Touching

Had a pretty awesome day with Howard Bilerman and over at Hotel 2 Tango. and .let.you.know stopped by. Talented and kind people everywhere you turned.

When I created Brawl At The Hall I had to trust my gut that the absolute ridiculousness of the concept would trump any reservations that audiences, the orchestra, or the wrestlers might have. We had to collectively lean into the spectacle of it. Own it.

There was only ever one conductor who could … ahem … tackle something this wild. has no fear, responded so enthusiastically, and invested so much into this madhouse.

Full props to Devin and the whole team for buying in. Every tag team champion is a partnership, and they probably heard the odd voice whispering “guys, this might be terrible”, but they ignored them, believed, and brought the most amazing group of athletes and hijinks. Put their bodies on the line.

A few months into planning … I left the , moved to Banff, and dropped the half-finished plans in ’s lap. (Sorry!) He embraced the challenge and was tasked with taking this to the finish line. Give the man the keys to city, because the WSO nailed it. Look at the faces of the musicians. It takes the right kind of orchestra to embrace something like this.

Winnipeg is a special place full of special people.

I have never grinned so much at a concert before.

I’ve never seen an orchestra embrace the absurd like this before.

I’ve never seen a guy fly off the top rope, landing on three other guys, right beside the flute section.

So much absolute joy.

These great photos by capture so much of the insane, hilarious, rugged, playful, and whimsical spirit of those magical couple hours.

I’m fairly convinced it’s the best idea I’ve ever had, and so glad it could be seen through. The heartiest thanks to Simeon, Daniel and Devin.

Soooooo … world tour??

Spent the day with Howard Bilerman, Graham Lessard & at the jaw dropping studios of

These were the albums I fell in love with in 2025. A few old fave artists, a few new discoveries. Lots of great songs, touching moments, beautiful sonics, and wonders of human expression.

Gemma Hayes
Gamavya
Martina Topley-Bird
Morphine
Nation of Language
Pino Palledino & Blake Mills
Yasmine Hamden
Jolie Laide
Samora Pinderhughes
Tunde Adebimpe
These New Puritans
St Vincent
Mark Lanegan

Go dig into em

Well, Winnipeg, it’s been a slice. Until next time.

Just awesome

Been making stuff

Years ago I was the AD of and booked a tonnnne of concerts in that special room. Fran Healy, TuneYards, The Residents, Sadies, Austra, every great local band, etc etc - it was a beautiful time

Around then produced a Winnipeg Arts Tarot deck, and I somehow ended up with King Of Lightning, which seemed like some lucky / intuitive understanding of what drives me - always chasing some spark. Love this card.

I’ve kept it - and while it’s a bit sun-weathered - it now marks my door at . Fitting.

Also, remember ’s Harmattan album? It slays. Go listen to it!

The absolute giantest thanks to for his unbelievable passion and energy and commitment to these songs. We’ve been poking away at em all summer, and he’s been the perfect beacon on the sea, making sure the good ship Touching finds a happy harbour.

Goodness, that is the absolute cheesiest metaphor. But I’ve typed it so there’s no going back.

Thanks 🙏🏼 Ryan. Absolutely love making music with you.

Have spent the most beautiful, creative week with these lovely pals.

The deepest thanks to Ryan Dahle, Clive Deamer, Andrew Braun, Lisa Lipkin, and Laura Smith for giving so much to these new songs.