THE VIEW FROM THE NORTH: LA Dust, Yorkshire Rain, and an Illogical Collab
A sudden digital ping sparks a deep-dive into the country-rock heritage of the West Coast and an exciting new independent music release.
FIELD NOTES: Bob Dylan’s Desire, 50 years on
A half-century on, the nomadic spirit of Bob Dylan's Desire album is reborn. Read my live review of Scarlet Rivera and Rob Stoner’s spectacular performance at The Met in Bury.
FIELD NOTES: Can You Still Do the Frug? Rilo Kiley, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 3rd June 2026
Nineteen years later, Rilo Kiley returns to the UK stage. Damien Wilkinson reviews a night of vintage indie-pop, unexpected encores, and life’s Second Act at Shepherd's Bush.
INK & AUDIO: The Second Act of Ryan Hamilton - Pressing Play Again
After a profound 2023 hiatus for family and fatherhood, Texas singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton returns. Damien Wilkinson explores his Sopranos-backed rebirth.
INK & AUDIO: Punching the Jukebox: The relentless melodic reliability of Ginger Wildheart
Explore the prolific, melodic rock career of Ginger Wildheart through the lens of the iconic Happy Days Seeburg jukebox. From 555% to his defiant latest news.
HAVE YOU HEARD: Rosalie Cunningham - The High Priestess of Psych
Discover why Rosalie Cunningham is the leader of the vintage rock revival. From Purson to her 2026 tour, I’m pointing the camera and focusing on her late-60s analogue sound and style.
INK & AUDIO: The Music-ian’s Musician - Why Ian Prowse belongs on the Liverpool Mount Rushmore
Explore the career of Mersey musician Ian Prowse. From Pele’s "Megalomania" to the new 2026 album "No Names" and his upcoming UK tour. A dip into the Mersey by Damien Wilkinson.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Richard Clarke, Fifty Dad Tales
A story of Yorkshire grit and resilience. Damien Wilkinson reviews Richard Clarke’s memoir of football, teaching, and fatherhood against the odds.
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
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.
FIELD NOTES: 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
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
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: Jesse Malin, Islington Assembly Hall, 2nd May 2025
A victory lap for the New York legend. Damien Wilkinson reviews Jesse Malin’s emotional 2025 UK comeback residency featuring Billy Bragg and Peter Perrett.
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
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
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: Japanese crime fiction (Part 1)
A deep dive into Japanese mystery. Damien Wilkinson reviews the viral house-plan thrillers of Uketsu and the "Social School" train-timetable noir of Seicho Matsumoto.
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
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.