From prostitutes to missionary wives, gold-miners to magicians, Auckland-based songwriter Rachel Dawick's album The Boundary Riders traces a range of women from the Victorian period whose names are largely unrecorded in history books.
Port Chalmers novelist Jackie Ballantyne likes difficult characters, even if they do take time to flesh out, writes Shane Gilchrist.
Following three promising EPs, Wellington-based Eb & Sparrow has borrowed from cinematic Western themes, rustic folk and dreamy Americana on its debut album, weaving a many-hued tapestry that is held together by the songwriting and vocal strength of frontwoman Ebony Lamb.
Producer, musician, songwriter and, on the evidence of his 13th album, a sublime poet of the heart, Joe Henry might have spent just four days recording Invisible Hour, yet the result is an unhurried, sometimes beautiful reflection on the ebb and flow of marriage.
The announcement earlier this week that Rod Stewart is to perform at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, in April prompted a few memories for Shane Gilchrist, who spoke to the veteran singer about songwriting, soul and survival in a rock 'n' roll world.
Dunedin historian Erik Olssen's latest book captures Dunedin workers in an intimate light, while also celebrating the art of the photographer, writes Shane Gilchrist.
Stefano Olivieri is more than a little excited.
Kimbra finds herself at a crucial stage in her career, the second album. The Grammy Award-winning New Zealand singer discusses inspiration, collaborations and farm-inspired funk with Shane Gilchrist.
The announcement earlier this week that 53,000ha of Central Otago countryside is going to be protected under Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenants has prompted plenty of applause. As Shane Gilchrist discovers, history is being made in the hinterland.
Three years after his self-titled 2011 debut album, Andy Grammer's sophomore effort might be an attempt to build on the success of hit single Keep Your Head Up, yet the former Santa Monica busker merely offers stale renditions of primetime adult radio fodder.
The debut album from fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff's solo project Bleachers, Strange Desire pays homage to his love for electronic pop, in particular the bombastic and joyous party vibe of Erasure and the slightly darker moods of Depeche Mode.
Kiwi film-maker Florian Habicht's documentary about English band Pulp focuses on people both common and celebrated, writes Shane Gilchrist.
Sophocles is reputed to have said about sex when he was old: ‘‘. . . most gladly indeed am I rid of it all, as though I had escaped from a mad and savage master''.
The fifth album from American contemplative soul singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, Yes!, is big on production values but small on invention.
Former Balclutha boy Bradley Hanan Carter moved to the bright lights of Los Angeles more than a decade ago to chase a musical dream. He has no money, but he does have a debut album, writes Shane Gilchrist.
Bryan Anthony is in love with the American Songbook.
A musician with more than 25 years experience, including working within alternative rock, free noise, experimental and improvisational sound art, Rob Thorne now focuses on taonga puoro, traditional Maori musical instruments.
Richard C. Wallis' debut solo album encapsulates his passion for classical guitar. Still, he does enjoy the occasional rock lick, writes Shane Gilchrist.
Fifteen Dunedin bands playing songs by other Dunedin acts, both past and present, presents a challenge not only for the performers but also the organisers of Dunedin Circle Jerk 2014.
A guest at the New Zealand International Science Festival, to be held in Dunedin from July 5-13, James Piercy will offer insights into traumatic brain injury. He should know - he has suffered one, writes Shane Gilchrist.