House music runs in the family with Disclosure, as children of musicians, Guy and Howard Lawrence have it running through their veins. After their debut EP in 2013, it’s been up-hill ever since for the siblings. Varying between house, pop and UK garage, Disclosure have worked with everyone from current day star Sam Smith to 90s legend Mary J Blige. The DJ/producer duo will be tearing down the stages with R&V to close out their momentous decade on December 29.
As one of Australia’s finest DJs, Alison Wonderland has become one of the most prominent characters in the electronic music scene as a whole. Starting as a classically trained cellist, it was quick 180 to the turntables for Alison Wonderland as she began her illustrious career. Known for her secret warehouse parties, Alison Wonderland knows how to bring the fun to her set and R&V 2019 will be no different.
The LA based DJ/producer returns to Waiohika Estate. Showing off his diverse talents from across all genres, having collaborated with the likes of What So Not and Skrillex but also diving into hip-hop with Big Sean and Chief Keef, Grime has been expanding his portfolio since he first picked up the turntables. See the kiwi crowd favourite take the stages of Waiohika Estate for his glorious return on December 29.
After ditching the guitar for a sequencer at 14, the rest was history for Wilkinson. A production class at college led to sending demos to some of the finest producers in England. Since then he’s released music on Hospital, RAM and Virgin records. As a kiwi fan favourite Wilkinson will be joining us in Gisborne after playing the prestigious countdown live set last year. If you were there to experience it last year, you know that Wilkinson is a can’t miss set, whether it be DJ Set or Live.
At just 25 years old, Jauz has taken the DJing world by storm. Incorporating styles of future house, chill trap, dubstep and even 80s and 90s dance music, Jauz has proven himself to be a grade A student of the game. He’s made the trip over to Aotearoa many times but the end of the decade will see him grace the stages of R&V for the first time.
He’s sold out Wembley Arena, had a near 3 month residency at London’s most popular club and now he’s coming to Rhythm & Vines. After making the long haul flight over, Andy C will finally be making his long awaited R&V debut. Arguably one of the biggest DJs in the scene for years now, all his mileage under his belt doesn’t slow him down. Constantly rediscovering new music, Andy C keeps every set he does diverse as he treats concert goers and festival fiends to new sets.
The man of many names, Green Velvet started his career with a $40 keyboard machine used on his debut track ‘Coffee Pot’. Given the name by his ex-girlfriend's father due to his flamboyant style and love of David Bowie, Velvet ran with the name as he made the moniker transformation. At the ripe age of 52, there’s no slowing down for the Chicago DJ as he graces the stages of R&V this year.
Born in Scotland, based in London, Chris Lake has an extremely accomplished catalogue behind him already. From bootleg Prodigy remixes to #1 charting tracks, Lake’s talents have taken him to work with some of the biggest names in house music. Along with being a top tier DJ/producer, Lake has set himself up nicely running two record labels. Thankfully he’s taken time out of his hectic schedule to cook up a storming set at R&V 2019.
Coming out of the UK, Calyx & TeeBee are synonymous with quality music. Friends from years ago, in 2004 they began to work together in their productions, publishing for the most recognised seals of drum & bass. From there they continued to work until releasing their first LP as a duo, ‘Anatomy’. Since the release of this album, the duo have not stopped travelling. They make their return to New Zealand for the first time since in nearly 5 years with a whole new catalogue ready.
Starting at 16, James Poutney’s journey has taken him to where we are now. Multiple remixes, EPs and chart placements earned him the attention of the electronic music world. Particularly fellow R&V 2019 artist, Andy C who signed him to RAM Records just two years after his debut EP. It’s been full steam ahead ever since and he’s keeping it going with a set at R&V this year.
Cyantific AKA Jon Stanley, has been at the forefront of drum and bass for over a decade. Known for devotion to his decks, pinpoint accuracy in the mix and his ability to construct dance floor anthems has seen Cyantific DJ from London to around the globe. He’s hit our shores a few times now and he never fails to disappoint each time.
Glasgow-based DJ/Producer Denis Sulta creates vivacious, melodic house with underground sensibilities. Growing up in a keen interest in dance music even led to his job in the infamous record shop, Rubadub. During his tenure at Rubadub he took up producing and DJing under the guidance of his co-workers. Fast forward a couple of decades later, here he is as with a few EPs, his own record label and multiple tours under his belt. 2019 will see Denis Sulta bring his talents to R&V for the first time ever as he treats the faithful Gizzy crowd to his sought after set.
From Melbourne, Australia Dom Dolla has been on a tear through 2019 as his breakout year. His #1 single ‘Take It’ has amassed 22 million streams and its easy to see why with his hypnotic dance floor anthem. This year Dolla made his debut in the UK and Europe over the summer along with performing at some of the top US festivals. He’ll be seeing the year out with us for his debut R&V performance.
