Shane Gilchrist

Family, friendship and fun come first for Geoff Sewell. The New Zealand "popera" singer discusses reality checks with Shane Gilchrist.

Valentine's Day: romantic reminder or ruse? Shane Gilchrist attempts to get to the heart of the matter.

Shona Laing is back on the road, dipping into an extensive catalogue that includes songs involving friends and the famous, be they dead or alive. Shane Gilchrist discusses inspiration and isolation with an enduring Kiwi songsmith.

How best to celebrate winning a Tui award for best folk album? Gin and pudding.

Shane Gilchrist concludes a special Summer Times selection of albums that, although obscure, are worth exploring.

Shane Gilchrist presents a special Summer Times selection of albums that, although obscure, are worth exploring.

Shane Gilchrist presents a special Summer Times selection of albums that, although obscure, are worth exploring.

Shane Gilchrist presents a special Summer Times selection of albums that, although obscure, are worth exploring.

Shane Gilchrist presents a special Summer Times selection of albums that, although obscure, are worth exploring.

Big birthdays require big presents, don't they? As Shane Gilchrist turns 40, he ponders gifts, ghosts and guitars.

For those unaware of the scenario employed by successful New Zealand comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, it goes something like this: Wellington pair Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie play marginally talented musicians struggling to make it in the big time.

Recent reports highlighting parental behaviour at the beach and swimming inability among our children prompt a sinking feeling.

Mike McLeod says he's a sucker for minor chords and it's easy to see why. They open the door to melancholy, which then invites minimalism.

Next week, Dunedin bands Onanon and the Alpha State celebrate the release of new albums. Though they have their obvious differences, they share the faint pulse of those who have gone before, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Aaron Jury has plenty to sing about at the moment.

November 11, 2008 is the 90th anniversary of the end of World War 1, in which more than 100,000 young New Zealanders from a population of just 1.1 million saw service overseas. Some of them fought with the Otago Mounted Rifles, a regiment whose proud history has yet to be told in full. That is about to change, writes Shane Gilchrist.

Kate turned up on the doorstep a few minutes ago.

Jimeoin's observations of everyday absurdities have prompted laughs around the world. Now the Irishman is about to test his humour on New Zealand audiences, writes Shane Gilchrist.