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
LIFE, WELL ADJUSTED: Three Chords, a Tube Amp, and a Nottingham Doorway
LIFE, WELL ADJUSTED: Three Chords, a Tube Amp, and a Nottingham Doorway

A 1988 Georgia Satellites gig at Nottingham Rock City leads to a cold shop doorway and a lesson in midlife reinvention. Why we need to stop overcomplicating the Second Act.

JOINING THE DOTS: My Dad’s Musical Map
JOINING THE DOTS: My Dad’s Musical Map

A nostalgic journey from McVitie’s rock tapes and Bradford record shops to a lifelong love of vinyl. Discover how a father’s musical map shaped a legacy.

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.

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.

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.

Ink & Audio

Featured
INK & AUDIO: The Second Act of Ryan Hamilton - Pressing Play Again
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
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
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
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
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
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.

FIELD NOTES: Ricky Warwick & the Fighting Hearts, Nightrain, Bradford, 30th April 2026
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
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.

Wayfaring Gear

Featured
WAYFARING GEAR: Shavent - Swords Of A Thousand Shaves
WAYFARING GEAR: Shavent - Swords Of A Thousand Shaves

Goodbye plastic, hello precision. Damien Wilkinson reviews the Shavent Compact—a family-owned German razor designed for sustainability and cost-effective blades.

WAYFARING GEAR: To Have And To Hold
WAYFARING GEAR: To Have And To Hold

A personal journey from the Ricoh GR III to the Fujifilm X-T30 III. Discover why this compact "Little Giant" is the perfect match for street and travel photography.

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.

WAYFARING GEAR: Barnes & Moore - Belt Up
WAYFARING GEAR: Barnes & Moore - Belt Up

Elevate your denim. Damien Wilkinson reviews Barnes & Moore’s Garrison belt—hand-crafted in Birmingham using traditional 19th-century techniques.

NORTH FACE: men-ü skincare products
NORTH FACE: men-ü skincare products

Can 100ml really last for 165 shaves? Damien Wilkinson reviews the men-ü 3R grooming range, from their concentrated shave cream to travel-ready buddy tubes.

Waypoints

Featured
WAYPOINTS: The Highlands through a Smeared Window (Settle to Mallaig)
WAYPOINTS: The Highlands through a Smeared Window (Settle to Mallaig)

A real, uncurated journey from Settle to Mallaig. Discover the rugged West Highland train line, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and rainy pub stops with a dog.

WAYPOINTS: The Bath Tap, Morecambe
WAYPOINTS: The Bath Tap, Morecambe

A sophisticated sanctuary by the sea. Damien Wilkinson reviews The Bath Tap, home of the Deli Board and the finest North West craft beer.

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.