDEPENDENTS.

With NORTHERN soul…

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Life, Well-Adjusted

Featured
HOLD MY BEER: Navigating the Shift to a Dry Compass
HOLD MY BEER: Navigating the Shift to a Dry Compass

After 40 years, Damien Wilkinson decided to hit "reset." Discover the physical and mental benefits of a 12-month alcohol-free journey and the books that helped.

FINDING TRUE NORTH: The Second Act
FINDING TRUE NORTH: The Second Act

Standing at a crossroads at 56? Damien Wilkinson explores the "Second Act" of life—trading a 35-year finance career for creative writing and personal reinvention.

SETTING THE COMPASS: The North of Here Charter
SETTING THE COMPASS: The North of Here Charter

Not a retirement, but a step-up. Damien Wilkinson presents the North of Here Charter—a 6-point manifesto for authenticity, curiosity, and creativity in the Second Act.

LIFE, WELL ADJUSTED: A Year With A Rescue Dog
LIFE, WELL ADJUSTED: A Year With A Rescue Dog

Thinking of adopting? Read Damien Wilkinson's heart-warming journey of re-homing Jasper, a Show Cocker Spaniel, via Spaniel Aid, and their life in the Yorkshire Dales.

Ink & Audio

Featured
INK & AUDIO: A Rhythm Romance with Nils Lofgren
INK & AUDIO: A Rhythm Romance with Nils Lofgren

From seeing Bruce Springsteen at Roundhay Park to Nils Lofgren’s legendary 1985 flip at Leeds Uni, Damien Wilkinson explores a 40-year "Rhythm Romance" with a guitar hero.

INK & AUDIO: Ian McNabb "65" Album Review: A Golden Age Masterpiece
INK & AUDIO: Ian McNabb "65" Album Review: A Golden Age Masterpiece

Discover Ian McNabb’s new album "65." A brilliant blend of Golden Age cinema icons, Sgt. Pepper vibes, and a guest spot from R.E.M.’s Peter Buck.

INK & AUDIO: Ricky Warwick & the Fighting Hearts, Nightrain, Bradford, 30th April 2026
INK & AUDIO: Ricky Warwick & the Fighting Hearts, Nightrain, Bradford, 30th April 2026

Ricky Warwick hits Bradford's Nightrain on the Blood Ties tour. Featuring local hero Tony Wright, NMA nostalgia, and a moving tribute to the late Phil Campbell.

FIELD NOTES: Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, The Cavern Club, Liverpool, 14th November 2017
FIELD NOTES: Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul, The Cavern Club, Liverpool, 14th November 2017

A legendary lunchtime gig from the archives. Damien Wilkinson reviews Little Steven’s 2017 "Magical Mystery Tour" at Liverpool’s iconic Cavern Club.

INK & AUDIO: Assault & Battery at the Cattery
INK & AUDIO: Assault & Battery at the Cattery

NYC supergroup Fantastic Cat returns with "Cat Out of Hell." Damien Wilkinson reviews the new 2026 album and dives into the solo careers of this folk-rock powerhouse.

FIELD NOTES: Patti Smith and her band, London Palladium, 12th October 2025
FIELD NOTES: Patti Smith and her band, London Palladium, 12th October 2025

50 years of Horses. Damien Wilkinson reviews Patti Smith’s incandescent residency at the London Palladium, featuring a Television tribute and a surprise appearance by Johnny Depp.

BETWEEN THE LINES: Patrick Grant, Less
BETWEEN THE LINES: Patrick Grant, Less

Is our love for fast fashion a crisis? Damien Wilkinson reviews "Less" by Patrick Grant. Explore the history of craft and why "buying well" matters more than ever.

SIGN POSTS: The Mixtape
SIGN POSTS: The Mixtape

A deep dive into the analogue era of the mixtape. Damien Wilkinson explores the nostalgia of TDK tapes and his 5-year tradition of romantic monthly compilations.

BETWEEN THE LINES: Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist Trilogy
BETWEEN THE LINES: Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist Trilogy

Stop waiting, start creating. Damien Wilkinson reviews Austin Kleon’s "Steal Like An Artist" trilogy—the essential guide for anyone looking to show their work.

BETWEEN THE LINES: Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being
BETWEEN THE LINES: Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

More than a music memoir. Damien Wilkinson explores Rick Rubin’s "The Creative Act," a succinct guide to the creative process and an essential toolkit for life.

BETWEEN THE LINES: Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
BETWEEN THE LINES: Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

A shepherd's journey and a career pivot. Damien Wilkinson reviews Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist and explores how its message of following dreams rings true today.

THE SOUNDBOARD: A 2025 Music Review
THE SOUNDBOARD: A 2025 Music Review

From the New York swagger of Geese to the operatic scale of Rosalía’s LUX, Damien Wilkinson reviews the standout albums and rising stars of 2025.