In the space of a few years, Drax Project has grown from being music students busking on the streets of Wellington (Drums + Sax) into one of the most watched groups to come out of New Zealand. Building on their hometown's tradition of killer live acts, Drax Project have honed their music as much on stage as in the studio - both through their own run of sold out shows and opening for live acts including Ed Sheeran, Lorde, Brian McKnight and Six60 in New Zealand. On the international stage, they've opened for Camila Cabello on her European tour, played major slots at the likes of the iHeart Music Festival in Las Vegas and Rolling Stone Magazine's pool party and Coachella, along with hosting their own sold out their own headline shows in LA, New York and London. The surprise number 1 radio hit and 2018 NZ song of the year ‘Woke Up Late’ (UMG NZ) saw them sign global recording deals with Lyor Cohen's 300 Entertainment and Simon Cowell's Syco. The international market 'Woke Up Late feat Hailee Steinfeld’, has received Top 40 radio airplay all over the world, peaking at #26 in the US and as high as #3 in other territories. The song has now received over 100 million streams. With 'Woke Up Late' going Double Platinum and 'Toto' and the 'Noon EP' going Gold in NZ, it's fair to say anticipation for new music is high. With fan favourite 'All This Time' being released on June 14 and a debut album scheduled for Q3, the boys don't plan to disappoint!
The UK Drum & Bass duo are bringing their soul-drenching style of production to Gisborne. After meeting at the University of Leicester, it became apparent that Tom and Jonathan had immediate musical chemistry. Their single ‘Lucid’ caught the eyes of BBC Radio 1 legend of Annie Mac which subsequently boosted them into the mainstream. With two EPs, ‘Vision’ and ‘Chiral’, its only the start of the young duo and seeing in the new decade with R&V is another monumental step on their way.
The London based, Australian born DJ and producer HAAi continues to go from strength to strength. Recently it was the release of ‘It’s Something We Can All Learn From’ which is the first track released on her own record label, Coconut Beats. Added to her resume is the BBC Radio 1 essential mix of the year. Her catalogue is seemingly growing by the day and by the time 2020 starts, she can tick Rhythm & Vines off her list.
Working hard over the past decade, Heidi has been making her mark permanent on the new house and techno music generation. Hosting her radio shows, Heidi’s been able to turn heads and tables with her unique mixes. If you’ve ever had the chance to attend one of her Jackathon parties, you know that she brings the energy too. Growing up Canada before a move to London, Heidi’s well-stamped passport brings in a range of influences to create her soundscape. She’ll be stamping her passport again as she visits R&V for the second time after her debut in 2016.
Arguably the most influential rap act from Aoteroa, Home Brew will be reuniting back on the stages of R&V. Countless music awards, millions of streams and a cultural impact that will live on forever. We’re honoured to have Home Brew back on the stages to deliver their great kiwi rap classics
The indie 5 piece produce some of New Zealand’s finest and most intricate work. Their unusual melting-pot of contribution means Leisure is greater than the sum of its parts, each member bringing different influences from 70s funk, to 90s rap and R&B and all the way to early 2000s dance music. Recently releasing their second album ‘Twister’, the group embarked on a national tour of their latest work and will round up the national circuit tour with a set amongst the vines.
A forward-think, innovative artist, Running Touch has continually evolved his sound ever since we were introduced to him in 2015. Although he started off in the hardcore scene, it was a different genre that took his eye in his later high school years. Somewhere between dance, electronic and pop lives Running Touch in his own world. An experimental approach to his music makes Running Touch’s live set a unique one. In just a few years, he’s made himself into one of the hottest tickets out of Australia with his do-it-all approach to music. Running Touch will be performing at R&V for the first time in his short but stacked career.
The Dutch DJ was just 15 years old when he had the realisation that he was here to pursue music. Starting off DJing local coffee shops around the country, Trago scraped buy with enough to feed him and feed his love of vinyl. Now with three critically acclaimed albums under his belt, Trago has been taking on the world. Headlining New Years Eve on Cellar Stage, Trago is ready to show you how he’s able to seamlessly transition from Detroit techno, Afrobeat and Latin jazz, all with an electronic offering.
Originally having his eyes set on dentistry and engineering, Ziggy’s life would soon change once he was gifted a guitar as a graduation gift. The following year Ziggy began busking on Australia’s east coast and just a year later he had his first EP out. It’s been a different ride than most to Ziggy, but he’s made the music industry his own. Taking our stages this New Years, Ziggy can treat us to his signature, simplistically captivating sound.
The teen duo from Auckland have worked their way up through the rankings of New Zealand hip-hop. Playing local venues, Church & AP became a familiar name and familiar answer to the ‘who's next?’ question. After their release of the breakout single ‘Ready Or Not’ which racked up over 2 million streams, Church & AP sold out their headline show at Auckland’s Tuning Fork. Opening slots and headline shows have now brought them to R&V for the first time.
