iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

You’ll have a blast! They were even better than I’d hoped. Equal parts ridiculousness and skill 🤣

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

From playing to 100,000 in Montreal to 500 in Vancouver for a highly coveted club gig, I can honestly say that Gatineau’s newfound celeb alt weirdos @anginedepoitrine.bsky.social were 1000% musically impressive and 100% ridiculously fun at the tiny, packed and sweltering Pearl #anginedepoitrine

Two musicians in polka-dot outfits and surreal, elongated headpieces perform on a dimly lit stage with bright spotlights, one playing a double-neck guitar and the other playing drums. Audience members hold their hands aloft making their hands into triangle shapes

A live concert performance featuring a guitarist playing a double-neck guitar and a drummer, both wearing surrealist polka-dot costumes and oversized fabric headpieces under bright stage lights.

242

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

This is when it hit 5 min down the road!

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Oh awesome! Was just curious!!! Thanks for ‘splaining! ✌🏼

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Oh I am well aware. I’m from Ontario originally and grew up on Lake Ontario and we saw thunderstorms but nothing as crazy as this!!!

000

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

My partner was dozing off and he bolted up right and jumped outta bed! That one crazy was INSANE!

010

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

It’s still going on over me, lighting up our room. So weird also to (generally) have such little thunder. It’s a truly insane electrical storm

401

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

The cheering was awesome. Who needs fireworks! And it’s STILL going. Crazy-ass storm

010

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Absolutely WILD lightning storm for HOURS tonight in #Vancouver. These used to be rare, but this one is like a sci-fi, post-apocalyptic level badass. You can even see the thing fade. My whole ‘hood gasped.

817142

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

@johnbiehler.bsky.social sorry we didn’t get a chance to chat! I looked up and the day had gone, lost to catch ups with Vish and Jason et al, but always lovely to see you 🤘🏼❤️

010

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Woah! Glad things are ok! Always unnerving hey?!

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

That’s a long run. Change is good but also scary, but you will be marvelous!

010

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Gah, this brain weasels are the worst. Really sorry they are for going at you again, friend. They are liars, though. Work resets are actually great, highly recommend. Know your worth and know you are loved and needed here by us all, including our forest friends 🌲🌲❤️

100

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Same! I am forever grateful actually to Kathryn Calder who tried to distract me one night when I was having one. and grateful again today, hope you are ok neighbour!

010

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Back at you, Tommy. How are you and all the forest creatures?

100

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Yeah I did not order from this menu and would like to send back to the kitchen lol. How are you two? We hope to get back that way next year🤞🏼End of August we’re doing Iceland so that’ll be cool

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

In other news, I really should share my incredibly aggrieved rental dog Lily (I’m her aunt) who has ISSUES with not getting enough attention, gets sidetracked by a bird, then returns to the aforementioned ISSUES. Worth watching sound up for the entire duration of despair, trust me #dogsofbluesky

070

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Thank you sweetie. Right back at you both. One too many hard health things for me (including a recent fall), then V went to get a minor surgery y’day that turned out a bit more major and then accidentally took too many Tylenols (he’s ok) and it’s triggering ALL THE THINGS. But gotta keep swinging!

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

I will gratefully receive and send them back. Love to you x

010

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Thanks lovely. How *are* you two these days anyway? I send hugs.

000

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

I haven’t been on for a long while but I really miss the other place (when it was good) cos when I was struggling I would just come on and vent into the dark and voices would answer. Well friends, things are rough again. But onward march, all we can do!

560

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Ok phewf! I figured but just wanted to make sure but so, so scary and heartbreaking for places on Oahu and poor Lahaina again! I just love Hawaii so much, so we’re lookin’ out for ya from afar ❤️

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Checking in again hon. How is your place holding up? So much flooding! Sending love and hope you’re ok on higher ground

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Thanks lovely, y’all take care of yourself my dear

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Yeah the first was better but I like a few on the 2nd bit it’s more bucolic

010

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

I had 6th row aisle just so I could jump up towards the end lol. Not my first rodeo ha! Was otherwise seated since his solo stuff is more chill (although ‘nowhere special’ was faaab)

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

If you mean this one then yes! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I was always JUST outta shot off stage left. Didn’t go right in the middle. Missed you there though. Was a refreshing change from the National Bros crowd

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Some shots I snagged at a rather lively and lovely Matt Berninger (of The National) solo gig recently here in Vancouver, BC at the always-lovely Orpheum. 🤘🏼

Matt Berninger, lead singer of the National, is a middle‑aged man with gray hair, a beard, and black glasses and is singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a dark suit and white shirt, and is pointing and looking directly into the camera

Matt Berninger of The National and his solo-offshoot band of four additional musicians performs on a grand Gothic-style stage with arched windows and green lighting. The lead singer in a dark suit holds a microphone center stage, flanked by a guitarist on the right, and bassist on the left, drummer behind and keyboard player far right, with spotlights and hanging banners overhead.

Matt Berninger, lead singer of the National, is a middle‑aged man with gray hair, a beard, and black glasses and holding a microphone on stage, wearing a dark suit and white shirt. Another person with curly hair in the background plays keyboards behind a mic.

060

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Matt Berninger of the National doing a cover of….Blue Monday?? Yes! What an awesome treat. His baritone makes me think he could handle a Joy Division / Ian Curtis role beautifully

140

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

I am glad to hear that you guys are ok - benefit of the incline I suppose! I was shocked to see some of the road damage in Kihei! We miss returning- we will be back when there is a regime change as we miss you all x

111

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

@amandaonmaui.bsky.social hi luv, hope you two are ok. Are you ok after the storm? It took out a street in Kihei near where we used to stay!! Wow. Miss you guys xx

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Thanks for this labour! We cried over it in Canada with no ties to PR but inherently understood everything; so I can only imagine how you all felt! ❤️

000

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Ohhhh ick! Seems to be the time. Healing vibes your way xx

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Thanks hon. Happy new year and hope your health is holding ❤️

100

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Gutted for my partner. He has spent the entire holiday doing family stuff, looking after his mom with dementia, having to hang with my mom, and finally gets 2.5 days to himself to relax …and now has a bad round of gastroenteritis. I feel so bad for the guy. Praying also I don’t get it but man

120

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

This is huge. And worthy of celebration. Congrats from Vancouver!

010

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

I mean, it does bring a bit of hope over a Tuesday!

110

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Hi, it me. If it you also, I send spoons for 2026.

021

Mikala / BackstageRider @backstagerider.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

I am west coast. But did the east coast NYC ball drop with my mom who also turns 82 on NY Day. Chugged a couple of fizzy dranks, had some sushi, home by 10:30, perfect and old. I may hate New Year’s but love to you all. May the year usher in more kindness. A fool’s hope, but a hope nonetheless.

020