Inspired by two recent events, today's deep drive will look at the challenges artists, especially musicians, have in staying relevant over the long haul. But first, the roundup. Roundup Music It is genuinely starting to feel like the music year has wound down, but that doesn't mean there isn't noteworthy music being released. Last week … Continue reading Culture Roundup (October 31, 2026): The Pop-Cultural Half-Life
Fall is many things in our culture. Here in Canada, it's the baseball playoffs and start of hockey season. It's our social new year. And in the bookish world, it's "Spooky Season." Today I'd like to talk about some of my favourite Spooky Season reads from past years, and what I've been reading lately. But … Continue reading Culture Roundup (October 17, 2026): Spooky Season Reading
Much to my surprise, I was able to read the whole Giller Prize longlist in the short four weeks between its announcement and the announcement of the longlist. In today's deep-dive I'll provide some further thoughts on the list. But first, the roundup. Roundup Music If there's one thing we can say about Taylor Swift … Continue reading Culture Roundup (October 3, 2026): Giller Prize Longlist Ranking
The Giller Prize, the biggest literary prize in Canada, announced its longlist on September 8. Over the past couple years, it has become the most reliable of the major prize lists for pointing me to amazing books. So in today's deep dive, I'll look at my impressions of the list ten days in. But first, … Continue reading Culture Roundup (September 19, 2026): Early Thoughts on the Giller Prize Longlist
Now that we're into September, two things are true when it comes to music: First, the eligibility window for the 2027 Grammy Awards is now closed, and second, we can officially reflect on the question of what was the 'Song of the Summer'. So I thought it would be fun to check in on both … Continue reading Culture Roundup (September 5, 2026): Thoughts on the Album of the Year and Song of the Summer