The Auckland teen four-piece are making music like no other band here in New Zealand. A dynamic set-up sees the group flesh out their indie pop mixed with classic rock sound to create an array of singles in the past year. Coming through the rockquest, Daffodils have been a real ground-up success story through the Auckland independant scene. Catch them making their R&V debut this year.
The MC and producer duo have established themselves over the years with their traditional kiwiana word play and smooth beats. Returning after a one year hiatus with their ‘Honest To Whom’ project, Eno x Dirty came back to remind us all where they stand amongst the great kiwi rap acts. They have a few R&Vs under their belts now but there's every reason to bring them back this year.
After a string of sold-out shows in New Zealand, the Flowidus duo are heading to Rhythm & Vines for the first time. Made up of Raphael and Garo, the former solo artists bonded over the passion of playing live, hence the name Flowidus, ‘When people see us or hear our music, we want them to feel apart of it’. Their breakout over the past 2 years has been a sight to see and we’re stoked to have them at Rhythm & Vines 2019.
Jack Berry is Damin McCabe’s smooth, laid-back, guitar-pop alias. Born and bred in Dunedin, McCabe bounces between his studio space, friend’s bedrooms, and everywhere in between; Writing songs, producing for mates, or putting together pop-up thrift stores and sold out shows as apart of GARBAGE Records. As busy as this may sound, Jack Berry’s music couldn’t sound any different. Despite only having released a few tracks over the past two years, Jack Berry have been selling out shows all around New Zealand. As well as their own headline shows, they’ve completed a national co-headline tour with Mild Orange, supported BENE and Set Mo, played on the Huffer Anniversary Tour, supported Kllo on a Red Bull Music tour, the House Of Vans show in Auckland, and a number of festival appearances. ‘DUMMY’ marks a new chapter in Jack Berry’s career. This collection of tracks consist of songs that the band have been playing since they formed. The songs have been shaped and molded over two years of live shows, eventually taking final form at Red Bull Studios. In McCabe’s words, “Releasing these songs is kind of a farewell to some of the first songs I ever wrote, and a way to start my move in a new direction.”
MAALA has always been one to catch no matter where in the country he is performing. After signing to Sony, MAALA has been on a roll with his experimental pop hits. Winning best male solo artist in 2016, MAALA has been living up the award ever since. Methodical with his release, its quality over quantity for the youngster. Catch MAALA and his signature beanie at R&V 2019.
Indie-Rockers Mako Road have been tearing up the New Zealand music scene since their inception in 2017. The boys have amassed over 12 million streams online and their debut single ‘The Sun Comes Up’, which was recorded in their garage, reached the Top 3 on the NZ & AUS Viral 50 Chart. After a sold out 15-date New Zealand summer tour, as well as opening for the likes of Rudimental, Bootleg Rascal and Mitch James, the group are parked up in Wellington working on new tracks to release this year.
Off the back of the dual releases ‘Episode One’ and ‘Episode Two’, Auckland emo pop band ‘Openside’ have seen themselves soaking up the sun during the Californian summer in Los Angeles, creating what is set to be new music coming this Spring. One of the most energetic and exciting live acts New Zealand has to offer, Openside offer their dark and mysterious brand of emo music coupled with pop sensibilities and production. The band are gearing up for shows throughout Australia and New Zealand this summer ahead of a stream of new songs. Being able to bring you down in your bedroom and raise you up from the crowd, Openside are a must see at Rhythm & Vines 2019.
Patrice Baumel has been around the world and back, showing what he’s picked up in all his years travelling. Born in Germany, Baumel was introduced jazz and rock music before turning his attention to the decks. Bringing the international flavour to Cellar Stage, Baumel’s ready to show up on New Year's Eve.
With the release of ‘Finally’ in 2016 Peach Milk began as a live act with a focus on immersive, ethereal dance music. After a string of live hardware shows played throughout New Zealand, the focus of the project has shifted more towards producing and DJing. Her Dj sets display broad influences, ranging from the dreamy and relaxed areas of House music to driving, percussive Techno and everything in between. Peach Milk is a project that continues to shift and transcend labels or mediums.
Rising from the dusty, rinsed streets of Scarfieville, Dunedin’s Summer Thieves are a melting pot of reggae, hip-hop, rock and funk. After starting their work in 2014 with New Zealand icon Tiki Taane, Summer Thieves continued to soak up knowledge and build momentum. Self-described as ‘like the $1 mixture from your childhood. A few classic candies, alongside a few buzzy treats’. See what Summer Thieves have in the candy bag at R&V.
A newcomer to the scene, Vayne broke onto radars with her hits ‘waitwait!’ and ‘Yuck’ which have amassed 10,000+ streams. Despite just having a handful of songs out, the star potential was there as earlier this year she inked a deal with Sony Music. Vayne’s first release ‘I’ll Be Fine’ under Sony proves she hasn’t slowed down. Making her festival debut, Vayne will be bringing her high energy set to R&V 2019.