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 new school Atlanta favourites has been making waves since he was in high school. After receiving the A$AP Rocky co-sign, Carti was suddenly in the mainstream spotlight. ‘Magnolia’ in particular broke through as one of the biggest rap records of 2017. Since then he’s released his second album ‘Die Lit’ which received both critical and commercial success. As for Carti’s live performance, the young artist brings his high energy set every time he takes the stage. Making his New Zealand debut at the countries biggest festival, you best be fit enough to survive the Carti mosh this New Years.
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.
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.
Andre “Shy FX” Williams has quietly been one of the most influential British producers of the last 25 years. From his groundbreaking jungle anthem Original Nuttah (a tune that has as much impact now as it did when it first smashed into the charts in the early 90s), to his timely switch into dubstep, house and roots reggae in the 00s, to his behind-the-scenes production work for multi-million selling pop RnB acts, Shy’s ability to fuse soundsystem culture with electronic futurism and classic songwriting has defined the music of successive generations. Now he’s prepared to drop a new album that deftly steps between tempo and styles, encompassing lyrical hip hop, sweet soul, and bass heavy breakbeat, drawing together the many influences that have kept him at the forefront of dance music for over quarter of a century.
The Babe Rainbow are bringing back all things 60s and 70s with their soundscape. Starting in Byron Bay, the groups psychedelic take puts them in a lane of their own. Rejuvenating the genre, The Babe Rainbow are the perfect band for those lazy Sunday sessions. First appearing in 2015 with their debut EP ‘Ash May & Dr. Love Wisdom’, in 2019 the group now onto their third studio album. Bringing their unique flavour to Waiohika Estate, The Babe Rainbow are here with flower powered tunes.
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.
A legend amongst kiwis, Dave Dobbyn has been performing around Aotearoa since the 1970s. Whether it was rocking the stage with his first band Th’ Dudes, the pop ballads of DD Smash or his long and storied solo career. Best known for ‘Slice of Heaven’, Dobbyn represents everything kiwiana and he’s going to bringing that homegrown talent back to the Vines in 2019.
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.
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.
Coming out of Peterborough, England, MONXX started his career at 14 years old when he would make traditional grime beats and sell them online. As MONXX got older, his interests in other genres expanded as he would then go onto diving into the world of dubstep and drum & bass. Nowadays he’s more known for his thumping dubstep production which has earned him slots on stages across the world. Making his second trip to the country this year, MONXX is ready to throw down with all your dubstep heads out there.
The blonde-haired princes of the electronic scene are coming back to R&V for 2019. The duo found themselves being played on BBC Radio 1 after throwing a USB into Diplo’s car. Since then SACHI have proved themselves to be prolific producers, gaining them a fan base worldwide. Bringing their spectacular live performance back to the vines, SACHI will have a whole new set for us. Releasing their second project ‘Nights With Ruby’, a nationwide tour and a USA tour, a lot has happened since we last saw the boys. Catch up with them this New Years back in Waiohika estate.
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.
Merging elements of drum & bass and future bass, 1991 has grown into his own over the past few years. Coming out of the UK, 1991 was named the Best Newcomer for dance music in 2017. 2 years later, he’s proven that he’s here to stay. With co-signs from the likes of Skrillex, Netsky, Chase & Status, Chris Lake and Andy C, its fair to say he’s caught a few eyes by the biggest names in the game. You can bet how excited we are to host 1991’s first set in New Zealand this New Years.
Originating from the Gold Coast, Cut Snake originally started off as a project between Leigh Sedley and FISHER. However now Sedley rides solo as the head honcho of Cut Snake, taking on the project himself has allowed Sedley to get his focus down which has blossomed into EPs and world tours. Making the journey over with him is fellow Australian, Little Fritter. After his first release in 2008, Little Fritter is here 11 years later with the same energy and killer dance moves behind the decks that got him here. Bringing two prime DJs from Australia for one huge set is going to be something you don’t want to miss.