FIELD NOTES: Father John Misty, Royal Albert Hall, 15th April 2025
FIELD NOTES: Father John Misty, Royal Albert Hall, 15th April 2025

A night of "tasteful splendour." Damien Wilkinson reviews Father John Misty’s sold-out debut at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring a full performance of Mahashmashana.

Wayfaring Gear

Featured
WAYFARING GEAR: HebTroCo - Made Right (North of) Here
WAYFARING GEAR: HebTroCo - Made Right (North of) Here

Restoring the heritage of Hebden Bridge. Damien Wilkinson reviews HebTroCo, the British brand championing batch-made trousers, overshirts, and a "no-frills" Yorkshire ethos.

VISION ON: A Life in Sharp Focus
VISION ON: A Life in Sharp Focus

A camera journey across generations. Damien Wilkinson explores his family’s photographic legacy in Bradford and his return to "proper" gear with the Fuji X-T30 III.

WAYFARING GEAR: Edwin Jeans - Big In Japan
WAYFARING GEAR: Edwin Jeans - Big In Japan

Elevating the everyday. Damien Wilkinson reviews the Edwin "Made In Japan" range, featuring denim from world-renowned mills like Nihon Menpu and Kaihara.

WAYFARING GEAR: Dr Martens Made In England
WAYFARING GEAR: Dr Martens Made In England

Heritage on your feet. Damien Wilkinson reviews the Dr Martens Made In England (MIE) range, crafted in the original Wollaston factory using premium Quilon leather.

WAYFARING GEAR: SURI - Together in Electric Cleans
WAYFARING GEAR: SURI - Together in Electric Cleans

A modular, repairable, and stylish pivot in dental care. Damien Wilkinson reviews the SURI sustainable toothbrush and its industry-leading customer service.

WAYFARING GEAR: Hestra Gloves - In Good Hands
WAYFARING GEAR: Hestra Gloves - In Good Hands

From Swedish lumberjacks to the Yorkshire Dales. Damien Wilkinson reviews the Hestra Wakayama and Deerskin models—an investment in craftsmanship and warmth.

WAYFARING GEAR: Moscot Eyewear - New York State Of Mind
WAYFARING GEAR: Moscot Eyewear - New York State Of Mind

Iconography without the logos. Damien Wilkinson reviews the Moscot Lemtosh, Miltzen, and Momza—eyewear that defines New York heritage and creative style.

Waypoints

Featured
WAYPOINTS: The Tide and Tap, Morecambe
WAYPOINTS: The Tide and Tap, Morecambe

Discover The Tide and Tap in Morecambe. A new craft beer bar on Marine Road East featuring Heysham Hall history, live Sunday music, and Pieminister pies. Read more!

WAYPOINTS: The Record Cafe, Bradford
WAYPOINTS: The Record Cafe, Bradford

A sanctuary for audiophiles and ale enthusiasts. Damien Wilkinson reviews The Record Café on North Parade—Bradford's iconic hub for vinyl, craft beer, and tapas.

WAYPOINTS: Nightrain, Bradford
WAYPOINTS: Nightrain, Bradford

Welcome to the Jungle. Damien Wilkinson reviews Nightrain, Bradford’s premier rock and metal venue, featuring 500-capacity gigs and its own signature lager.

WAYPOINTS: Imagined Things Bookshop, Harrogate
WAYPOINTS: Imagined Things Bookshop, Harrogate

Defying the digital trend. Damien Wilkinson reviews Imagined Things Bookshop on Montpellier Parade, a lovingly curated independent haven in the heart of Harrogate.

WAYPOINTS: The Mess Room, Skipton
WAYPOINTS: The Mess Room, Skipton

A Grade II listed fire station turned bohemian music hub. Damien Wilkinson reviews The Mess Room in Skipton, featuring the "Big Mess" gig space and local craft taps.

WAYPOINTS: The London Postal Museum – A First Class Journey Underground
WAYPOINTS: The London Postal Museum – A First Class Journey Underground

A 15-minute immersive journey through London’s hidden past. Damien Wilkinson reviews the Mail Rail and Postal Museum—a subterranean world just minutes from Kings Cross.

WAYPOINTS: Millers @ Bar 13, Settle
WAYPOINTS: Millers @ Bar 13, Settle

A small bar with a big personality. Damien Wilkinson reviews Millers @ Bar 13 on Duke Street, the perfect Settle spot for hand-pulled ales and Three Peaks hikers.

WAYPOINTS: Victoria Hall, Settle
WAYPOINTS: Victoria Hall, Settle

A jewel in Settle’s crown. Damien Wilkinson reviews the historic Victoria Hall (est. 1853), a vibrant independent charity venue for music, theatre, and community life.

WAYPOINTS: Tiny Rebel, Cardiff
WAYPOINTS: Tiny Rebel, Cardiff

Liquid treasure in an old vault. Damien Wilkinson reviews Tiny Rebel Cardiff—the neon-soaked home of Clwb Tropica and American soul food right next to the stadium.