David McPherson

1 month ago | davidmcpherson.substack.com | David McPherson |Shain Shapiro

I woke up yesterday to read that one of my all-time favourite music venues—The Dakota Tavern—is turning from a place of late-night communions between like-minded souls, fuelled by music, to yet another sports bar. I guess that’s better than another condo … for now. Toronto musician Derek Downham offered this heartfelt ode via Facebook, announcing this sad news, with the photo below of the interior under construction; the tributes and comments kept coming throughout the day.

1 month ago | theglobeandmail.com | David McPherson

2 months ago | davidmcpherson.substack.com | David McPherson

In my music journalist career, I’m often asked to name the best interview that I’ve had. The answer is always Daniel Lanois. I’ve chatted with the sonic genius—and fighter for the spirit—on several occasions over the last 20 years. It’s always an enlightening experience.

2 months ago | amplify.nmc.ca | David McPherson

Making art takes time. Unlike nine-to-fivers — whose work is often measured in hours and products produced — an artist’s work is never-ending. The final product is a culmination of a life lived. Time, for creatives, is not linear. This apocryphal Pablo Picasso story illustrates the difference. Picasso was sitting at a Paris cafe one morning when a woman approached and asked him to sketch something on a napkin. The famed painter obliged, but before returning the napkin, asked for a large sum of money.

2 months ago | theglobeandmail.com | David McPherson