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ALEJA
From the rivers of Uruguay to the beaches of New Zealand, Aleja plays the sounds that encompass the depths and breadths of both and all of the places between. She comes in slow like a sultry steam train, building it up to the kinds of rhythms that hit you deep and hard - the good kinda hard. Seeing out beyond her years, Aleja’s music is of the underground, the warehouses and the raves, all of which have trained her well to step out into the light.
ALTERCATION
Altercation is a producer/DJ hailing from Queenstown, now based in Auckland. He has been producing music and releasing for over four years now and he continues to push his minimal and soul sound through his work. Active in the scene since 2018, Joel has released music on respected labels like Norman Foreman and Rubricate Records (South Africa). Expect a diverse set of vocal drum & bass and dubstep packed with fresh cuts from himself and many others.
ANDY C
Andy C’s career has been nothing short of a phenomenon. An underground icon, he sold out both Wembley Arena in a few days, and a second 13 week residency at one of London’s most iconic contemporary clubs, XOYO, in less than 2 hours. He’s collected over 40 awards to date, with 2018 plaudits including DJ Mag (Best British DJ), DNBA (Best DJ), Top 100 DJs Poll (Highest Drum & Bass DJ), and the Ibiza DJ Awards (Best Bass DJ).
Andy’s main signature motif as a DJ is that he’s guaranteed to be packing tracks that no other DJ has. Hunting, digging, searching and signing: he is constantly immersed in new music. Not only does this ensure a wholly unique experience when you see him live, but it also gives Ram Records a front row seat when it comes to spotting new artists.
AROHA
Aroha Harawira, originally hailing from NZ and now making waves in Melbourne, is a dynamic producer and DJ redefining the sonic landscape. Known for her electrifying performances and deep knowledge of music, AROHA's sets are a fusion of house and techno, infused with elements of breakbeat, electro, footwork, and UK bass, forging a unique and irresistible signature sound. As a solo artist and one-half of the duo AROHA & TALI, alongside award-winning MC TALI, she's not just a DJ; she's a curator of experiences that leave audiences buzzing.
BADGER
Badger is an underground Dance Music producer, multi instrumentalist and DJ from the UK. While his DJ sets and productions revolve around UK Garage, Bass House, and Jungle, it is his unique and innovative take on what’s expected on the genres that makes his sound so special. Badger pushes the boundaries of music wherever he can; always keeping audiences on their toes. His music and shows are an adventure through sound. On stage, he acts as the ultimate tour guide of dance music. Revealing only the best bangers from the old, the new, the undiscovered and the completely unexpected.
BAG RAIDERS
Australian dance royalty Bag Raiders have been stalwarts in the electronic music community for more than a decade. After releasing a slew of cult underground cuts including ‘Fun Punch’ and ‘Turbo Love’, Jack Glass and Chris Stracey signed to dance-powerhouse Modular Records and released their debut self-titled album in 2010. With that, the game changed forever. The record debuted at #7 on the official ARIA album chart, snagging nominations for ‘Best Dance Release’ (ARIA), ‘Album of the Year’ (Triple J Award) and ‘Dance Work of the Year’ (APRA). The LP featured the smash hit singles ‘Way Back Home’, ‘Sunlight’, ‘Snake Charmer’ and of course festival anthem ‘Shooting Stars’ – which has gone onto become one of the biggest Australian dance tracks of all-time. ‘Shooting Stars’ has now amassed over 4 billion online streams, achieving 32 Platinum and 7 Gold plaques worldwide and delivering a cultural impact beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. Since its release the song has taken on a life of its own, breaking-the-internet a gazillion times through a series of iconic ‘Shooting Stars memes’. In 2021, Bag Raiders paid homage to the original ‘man jumping off bridge meme’ by creating an exclusive NFT, with proceeds going to Support Act and Musicians Making A Difference.
BECKY HILL
Becky Hill has an irrefutable aptitude for writing chart-smashing dance-pop songs and a reputation as a leading force in the UK music scene. She is without a doubt one of the UK's most exceptional talents, having secured two BRIT Awards, eighteen Top 40 singles and billions of streams. Her sensational live show will once again showcase her incredible vocal prowess, captivating stage presence, and her ability to connect with fans in an unparalleled way.
BENTHAMISM
Benthamism is known for creating immersive experiences that provide enjoyment and happiness for all. He weaves together a rich tapestry of genres, uniting diverse music and visuals to craft a one-of-a-kind atmosphere brimming with funk, bass, and infectious good vibes.
Their unparalleled creativity on the dance floor seamlessly blends old and new music together to have you feel and think. With two decades of experience, they have shared stages with notable artists like Opiuo, A.Skills, Stickybuds, Krafty Kuts, Chali 2na, The Upbeats and K+Lab.
