Kim Gillespie is an NZME journalist
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Motte's the buzz: Master violinist hits road for NZ tour
Meet Motte, a violinist who also plays other instruments, and who's about to tour NZ.
French for Rabbits and the rebirth of dream pop
"I want to see this industry become safer and more inclusive."
Niko Walters and the power of letting go
How Niko Walter looked within for inspiration for his new album.
Mouse that roared: Meet Kiwi musician Mousey
Singer would love the general public to be more connected to their local NZ music scenes.
Morning star: 10 questions with Don McGlashan
The Kiwi music legend has just released his latest solo album.
Kim Gillespie: What kind of Secret Santa are you?
OPINION: What you need to know about the annual festive tradition.
DJ Paige Julia: The secret to the perfect set
DJ 'combines electricity, emotions to paint vibrations ...of your favourite memories'.
Shapeshifter: 'The energy is the best it's ever been'
It's the recipe for a summer party - Shapeshifter gear up for festival season.
Kim Gillespie: So, the record got its groove back
OPINION: We've come full circle when it comes to music.
Editorial: The misguided battle for freedom
It'll take just over another 12,000 doses to get our region to 90 per cent vaccinated.
Muroki's on the crest of a wave
Remember the name Muroki - he's set to catch a wave of success.
Aw B 'simply loves a banger'
"I'm lucky to still have a job in this industry and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Montell2099: From the bedroom to the world
Montell2099 finds a lot of joy in playing festivals he used to attend when he was younger.
The 90% Project: Will you step up and be counted?
The numbers don't lie. A large number of eligible people are yet to be vaccinated.
The Beths: Live and loud despite the pandemic
"[Covid] changed the plans...We were lucky to be able to focus more deeply on touring NZ."
Sulfate Q&A: Why 'Godzone' name's not fit for purpose
"The border closure let us reflect and think ... about how we behave and operate as NZers"
Pickle Darling: 'Most bedroom pop artists make lockdown albums by default'
From Pickle Darling's bedroom to the nation's venues - they're off on a cosmic journey.
Home, James: A modern balladeer returns to NZ
Graeme James on the challenge of releasing 24 songs over the course of a year.
Datsuns are back: 'We're gonna need a bigger tent!'
The Datsuns are back! We catch up with drummer Ben Cole to find out where they've been.
Louis Baker - 'I want to make people feel less alone'
Aotearoa neo-soul star Louis Baker on the personal story behind his new music.
Back to the future with musician Miles Calder
With a new band and new sound, Miles Calder takes us back to how it was.
Wax Mustang: Great music impossible to make without simple things in life
Meet the "six-foot stallion" promising to wow the sold out Rhythm & Alps crowd.
'There's only one band that sounds like us': Black Seeds are back
How the Black Seeds coped with 2020 and came up with new music.
Food for the soul: Warren Maxwell on Trinity Roots' return
Warren Maxwell on the appeal of the Kiwi summer and what his ultimate gig would be like.
Editorial: Take two - here we go again
Our efforts are crucial to getting through this, as they were not that long ago.
Revealed: The recipe for the perfect summer anthem
Kiwi band have come out of lockdown firing, with new music and a new tour.
Editorial: Welcome to our (new) world
Comment: Covid-19 has been a watershed in all our lives, and it's far from over.
'I've been writing a song a day during lockdown'
Singer on her new album, upcoming tour and life in lockdown.
Go Local! Get behind our local businesses
Go Local! We will be bringing you stories of local business innovation and success.
Editorial: The quirks of life at level 4
It's been four weeks, but in some ways it has felt like four months.
Editorial: We're here to keep you in the know. We're in this together
We're here to make sure you know what you need to know.
Why Jeremy Redmore is back, baring his soul with new music
Ten questions with the former Midnight Youth singer.
10 Questions with L.A.B.
Frontman reveals what L.A.B. are bringing to the Womad table this year.
Womad 2020: 10 Questions with Troy Kingi
Award-winning musician Troy Kingi on the meaning of success.
Folk music 'has touched many souls'
Canadian group on why New Zealand audiences need to hear their brand of French folk.
Why MetService should put Whanganui back on the map
Comment: The call to cull is another kick in the teeth for a city that deserves better.
Tuuletar: Get set for vocal fireworks
Playing in NZ next year is a dream come true for Finnish "vocal folk hop" act Tuuletar.
Do we dare to dream of the All Blacks lifting the Cup?
Comment: Looking back at 1991-2011 - 20 painful years in the rugby wilderness.
What fans can expect from Canadian psychedelic punk band
Find out which classic Kiwi acts are on the bill for this act's dream festival line-up.
SoundBites: Mo Muse, Hans Pucket, James Reid
News and new music from Mo Muse, Hans Pucket and James Reid.
Surviving a bear encounter, and a plane crash, the Skux way
Punk rocker/park ranger tells why it's a great time to be a musician in New Zealand.
SoundBites: Troy Kingi, Old Loaves, Spawts, Bakers Eddy
News and new music from Troy Kingi, Old Loaves and Spawts.