A hot commodity as both a producer and nightlife DJ, Eastern Bloc has earned his stripes around the country for years. Getting his big international break with a remix of Vic Mensa’s ‘Down On My Luck’, Eastern Bloc would go onto release his debut EP ‘Flamingo’ which also caught the eyes of Skrillex. Since then Eastern Bloc has been an elite tastemaker ever since. Bringing something new to the decks every time he touches them, get familiar with Eastern Bloc as he takes on Gisborne this New Years.
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.
OddiMelodownz’ hip-hop lyricist, Bronson Price, is an urban poet and artist raised in the phone line tangled village of Avondale, Auckland. On his 2017 EP Avontales, the suburb of Avondale is positioned front and centre, supplying the characters that inhabit the EP's eight tracks as well as the setting that frames their stories. It delights us with detailed storytelling complimented by guest vocals from Bailey Wiley, Yaynè and Israel Starr, plus production assists courtesy of YGB's Ben Jamin, the Grow Room's Lightskinjohn, and Wellington beatmaker baccyard. Melodownz’ sound is shaped by a variety of local producers who honour his smooth melodies. His diverse style travels from hip-hop, reggae, G-funk and soul all accompanied by his punchy lyrics. Few artists have the ability to read the audience and keep them as engaged as Melodownz’ live set. 2018 sees his latest collaboration-Highbeams, alongside rapper Raiza Biza and producer ILLBaz as an eclectic mix of smooth, chilled out beats, jazz samples and solid rapping on superb tracks such as Major, Outchea and Run Away.
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.
Onehunga’s favourite sons have brought some of the wildest mosh pits to Gisborne over their years at R&V. The award winning group have thrown themselves to the forefront of kiwi rap with their unique flair to their lyrics, the 5 piece are always here to breathe new life into their sets. Since their last time in Waiohika the group joined Drax Project for their sold out If you’ve been in the SWIDT pit before and survived, get back to conditioning cause they’re coming in hot to R&V again in 2019.
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.
After making their EPs in 2016 and 2017, it's only been up for Alae ever since. With tours across Australia and New Zealand, the group found themselves being scouted by LA based label Anti-Gravity Records this year. After the release of their single ‘Help You Know’ this year, the group have gone onto shine as a primetime indie-pop four piece.
Consisting of Auckland based DJ/producers Cam Bav and Kahu Murupaenga, the duo have become mainstays on George FM’s Wednesday night show ‘The Booty Hour’. As a duo the pair regularly will be caught out at Auckland’s biggest clubs for your weekend long benders. Bavhu are here to bring R&V attendees something special as always this New Year.
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.”
First off, yes that is his real name. Second, he’s back again at R&V in 2019! Jon Lemmon’s optimistic, joyful personality translates directly into his music. Born in San Francisco, Lemmon found himself in New Zealand at 19 and quickly became immersed in the local scene. ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’ has surpassed 10 million streams and with the tracks bubbly, happy-go-lucky energy, its hard not to smile while listening to a Jon Lemmon song.
Fresh off taking home two Georgies for NZ Artist of the Year and NZ Track of the Year for ‘Let Me Go’ featuring Embher, the Auckland duo are back for 2019. Quickly becoming fan favourites around the country, Lee Mvtthews have played to just about everyone you know. Their debut EP ‘Silhouettes’ in late 2017 put them on everyone's radar as they would go on to tally countless plays along with nationwide tours. It was only right we had Lee Mvtthews back, they’re here to remind why we love New Zealand electronic music.
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.
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.
Working his way from the underground, T1R took a huge leap this year. Notably joining Netsky to remix Jon Lemmon’s ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’, which was subsequently used in the Tomorrowland aftermovie and now surpassed 100,000 plays. Humble beginnings as a DJ in a Auckland’s nightlife scene, T1R stepped his game when he took his turn at producing. Over this year he’s put a series of remixes which he’s been able to spin when he’s opened for the likes of fellow NZ electronic musicians such as Montell2099 and SACHI. Working closely with Auckland based collective BASSMENT, T1R has has constantly put in the hard yards to get where he is today. Catch him for his debut R&V set this 2019.
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.