Benthamism's electrifying performances have graced events like Shipwrecked, previous Rhythm and Alps festivals, Kiwiburn, Breaking Beats, Cuba Dupa, Relish and more. With a vision that the greatest happiness of the greatest number could be the ultimate goal of society, the individual and the dance, they are eager to craft a truly special and unforgettable experience for all.
BIG TWISTY (DJ SET)
Big Twisty is the party starter, the finishing act and the fireworks. With energy to spare, he owns the stage in his signature fits and drops the filthiest club bangers while he’s at it. A lyrical genius in his own right, Twisty raps his own classic hits such as “Pickup Truck” and “Slave To the Funk” to remind the people who the real King of Funk is.
When he’s not dominating behind the decks at huge events such as Yours & Owls, The Formula 1 Grand Prix and Splendour in the Grass, you'll find him creating epic dance and comedy content for universal brands.
BOY OH BOY
Hailing from Germany Boy Oh Boy used to be New Zealand’s new kid on the block, where the adventure started back in 2017.
Boy Oh Boy quickly became one of Auckland's faves, charming into the hearts of boys and girls with groovy afro house, the right amount of heartbreaking deep house and a polite way of responding to every love letter.
One might wonder how BOB has been so lucky to perform at boat parties, clubs an festivals alongside international artists such as Steve Bug, Kink, Bontan, Djuma Soundsystem, Out Of Sorts and Uone.
In August 201, Boy Oh Boy went on a “German Summer” - Tour and never returned to New Zealand since. Now back in Europe, you can expect new music, new profile pictures and loads more parties.
BUTTERMILK
Buttermilk, made up of Gabby Pittar and Zoe Ooi, was born from a shoulder bump in the mosh. The start of a friendship and musical passion project ensued.
They keep things exciting with a nice wee concoction of house, techno and garage.
As chronic people-pleasers who want the crowd to have a ball, they’re just grateful to help make that happen.
CASSIE HENDERSON
Cassie Henderson isn't your cookie-cutter pop star. This Christchurch-born artist dishes out raw, unfiltered anthems for the heartbroken and the healing. Her project "The Chronicles of a Heart Broken" is emotional whiplash in audio form. Cassie's single "Whatever" dominated Kiwi airwaves for 12 straight weeks in 2023 - a feat no local female artist has pulled off since Lorde in 2017. Proof that Cassie's not just another voice in the crowd, but the one you can't get out of your head.
Now, with "The Yellow Chapter" on the horizon and her latest track "Seconds to Midnight (11:59)" dropping truth bombs, Cassie's poised to crash the global pop party. Cassie's music is the soundtrack to your messiest nights, your hardest cries, and those moments when you finally pick yourself up off the bathroom floor.
Buckle up buttercup - this ride's just getting started.
CHARLOTTE PLANK
2024 has already been a breakthrough year for 22 year old singer, songwriter & producer Charlotte Plank. She played at Glastonbury Festival four times this year, performed on main stages at multiple top-tier festivals across the the UK, and released chart-topping singles with some of the biggest dance music artists. Not bad for someone who was working in a supermarket two years ago!
Plank is quickly becoming seen as one of Generation Z’s champions of dance music, fusing her love of drum n bass, alternative-pop, and rave. and more with nuanced, subtle and honest lyricism, often taken from her own personal experiences. This humanism - paired with the energetic, underground sounds she loves, results in a wholly unique approach.
CLIPZ
Before Redlight came Clipz. Before Clipz came a life entrenched in the vital 90s rave movement. Free parties, warehouses, sound systems, dubplates, neck-deep mischief in the Bristol melting pot since the age of 13…
After a decade of conquering other corners of the dance as Redlight, Hugh Pescod returns to his original jungle alias Clipz. And he comes with a whole new perspective. Don’t expect any nostalgic re-runs, there will be no cashed-in revamps; the original sound of Clipz may have set the benchmark and inspired a generation during the 2000s, his bullish bassline blends and prolific banger dispatches may have placed in the top tier of drum & bass jungle’s notoriously competitive heavyweight league for many years, but this return is not about what he’s already achieved. On the contrary: this return is about expression and passion for the original sounds, spirit and culture that inspired him to choose this path in the first place.
The original incarnation of Clipz ignited an uncompromising role in bass culture. The new incarnation of Clipz is about everything that came before…
ELEMENO P
In the early 2000’s Elemeno P erupted onto the New Zealand rock scene, seemingly from out of nowhere. A four-piece with straight-ahead, energetic, power-pop anthems. A succession of massive hits such as ‘Verona’, ‘Every Day’s A Saturday’ ‘Fast Times in Tahoe’ and ’11.57’ followed.
Equipped with a devil-may-care attitude the band soon became household favourites across the nation, releasing a trifecta of top tier albums in the space of six years.
GRAFIX
Grafix is a drum and bass producer and DJ who has spent his career pushing the boundaries of the genre. With a unique sound that blends high-energy dancefloor beats with intricate melodies and driving ethereal, melancholic elements, Grafix has established himself as a true innovator in the scene.
Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres including techno, indie dance, and rock, Grafix's music is both cutting-edge and timeless. His work has garnered praise from some of the biggest names in dance music, including Sub Focus, Wilkinson, Dimension and Andy C to name but a few.
INERTIA
Dan and Alex are a Dynamic producer duo based in Dunedin, New Zealand. They have been producing tunes together for the last 3 years. During this time, they have had releases on established labels, such as. Four Corners, Citrus Records, Yamatai Records (2023 DnB Arena best newcomer label finalist), and Phase Records (2023 DnB Arena best newcomer label finalist) Their high-energy sound is inspired by some of their favorite artists, showcasing their take on the deeper techy sounds of the UK underground while adding their own signature sounds and flavors to give them a unique style and edge that is highly adaptable to suit most time slots and events. They are inspired by artists such as Dbridge, DLR, Noisia, Alix Perez, Black Barrel, and Skeptical and have previously supported artists such as Sustance, A.M.C., Inja, Kanine, and The Upbeats.
ISSEY CROSS
Hailing from London, With her hair dyed half pink, half green like Harley Quinn’s alt-pop alter ego, and hands dripping with chunky rings and jewellery, Issey Cross knows how much music can change your whole attitude, and now she’s aiming to bring a legion of young women along with her too.
Her breakthrough hit 'Used To This' with legendary DnB producer Wilkinson spent 14 weeks in the UK OCC Top 40 and 12 weeks on BBC Radio 1 Playlist.
JUICY ROMANCE
The Scandalizer from down under, Juicy Romance is the Australian mystery girl promising steamy indulgence and dance floor hedonism. From her roots as a violin-playing, rock-skipping, small-town country girl, Juicy has evolved into an island-hopping, club-rocking party queen, infecting the modern world with her playful blend of dark and bouncy club bangers. Familiar with the game of exceeding expectations, her music curation within the club space transcends normative popular culture to deliver her iconic blend of Electro-Pop, Techno, Breaks, Trance and vintage club anthems. This unique Juicy sound has opened many doors for the young diva, with debut festival performances from Melbourne to Helsinki, and myriad club performances across Europe, Australia and the UK in 2023 alone.
Her debut EP ‘Amorous’ turned heads by effortlessly delivering three sub heavy, fast and hard floor fillers backed by dirty beats and sassy lyrics about owning your desires, in addition to a remix by Marlon Hoffstadt. Receiving extensive support from scene tastemakers and heavyweights, the lead single ‘Hummer’ was included in Mixmags ‘Best tracks of 2022’ where is was described as an “00s-inspired pop-turned-club anthem.” With this saucy offering, Juicy established herself as the antidote for the black-clad ravers in club basements listening to pounding techno, secretly wishing they were at home listening to Ice Spice on their UE boom. These fast paced, pop infused productions build a dance floor environment where clubbers can experience the best of both worlds; sprinklings of sexy, bad-bitch vocals, over ass-shaking, earth-quaking 140bpm floor fillers.
And now, this brilliant, beat-making baddie is set to excite and arouse yet again with the establishment of her adequately named label, Kiss & Tell. As label founder and CEO, Juicy is swapping her bikini for a blazer and building the perfect vessel for delivering her daring and provocative musical and lyrical creations to her loyal fans. Her soon-to-be-released music will be her most audacious, her most outrageous and her most contagious, and is undoubtedly set to send the world into a Juicy crazed meltdown, symptomised by high temperatures, racing heartbeats and addiction to the dancefloor.
KADYN WEBSTER
Coming straight from the afterhours, New Zealand’s Kadyn Webster is solidifying his brand of techno, breaks and electronica in his home country and beyond with sheer distinction, having a superb rapport with dance floors and its enthusiasts alike. A producer first and foremost, Kadyn’s passion for the underground depths of the electronic music realm is ruthless, maintaining a driving energy that commands the devotees. Taking his music from the studio to the console, his grip on darker hues has had a distinct mark with chart-tapping originals, inevitably leading to headline shows and festival spots in abundance, Carl Cox’s PURE alongside the pioneers, Adam Beyer, Paco Osuna and Nastia.
Delivering hellraisers for the clubs and festival circuits alike, Kadyn’s presence on German record labels drove a dent into the beatport top 100 Techno charts while attaining high end support.
Notably one of New Zealand’s pioneering techno and electronic artists, Kadyn Webster has accumulated billing with the likes of Richie Hawtin, Nina Kraviz, Mall Grab, Dusky, Heidi, X club and so on. Deep in the clubs, support duties for Wehbba, Will Clarke, Juliet Fox, PanPot, Victor Ruiz and
Christoph have taken a notable spot on the underground curriculum vitae for Kadyn, putting him under the noses of some of the world’s most elite tastemakers.