10 Questions with Soaked Oats
Soaked Oats was born out of close friends enjoying their time together and loving music.
Music review: Soaked Oats - Sludge Pop
Dunedin four-piece back with five tracks to warm up your winter.
Album review: The National, I Am Easy To Find
Brooklyn alternative rockers have aged like a fine wine on their eighth full-length album.
10 Questions with Screaming Females
Drummer Jarrett Dougherty gives a sneak peek of what fans can expect from their NZ tour.
Womad: 10 Questions with Jamie Smith's Mabon
Iolo Whelan from Jamie Smith's Mabon previews their Womad show.
Womad: 10 Questions with Silkroad Ensemble
Silkroad Ensemble's Mario Gotoh explains why music is a service.
Womad: 10 Questions with Rebetien
Rebetien will bring their traditional Greek sound to Womad.
SoundBites: Lexxa, Lucy Dacus, Al Parker, Sachi
News and new music from Lexxa, Lucy Dacus, Al Parker, Sachi, Broods, Clap Clap Riot
10 Questions with Oddisee
Sudanese-American artist wants to use the live platform to share an emotional experience.
SoundBites: Lettuce Inn, Soaked Oats, Kath Bee & Anna van Riel
News from the Live Music at Lettuce Inn festival, Soaked Oats, Kath Bee & Anna van Riel.
10 Questions with Womad performers MY BABY
Guitarist Daniel 'Da Freez' Johnston previews the band's NZ gigs including Womad 2019.
SoundBites: Bic Runga, Lawrence Arabia, Alien Weaponry, Villainy
News and new music from Bic Runga, Lawrence Arabia, Alien Weaponry and Villainy.
Music review: Muse, Simulation Theory
Power stadium space rock goes 80s retro as Muse try a few stranger things.
10 Questions with Ben Ottewell
Singer boasts voice that sounds like 'a buffalo being back-ended into a wood chipper'.
10 Questions with Steve Gunn
What does a musician who's released 14 albums in 10 years do in his spare time?
10 Questions with Elemeno P
Singer Dave Gibson explains why fun is the Weet-Bix of the music industry.
SoundBites: Tiny Ruins, Thomston, Alae, Openside
News and new music from Tiny Ruins, Thomston, Alae, Openside and My Baby
10 Questions with Frank Turner
Frank Turner shares a few life lessons ahead of his New Zealand tour next month.
10 Questions with Hello Sailor's Harry Lyon
The man behind Doctor I Like Your Medicine has prescribed fans a new dose of music.
SoundBites: Lontalius, Yukon Era, Reb Fountain
News and new music from Lontalius, Yukon Era, Reb Fountain and Daffodils
10 Questions with Martin Phillipps of The Chills
Martin Phillipps on the new album, his dream festival line-up, and a jacket he loves ...
10 Questions with Ha The Unclear
Michael Cathro from Ha The Unclear reveals his dream festival lineup, including Queen!
SoundBites: Princess Chelsea, Rhian Sheehan, Pacific Heights, Bartells
News and new music from Princess Chelsea, Rhian Sheehan, Northern Bass & Pacific Heights.
10 Questions with Latinaotearoa's Bobby Brazuka
Brazilian beatmaker Bobby Brazuka explains how NZ and South American music are linked.
10 Questions with the Slacks
Taranaki treasures theSlacks are off on tour - but first we catch up with Scotty Slack.
10 Questions with Albi & the Wolves
Pascal Roggen from Albi & the Wolves gets the 10 Questions treatment.
Fluoride court costs hard to swallow
Fluoride battle comes to an end - but at quite a cost.
10 Questions with Holly Arrowsmith
Singer says being a songwriter from New Zealand is an advantage.
10 Questions with Jamie McDell
Jamie McDell's been very busy lately, but has still managed to release a new album & tour.
SoundBites: Miltones, Holly Arrowsmith, Nadia Reid, Adults
News and new music from the Miltones, Nadia Reid, Holly Arrowsmith and the Adults.
SoundBites: Louis Baker, Ha the Unclear, The Slacks
News and new music from Louis Baker, Ha the Unclear and The Slacks.
SoundBites: Boycrush, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tiki Taane, Ria Hall & Laughton Kora
News and new music from Boycrush, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and the Tipi Haere Tour.
SoundBites: Groeni, Ha the Unclear, Theia, Harry Parsons
News and new music from Groeni, Marlon Williams, Ha the Unclear, Harry Parsons and more.
SoundBites: Eb & Sparrow, Jamie McDell, Paper Cranes
News and new music from Eb & Sparrow, Jamie McDell, Hockey Dad, Paper Cranes, Julia Deans.
Music review: Car Seat Headrest, Twin Fantasy
Stand back, Car Seat Headrest's new version of Twin Fantasy is a beautiful behemoth.
10 Questions with Marlon Williams
Find out what makes Marlon Williams tick, and why he's not a fan of zombie music festivals