October 2026
Greetings from North of Here.
Since I last wrote in June 2026, the Second Act has continued to move at a rapid pace.
Here is a look at what’s been happening in the rearview mirror, and where I’m heading next.
Rewinding the Tape
I’ve continued to focus on documenting the gigs, reviewing the music and writing the odd retrospective and nostalgic piece or two.
And it seems to be gaining decent traction—I’m averaging something approaching 3,000 page views a month, around 22,000 monthly views on Instagram from over 3,300 followers and all of the feedback I’m receiving has been overwhelmingly positive.
There’s certainly been some key moments over the past few months:
Alexandra Jardvall, Stockholm, June 2026
A chance entry into a free open-air gig on a Saturday afternoon in Stockholm, whilst on holiday, opened up the world of Alexandra Jardvall and the “Jardies” fans supporting this Swedish born Bruce Springsteen interpreter.
Before long I found myself charting a retrospective piece on Alexandra that really took off in Scandinavia (see here).
Wilco, Hammersmith Apollo, August 2026
An epic gig with the icing on the cake being a connection made through a simple photo.
My review (see here) and photo incredibly found its way back to the subject of the photo (Rachel Caines) via the power of Facebook and Instagram!
It’s now proudly displayed on Rachel’s wall in Atlanta, USA!!
The Waterboys and Brother Paul
The O2 Arena gig in London, September 2026 represented something of a ‘dial moving’ moment for me.
The Waterboys Gig Review (Graphic and Images: Damien Wilkinson)
My gig review (see here) received a great deal of attention, reposts and shares from a number of key movers and shakers and also opened a door to the world of Brother Paul Brown, the keyboard player for the band and Grammy winning Memphis/ Nashville producer and musician.
From a world where only a few months previously I was crafting spreadsheets, reviewing monthly management accounts and explaining financial results, I found myself interviewing a legendary musician through a video call into his Nashville studio. It has led to a true collaboration, the fruits of which will soon be evident in my deep-dive “life and times” story of Brother Paul, which I have been so proud to curate.
Re-pointing The Camera Lens
As I’ve already documented in some of my nostalgia pieces, photography has always played a part in my life.
However, through an alliance with Paul Wolfgang Webster, the notable and renowned Manchester based photographer, I was placed in an incredibly lucky position of learning the ropes from the best. With some on-the-job tuition at a gig, it has raised the bar massively—spurring me on to develop this much further and incorporate this element as an integral part of my gig review arsenal.
I was also fortunate to be able to review Paul’s latest and fantastic exhibition of work at Manchester Central Library (Vivienne Westwood and Tony Wilson - see review here).
Picture Perfect: Cassidy Paris
Indeed, I was able to quickly employ this at the legendary 100 Club in London, capturing the supremely talented and photogenic Cassidy Paris as she played a landmark gig there (review here).
Coupled with my review of an energetic and vibrant gig, this really established what I want my magazine to represent—as loud and head-on as the gig itself.
Cassidy Paris at the 100 Club, London 30th September 2026 (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
The Emerging Talent
I’m in a fortunate position where I can champion up-and-coming artistic talent.
In the last few months I’ve attended gigs or reviewed new music for Sheffield bands Take Four, and I’m Being Serious, West Yorkshire folk musician Lewis Pugh, Oliver Pinder, remote, Harry Huxley, Freddie Lennox, Alice Faye, Reiss Pinder, Jade Moss, Craig Osment, emerging country artists Maya Lane, Grace Kelly and Ruby Lilly, as well as bands and artists further afield (Australia’s The Tortured Souls, Reflections of Amnesia from the Czech Republic, California’s You Citizen, The Kyle December, Brazilian Gabriel Zingiber) and love being able to help foster exposure for them all in what is a challenging and crowded music scene.
Grace Kelly at Gullivers, Manchester, September 2026 (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
It’s definitely something I enjoy and want to develop as a key element of my Second Act.
The Stories & Memories
Oh, and I also found time to review some evenings where stars shared stories and songs covering their life in show business - my Jimmy Nail review captured a heap of attention (see here) as well as enjoyable evenings with Status Quo’s John Coghlan (see here) and Francis Rossi (see here) which all championed some amazing rock and roll history.
Pressing Fast Forward
So, what does the next few months hold:
Brother Paul retrospective: As noted above this will be a landmark piece for my website, and I’m eagerly waiting its completion and publication!
The Gig Archive: My concert calendar will keep driving North of Here. I’ll be dipping more into some new and emerging talent in a live setting (I’m Being Serious, Lewis Pugh and others) whilst continuing to chart some North of Here favourites—welcoming Cassidy Paris back to the UK after her recent Brazil tour and also checking out Ginger Wildheart’s birthday bash in December.
All, hopefully armed with electric images from the North of Here camera lenses.
New music: I’ll keep the new music reviews going—expect some new album reviews from US Americana/Country sensation, Lexi Cline, The Tortured Souls and whoever might throw some music my way!.
It’s still an incredible journey. The direction continues to be exactly where it needs to be. Thanks for staying on the journey with me as we head North of Here.
Keep the turntable spinning.
Cheers,
Damien