KNOX
Auckland based Knox is known for his peak time minimal house & tech sets, with a consistent, driving style of mixing, drawing inspiration from the Dutch and minimal/ deep scenes for his sound. Knox has been developing his mixing and producing skills for 6 years, cutting his teeth in the Wellington and Dunedin student scenes while at university, where his love for house music developed.
Over the last 6 years, Knox has supported a range of well established internationals including Rossi, Locklead, Artmann, M-High, Jordan Brando, Little Fritter, Laidlaw, Paluma & more. Alongside this, he has been integral as a director in the development of Collekt House Group, a NZ based house music events and touring company.
With the last years focussed on promotion and Collekt House Group, Knox is now leveling up his production to continue his growth as a well-known name in the NZ house scene. Expect to hear more of his signature minimal grooves in the months to come!
LIME CORDIALE
Louis and Oli Leimbach know how to make a meal out of enmeshed worlds. The brothers grew up on an island just off the coast of northern Sydney before settling in the Northern Beaches, steeped in their English cellist mom’s love of French pop, their documentarian dad's anthropological perspective on Polynesian and Brazilian music, and a warm hippie vibe permeating their community. As Lime Cordiale, the Leimbachs learned to build from that endless musical swirl with their own endless charm, assembling two standout albums, a collaborative EP with Idris Elba, and countless live shows. And now on the upcoming Enough of the Sweet Talk (due July 26th via Chugg Music), the brothers find a deeper flavor of fusion, zigzagging around their sonic palate on a path all their own.
Lime Cordiale’s first steps on their musical journey started when the Leimbachs visited family in the south of France as teenagers. Louis and Oli had played instruments with their mum since childhood—“We didn’t have much of a choice about it,” Louis laughs—and had each joined bands in school. But on this particular trip, the brothers spent most of their down time jamming and writing songs together, and decided to officially join forces. The aunt they were visiting runs a small music festival called Musique-Cordiale, so half of that name combined with half of their last name became Lime Cordiale.
The project ramped up quickly upon their return to Australia. The brothers toured incessantly through Australia in the ‘10s, releasing singles and EPs that earned a rabid following. Their 2017 debut Permanent Vacation reached the charts in their homeland and earned rave reviews, with 2020's 14 Steps to a Better You amplified by a gold-tinged nostalgia. Their next release came as a massive surprise—even to the Leimbachs: a collaborative mini album with famed English actor Idris Elba. The duo learned that Elba had heard their music while filming a project in Australia, so they reached out to the Luther star’s team. The best part of the surprise: They got along so superbly that it turned into six full tracks, with Cordi Elba bringing more hip-hop and electronic flourishes into their sound.
The only way to build from that high, though, would be to get in touch with their origin story.
“At first we envisioned our next album like a French menu—complete with entrees, mains, and desserts, every song referencing food or drink,” Louis laughs. Some of those references made it into the final blend, but the emotional resonance ran far deeper than the culinary. “The final result details the course of a relationship rather than a meal,” he adds.
The album’s first single, “Facts of Life”, exemplifies that heady tea. The Leimbachs have always so effortlessly and purely captured the sugar rush of ‘70s psychedelics and glittery fun of the ‘80s, but Sweet Talk feels genuinely drawn through some swirling temporal portal. “Ice cream dripping down her chin again/ Going in bite for bite with me/ Turning lime green, that's the way the Kool-Aid comes, oh/ Put me out of my misery,” Louis floats over the gum-snapping bass and honeyed synth chords, injecting that too-familiar feeling of forbidden summer love.
While their parents’ diverse interests established a base of French flavours and ‘80s pop that still powers Sweet Talk, the brothers pollinated that fertile garden with influences from modern indie pop: the nimble experimentation of Michael Kiwanaku, the twangy enthusiasm of Nathaniel Rateliff, the Artic Monkey’s’ swagger, and Charles Bradley’s soulful burn. Later, Oli studied at the Sydney Conservatory, and wound up bringing jazz musicians from his program into the studio for Lime Cordiale projects. Louis, meanwhile, studied fine arts, and has since gone on to design the band’s vivid album covers.
The Leimbachs put their history on their sleeve elsewhere on “Colin”, a track that builds from Oli’s limber guitar picking, resonant piano chords, and soaring vocal sentimentality in the vein of Aussie legend Colin Hay. In fact, the song’s namesake also sings the track’s final verse. The skipping and hopping "Country Club", meanwhile, sounds most indebted to Cordi Elba, Louis dropping something akin to a self-aware diss track against bougie weekenders—complete with, of course, a clarinet solo from Oli.
