Shane Gilchrist

Melancholy and meditative, Auckland songwriter Simon Comber's new album has a strong Dunedin connection, Shane Gilchrist discovers.

Utilising noise-scapes, flow-charts and a punk rock ethos, Los Angeles band Health has turned self-delusion to its advantage, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Balibo is a moving and graphic story of the 1975 slaying of journalists who attempted to tell the world about Indonesia's invasion of East Timor. Shane Gilchrist discvusses truth and tragedy with director Robert Conolly.

Critic, writer, broadcaster and musician Nick Bollinger's latest book, 100 Essential New Zealand Albums, is likely to prompt some heated debate. Well, that's the hope, he tells Shane Gilchrist.

Twenty years on from a fire that spelt the end for the historic McSkimming factory, there is no doubt the town of Benhar, a few kilometres north of Balclutha, has seen better days. But some things still stand, such as pride and that enormous chimney. Shane Gilchrist reports.

Raised in Gore, now raising hell (on stage), Jackie Bristow is back home with a new album in her back pocket. Shane Gilchrist spoke to the revitalised songbird on the eve of her national tour.

Be it pet calf, prized cattle beast or preserved fruit, the Otago-Taieri Agricultural and Pastoral Society's 150th anniversary show next week promises to stir rural passions. It might even prompt some to breed, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Shane Gilchrist shares a cuppa and a few cackles with enduring Kiwi songsmith Dave Dobbyn.

In light of Contact Energy's recent announcement it is set to begin public discussions on further hydro-electric development on the Clutha River, Shane Gilchrist canvasses opinion on Lake Dunstan and discovers the body of water created by the Clyde dam is one on which many care to reflect.

At the risk of appearing the Grinch this Christmas, here are a few words to contemplate: "Stuff doesn't buy you happiness".

Dave Dobbyn sang, spoke and then signed with a flourish as he celebrated the publication of The Songbook in Alexandra yesterday.

Dave Dobbyn sang some of his classic tunes, then spoke about the inspiration behind them as he celebrated the publication of his debut book, The Songbook in Queenstown yesterday.

Since the late '70s, Chris Knox's can-do attitude has inspired a long list of musicians both here and overseas. Last weekend, in tribute to the songwriter, who suffered a stroke earlier this year, a collection of friends and fans celebrated the release of a double album. Shane Gilchrist reports.

If Carl Barron had a mantra, it would be along the lines of, "there's mirth in the mundane".

Five years since didymo was officially discovered in New Zealand, the invasive alga has spread rapidly through the South Island's rivers, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Australian comedian Carl Barron, who performs at Memorial Hall, Queenstown, tonight as part of a national tour, has forged a successful career on the back of his wry observations.

Niki Caro's film version of award-winning novel The Vintner's Luck hits screens next week. Shane Gilchrist discusses angel wings, divine wine and long lunches with the New Zealand director.

Mulch community spirit with cottage industry and the result is an organic vegetable garden in the heart of Middlemarch, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Among the many highlights of the ASB Queenstown JazzFest, which begins today, is the fact many of the performances will be free.

Having pocketed a Tui for best folk album of 2008, Dunedin trio Delgirl returns with its sophomore effort, Porchlight. Shane Gilchrist tunes in.