Today, let's talk music competitions... Firstly, the AMA, the Aotearoa Music Awards 2025. I was outraged. Outraged I tell you. Not at the interruptions. No.... Read More

I wanted to highlight three shows today. But first, there is so much happening that occurrences not strictly time-sensitive get delayed. And delayed and delayed. One... Read More

I realise that while sequels are popular in Hollywood, they are less encouraged in newspaper columns. Nonetheless, this is something of a continuation so... Read More

Music of all flavours is continually bubbling away in Tauranga - and, if you're into something with alternative spicing, then next weekend offers a banquet. Perhaps... Read More

I've been watching music documentaries recently; they're getting weirder. Last week I got Covid. Yes I know - who would have thought? Like that nice Mr Baker... Read More

Despite writing for newspapers for more than 30 years I still have no idea how it all works, what makes a story a story. Two musicians I hugely admired have... Read More

A lot of new music is being released, and a bunch of old music - today we have both. Nigel Masters, Boatshed Studio boss, Kokomo bass player and multi-instrumentalist,... Read More

Easter is here. The jazz festival is in full swing. Let's talk about other things. Oddly, however, I keep running into people who have no idea the jazz festival... Read More

Okay, the Jazz Festival has officially started. There's been jazz at the Mount hot pools, the youth band competition is done, and there have been lunchtime concerts... Read More

Hot news tips are coming in by the minute, disrupting this well-planned jazz festival column. First up, local singer-songwriter Frances Ellen, fresh off a... Read More

There's been so much happening that I'll struggle to fit it in this week. Let's have a crack though, since the next fortnight will be jazz fest-focused and... Read More

I must confess to some reservations when writing about Tauranga's hardcore music scene. That's because I suspect the vast majority of you reading this don't... Read More