The album is also a product of the band’s endless touring, the musicianship honed to its finest point. “We spent six months in Europe, and just spent the time on the bus and on planes workshopping and getting stuff demoed on a laptop,” Oli says. “And our stage presence is pretty weird, our outfits are pretty silly—we take our music seriously, but especially on tour we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We just want people to listen and have a good time.” While on tour, they stopped down to record music videos for the upcoming album—for instance, the clip for "Country Club" was filmed in the English countryside, the "Colin" video takes a turn through the Mojave desert in California, and an upcoming clip took a few days out of their schedule in Japan. "The album came together in different weird parts of the world, even down to Louis cutting the collage in the back of the bus, so we wanted to honor that impact," Oli says. But when it came time to put the tracks to record, they opted for the family homestead to maintain that intimacy and warmth, converting the living room to a makeshift studio.
As Sweet Talk progresses, the tracks steadily build away from the troubled adoration of “Pedestal” (“She's on a pedestal/ So high and mighty, so terribly vain/ She's on a pedestal I'd take it politely, so bring on the pain”) through the who’s-to-blame one-two punch of “Imposter Syndrome” ("I'm living with imposter syndrome/ I'm just a colossal freakshow") and "The Big Reveal: Ou L'Hypocrite" ("You're obsessed, think you're the star of the show/ Now look who it is/ A hypocrite”) and to the climax, “Strangers”, where things have officially gone past their expiry date.
A headrush of enchanting indie pop and transportative emotional journey, Sweet Talk is a tour de force that showcases how much Lime Cordiale both continues to remain tied to their roots and evolve exponentially. “As brothers, we have so much shared experience back to our hometown of Avalon,” Oli says. “And now we can push each other to grow through it, to share that with audiences in a way that scratches an itch and offers some closure.”
LUCY
Lucy, playing some of the largest festivals in Aotearoa, she is the bearer of large beats and even larger smiles. Whether headlining her own shows, supporting the likes of Cut Snake and Hybrid minds or on residency at Rhythm and Vines Goose Club, she is a certified party starter.
MATTY THE FRIEND
Introducing Matty The Friend. The Auckland-based DJ, producer, and rising star has built up a reputation for his blissful house productions and always animated sets. Equally fitted to your headphones or the festival sound systems, Matty’s sound focuses on chunky breaks and melodious basslines, inviting listeners to a warm but groovy dancefloor welcome to all.
It’s all systems go for Matty this year. Best known for filling dance floors across Auckland and New Zealand, including features at Rhythm and Vines in 2022, Matty has taken his talents further having dropped multiple singles this debut year. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with Australian heavyweight Jordan Brando on his dancefloor inspired track ‘Testing’ released on Wellington based label Fruit Blender, while his other releases such as ‘Something In The Water' and ‘Feeling’ showcase the emotive / dance fusions that make up Matty’s diverse palette.
MRS K
Auckland based House duo Mrs. K pride themselves on their colourful, disco inspired sound, exploring the avenues of UKG, trance and the universally loved vibes of late 90s house. Picture Rose Royce meetsJamesJamesJames with a hint of Tom Misch. Famed for dropping any plans of a good set and belting ABBA the second 2 AM rolls around, you are never quite certain what you will get with these two. Ultimately Mrs. K entertains the Auckland scene with an excitingly fresh sound and a colourful presence.
OPPIDAN
Undoubtedly one of the fastest rising names in UK Garage, Oppidan has made a name for herself with her distinctive production style blending 2-step, 4x4 NUKG, Hip-Hop, Soul, Grime and UK Bass influences. At this relatively early stage of her career, she has had releases on theNight Bass, 24 Hour Garage Girls and Steppers Club as well as being an active part of the Kiwi Rekord’s roster. Oppidan’s technical skill and individuality doesn’t stop at production either.She’s also established herself as a phenomenal DJ, playfully blurring the lines between UK Garage, Funky, Grime and House.
PHRASE
Deep, dark and soulful. Poneke based artist Phrase has established himself as one of the go to underground artists in New Zealand’s bass music scene. A versatile producer, he makes and mixes heavy and melodic bass music running from 140 to the quicker sonics of drum and bass. Phrase continues to grow & evolve each year. With releases on UK heavyweights, Skank and Bass, Italian underground label Delta 9, a forthcoming single on Flexout and plenty of unreleased tracks on his USB, catch Phrase for your bass fix this year at Rhythm and Alps.
PONZ
Introducing PONZ: the unstoppable force of talent, crea:vity, and good vibes! A singer, songwriter, producer, and DJ extraordinaire hailing from the vibrant music scene of Christchurch. Having only first appeared on the electronic music scene three years ago, PONZ has wasted no :me in skyrocketing to the largest festival lineups in Aotearoa.
When PONZ takes the stage, crowds can expect to be blown away by an experience like no other. Whether she's seamlessly blending her original music or singing with her captivating vocals, she leaves audiences in awe and eagerly embracing every beat.
