Written by Gillian Orrell RRP £8.99 Know The Score Books Ltd Gillian Orrell is someone who makes aspiring writers everywhere envious. She’s a natural. Within the first paragraph I was laughing out loud on the tube – not something to be done lightly. It’s not her technical talent, more that her writing is real. It sounds like the words of the person she is – someone who leapt out of her comfort zone, discovered previously unknown qualities in herself and had a life-changing time... more>

Directed by Martin Campbell Starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelson, Dame Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright Casino Royale was Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel and introduced him as an arrogant, reckless "blunt instrument", an image the film sticks to. There was a lot of negative hype from fans when Daniel Craig was cast as the latest incarnation of Bond, and if he had been required to continue in Pierce Brosnan’s footsteps it wouldn’t have worked. But his intensity and steely... more>

Auckland-based band One Million Dollars have taken their time to release their new album, but it is well worth the wait! ‘Soup Kitchen’ is definitely not an album to listen to alone, pumping out a party vibe, it’s music to be shared and will surely get the party going. Unfortunately I can only imagine what an amazing show they would put on, and will hopefully get an opportunity to experience them playing live very soon. In the meantime, raw production captures the essence of... more>

Salmonella Dub has been doing it for nearly 15 years, but goddamn they do it well. Rocking and surging with a grinning, pack of glassy-eyed expats at the salubrious Shepherd’s Empire on October 20, was the perfect reminder of just how well. It was a particularly nostalgic gig for those who grew up with the group’s unique roots-reggae-meets-Pacifika dub beats. For the benefit of the unfortun-ately unfamiliar, they are like that fav-ourite jumper that rarely falls far from reach. But... more>

After an album debut in 2003 with The 88, electronic breakbeat three-piece Minuit are captivating Kiwis around the world with their freshly released album The Guard Themselves. Originally from Nelson, Minuit recently embarked on a European Tour to spread their original sound to a wider audience. Many Kiwis in London witnessed a brilliant live performance at Fabric in October and have continued the memory of that experience with this album. Innovative production complements an array of... more>

MUSIC: Head to the Newquay Walkabout on October 25 for Salmonella Dub’s first ever gig in the Cornish seaside town, and you might spot band members riding its waves. Frontman Andrew Penman is thrilled at the prospect of squeezing a surf into the band schedule. The Greymouth-born Cantabrian has property in Kaikoura – famous for its crashing waves - and openly admits to missing New Zealand’s "untouched" nature while on tour. "Hell yeah, homecoming is always so sweet," he told... more>

Minuit are selected to represent New Zealand as a future sound of breaks, beats and electronica. For an insight, check out the brilliant new video - www.amplifier.co.nz/video/19471/fuji Their website - www.minuit.co.nz And see them live in London - They are playing at Fabric on th 20th of October as part of Fabric Live and then again on the 3rd of November.... more>

Here it is the final week. Tickets are sold. Throats are ruined. Egos are damaged. Over two million visitors to Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I would love to say I have met most of them at my show, but to be honest I haven't. But the Kiwis have flown comedic flag high, and can be proud on the world stage yet again. Jarred Christmas with The Geek Show has been a critical success, and the young whippersnapper is one for the future. Rhys Darby, also an Edinburgh favourite, has come close to winning... more>

To celebrate the release of The Sound Inside, Breaks Co-Op, Air New Zealand are giving away a free flight to NZ!       To Win go online now to....  www.breaksco-op.co.uk/comps/newzealand_ticket_comp.htm  Breaks Co-Op - The Sound Inside. Breaks Co-Op release their gorgeous new single ‘A Place F... more>

All in all I’ve had three reviews – two four-stars and one three-stars – 11 shows performed and sweated through, my crowd numbers above average. At the moment in my life all that matters is the above, the bubble, which is the Edinburgh Festival slowly, consumes you and as a performer it then takes you over. It’s a beast up here, its like a tour of duty. Some of your mates can't deal with it, others try and hide and you are constantly fighting your own battle. The Kiwis are in force... more>