PONZ released her debut EP in early 2024, receiving accolades from radio station George FM and gaining funding support from NZ On Air for not one but two of the tracks. This EP is proving to be the launching pad for her incredible journey ahead. She's poised to take the music industry by storm, not only in Aotearoa but also beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
With a down-to-earth charm, an appreciation for the support she has received and a genuine love for her craV, PONZ remains refreshingly humble and continues to spread infectious positivity. Her passion for music stems from her love of songwriting which was born at the early age of ten years old.
Join PONZ on her exhilarating musical adventure as she brings joy, creativity, and a whole lot of fun to every stage she graces. Get ready to witness the rise of a true music sensation as she sets her sights on a future that knows no bounds.
RARE SPECIMENS
Rare Specimens burst onto the national scene with an incendiary performance at Rhythm & Alps in 2023, where they were simultaneously hailed as both the best act at the festival and “The Travelling Wilburys of Disco.”
A brand new project from the shores of Lake Wanaka, the DJ quartet includes DJ’s Everybody (Dan Rainey), Nick Munday, OCDJ (Matt McPhee) and Pete Green, core members of party collective Tempo Schmempo, and firm fixtures in New Zealand‘s festival, club and private party scene.
United by their love for classic Disco, Italo, Chicago House, Detroit Techno and UK club culture, the group combines decades of experience with their finely tuned musical sensibilities, developed through years of crate-digging for the perfect tracks in clubs and festivals around the world. Having also released on the likes of Paper Recordings and Late Night Tales, the boys possess a production pedigree that cannot be ignored. Rare Specimens have quickly gained a reputation for their extended sets and infectious live performances around the country, often playing for hours as they navigate their extensive vinyl and digital music collections. With a series of genre-melding E.Ps and remixes set for imminent release, a tight-lipped radio project in development and major support slots and festival appearances lined up for the summer, Rare Specimens are set to introduce themselves in extraordinary fashion.
ROVA
Originating from New Zealand, electronic producer Rova found a passion for music production back in 2019. Fast forward to 2024 and Rova is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing names in drum and bass.
With every release, Rova continues to showcase his distinct flair for pushing the bass music boundaries, and is now turning heads around the globe. Rova’s breakout singles ‘Let You Go’ and ‘EYES ON ME’ have captured the attention of some of the most credible names in bass music, as well as a rapidly growing fanbase, with plays from the likes of Chase and Status and Sub Focus, to BBC Radio 1 and George FM.
Rova's live performances are known for their high energy and intensity. With every show, he creates an electrifying atmosphere, blending new sounds with his signature style. His ability to connect with fans through his hard-hitting live sets has led to continuous sell out shows across New Zealand and Australia.
SHAPESHIFTER 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Since forming in Christchurch in 1999, Shapeshifter’s own unique brand of heavy Pacific-soul, drum and bass and electronica has become an integral part of the New Zealand music scene, and has seen the band become global ambassadors for electronic music. Their seamless blending of diverse genres, coupled with an unmatched energy in both their recorded tracks and live performances has set them apart, and cemented their legacy as pioneers. Shapeshifter are also a band firmly footed in the now as they continue to innovate in the ever-evolving musical landscape consistently delivering the sweet spot between familiarity and reinvention and serving as a source of inspiration for a new generation of musicians.
Join them in celebrating 25 years of musical innovation at Rhythm and Alps!
SIN & BROOK
Sin & Brook are fast & loose, high-energy ravers. Best friends & Co-Hosts of George FM Drive who share the love of all things house, techno, garage & honestly whatever feels good at the time.
Chaotic energy personified, that’s Sin & Brook in a nutshell. Carrying over their infectious energy to the decks for a right royal raucous of a party.
They have played many of the major New Zealand festivals including Homegrown, Rhythm & Vines, Golden Lights & Snow Machine. Sin & Brook made their international debut at Friendship Festival in Miami in early 2024 & followed this up with an Australian tour in June. With more domestic & international touring plans in the works, you can be sure you’ll be seeing a lot more of these two!
SIR DAVE DOBBYN
Sir Dave Dobbyn makes his first appearance at Rhythm and Alps.
In over 40 years as a recording artist, Sir Dave has written the soundtrack to kiwi lives, with a string of hits including ‘Beside You’, ‘Be Mine Tonight’ ‘Language’, ‘Outlook for Thursday’, ‘Loyal’, ‘Whaling’, ‘Slice of Heaven’, ‘Magic What She Do’, ‘Oughta Be in Love’, ‘Welcome Home’. In the world of pop music, longevity is rarely achieved but Dobbyn’s talents have consistently charmed their way into the consciousness of New Zealanders.
THE BEATNIX
The Beatniks are Sam Charlesworth (Vocals/Guitar), Oliver Charlesworth (Guitar), Logan Edwards (Guitar), Alex Kendall (Bass) and Seth Sinclair (Drums), Dunedin-based, the five-piece alternative rock band known for their energetic and unapologetic sound. Self-Produced with a kiwi D.I.Y punk attitude, the band maintains complete artistic control to create music that resonates with their devoted fanbase. Through their high-octane live performances and thought-provoking lyrics, The Beatniks continue to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the NZ rock music landscape.
THE BUTLERS
Born from the shared discovery and love of music accompanied by an untethered decade of friendship, The Butlers made their barn-storming entrance into the indie-rock scene in 2017 with their debut album ‘The Halfway House’ and a sold-out nation-wide tour of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Highlighted by the band opening for rock icon Liam Gallagher at Auckland’s Spark Arena, Walt (Vox, Rhythm Guitar), George (Vox, Drums), Jordan (Vox, Bass) and Bradley (Lead Guitar) have released multiple bodies of work, staking their claim across various charts and amassing over 20-million streams while selling out multiple New Zealand and Australian tours. This coincides with appearances at some of Australasia’s most beloved festivals (Rhythm and Vines, Rhythm and Alps, Le Currents, Party in the Paddock, Bay Dreams).
On top of their headline success, The Butlers have supported some of the biggest bands in the genre, (Ocean Alley, Sticky Fingers, Tash Sultana).
WAX MUSTANG
Hailing from Dunedin, Wax Mustang has built a loyal fan base in a very short period of time, just with a handful of releases to his name. Known for grass-roots, shirtless performances in his hometown, his unique blend of hip-hop, indie and 80s rock is something not seen in NZ before and he is now a popular regular on the summer festival circuit. Wax is one-of-a-kind and not to be missed.
X CLUB.
The sound of X CLUB., the dance production duo of Ben Clarke and Jesse Morath, is not easily defined. Inspired by early 90s techno all the way through to future-facing drum’n’bass, X CLUB. has carved out a space entirely their own thanks to their authentic and eclectic take on dance music with serious consideration for underlying groove.
X CLUB.’s sets are at once precise and considered as they are unrelenting and propulsive. The pair opt to guide their audience on a dynamic, energetic and unpredictable ride, gaining buzz as “one of the hottest new dance acts“, as labelled by BBC-R1’s Sarah Story, which is the result of friendship, authenticity, and of course, hard n’ fast tracks. A key part of a burgeoning collective of artists in their home of Brisbane/Meanjin and around Australia each making their presence known on the international stage alongside Skin on Skin, Juicy Romance, Pretty Girl and many more. They remain connected by a sense of family, humility and a desire to make dance music that makes you feel just as much as it makes you move.
LINEUP 2024
ALEJA
From the rivers of Uruguay to the beaches of New Zealand, Aleja plays the sounds that encompass the depths and breadths of both and all of the places between. She comes in slow like a sultry steam train, building it up to the kinds of rhythms that hit you deep and hard - the good kinda hard. Seeing out beyond her years, Aleja’s music is of the underground, the warehouses and the raves, all of which have trained her well to step out into the light.
ALTERCATION
Altercation is a producer/DJ hailing from Queenstown, now based in Auckland. He has been producing music and releasing for over four years now and he continues to push his minimal and soul sound through his work. Active in the scene since 2018, Joel has released music on respected labels like Norman Foreman and Rubricate Records (South Africa). Expect a diverse set of vocal drum & bass and dubstep packed with fresh cuts from himself and many others.
ANDY C
Andy C’s career has been nothing short of a phenomenon. An underground icon, he sold out both Wembley Arena in a few days, and a second 13 week residency at one of London’s most iconic contemporary clubs, XOYO, in less than 2 hours. He’s collected over 40 awards to date, with 2018 plaudits including DJ Mag (Best British DJ), DNBA (Best DJ), Top 100 DJs Poll (Highest Drum & Bass DJ), and the Ibiza DJ Awards (Best Bass DJ).
Andy’s main signature motif as a DJ is that he’s guaranteed to be packing tracks that no other DJ has. Hunting, digging, searching and signing: he is constantly immersed in new music. Not only does this ensure a wholly unique experience when you see him live, but it also gives Ram Records a front row seat when it comes to spotting new artists.
AROHA
Aroha Harawira, originally hailing from NZ and now making waves in Melbourne, is a dynamic producer and DJ redefining the sonic landscape. Known for her electrifying performances and deep knowledge of music, AROHA's sets are a fusion of house and techno, infused with elements of breakbeat, electro, footwork, and UK bass, forging a unique and irresistible signature sound. As a solo artist and one-half of the duo AROHA & TALI, alongside award-winning MC TALI, she's not just a DJ; she's a curator of experiences that leave audiences buzzing.
BADGER
Badger is an underground Dance Music producer, multi instrumentalist and DJ from the UK. While his DJ sets and productions revolve around UK Garage, Bass House, and Jungle, it is his unique and innovative take on what’s expected on the genres that makes his sound so special. Badger pushes the boundaries of music wherever he can; always keeping audiences on their toes. His music and shows are an adventure through sound. On stage, he acts as the ultimate tour guide of dance music. Revealing only the best bangers from the old, the new, the undiscovered and the completely unexpected.
BAG RAIDERS
Australian dance royalty Bag Raiders have been stalwarts in the electronic music community for more than a decade. After releasing a slew of cult underground cuts including ‘Fun Punch’ and ‘Turbo Love’, Jack Glass and Chris Stracey signed to dance-powerhouse Modular Records and released their debut self-titled album in 2010. With that, the game changed forever. The record debuted at #7 on the official ARIA album chart, snagging nominations for ‘Best Dance Release’ (ARIA), ‘Album of the Year’ (Triple J Award) and ‘Dance Work of the Year’ (APRA). The LP featured the smash hit singles ‘Way Back Home’, ‘Sunlight’, ‘Snake Charmer’ and of course festival anthem ‘Shooting Stars’ – which has gone onto become one of the biggest Australian dance tracks of all-time. ‘Shooting Stars’ has now amassed over 4 billion online streams, achieving 32 Platinum and 7 Gold plaques worldwide and delivering a cultural impact beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. Since its release the song has taken on a life of its own, breaking-the-internet a gazillion times through a series of iconic ‘Shooting Stars memes’. In 2021, Bag Raiders paid homage to the original ‘man jumping off bridge meme’ by creating an exclusive NFT, with proceeds going to Support Act and Musicians Making A Difference.
BECKY HILL
Becky Hill has an irrefutable aptitude for writing chart-smashing dance-pop songs and a reputation as a leading force in the UK music scene. She is without a doubt one of the UK's most exceptional talents, having secured two BRIT Awards, eighteen Top 40 singles and billions of streams. Her sensational live show will once again showcase her incredible vocal prowess, captivating stage presence, and her ability to connect with fans in an unparalleled way.
BENTHAMISM
Benthamism is known for creating immersive experiences that provide enjoyment and happiness for all. He weaves together a rich tapestry of genres, uniting diverse music and visuals to craft a one-of-a-kind atmosphere brimming with funk, bass, and infectious good vibes.
Their unparalleled creativity on the dance floor seamlessly blends old and new music together to have you feel and think. With two decades of experience, they have shared stages with notable artists like Opiuo, A.Skills, Stickybuds, Krafty Kuts, Chali 2na, The Upbeats and K+Lab.
Benthamism's electrifying performances have graced events like Shipwrecked, previous Rhythm and Alps festivals, Kiwiburn, Breaking Beats, Cuba Dupa, Relish and more. With a vision that the greatest happiness of the greatest number could be the ultimate goal of society, the individual and the dance, they are eager to craft a truly special and unforgettable experience for all.
BIG TWISTY (DJ SET)
Big Twisty is the party starter, the finishing act and the fireworks. With energy to spare, he owns the stage in his signature fits and drops the filthiest club bangers while he’s at it. A lyrical genius in his own right, Twisty raps his own classic hits such as “Pickup Truck” and “Slave To the Funk” to remind the people who the real King of Funk is.
When he’s not dominating behind the decks at huge events such as Yours & Owls, The Formula 1 Grand Prix and Splendour in the Grass, you'll find him creating epic dance and comedy content for universal brands.
BOY OH BOY
Hailing from Germany Boy Oh Boy used to be New Zealand’s new kid on the block, where the adventure started back in 2017.
Boy Oh Boy quickly became one of Auckland's faves, charming into the hearts of boys and girls with groovy afro house, the right amount of heartbreaking deep house and a polite way of responding to every love letter.
One might wonder how BOB has been so lucky to perform at boat parties, clubs an festivals alongside international artists such as Steve Bug, Kink, Bontan, Djuma Soundsystem, Out Of Sorts and Uone.
In August 201, Boy Oh Boy went on a “German Summer” - Tour and never returned to New Zealand since. Now back in Europe, you can expect new music, new profile pictures and loads more parties.
BUTTERMILK
Buttermilk, made up of Gabby Pittar and Zoe Ooi, was born from a shoulder bump in the mosh. The start of a friendship and musical passion project ensued.
They keep things exciting with a nice wee concoction of house, techno and garage.
As chronic people-pleasers who want the crowd to have a ball, they’re just grateful to help make that happen.
CASSIE HENDERSON
Cassie Henderson isn't your cookie-cutter pop star. This Christchurch-born artist dishes out raw, unfiltered anthems for the heartbroken and the healing. Her project "The Chronicles of a Heart Broken" is emotional whiplash in audio form. Cassie's single "Whatever" dominated Kiwi airwaves for 12 straight weeks in 2023 - a feat no local female artist has pulled off since Lorde in 2017. Proof that Cassie's not just another voice in the crowd, but the one you can't get out of your head.
Now, with "The Yellow Chapter" on the horizon and her latest track "Seconds to Midnight (11:59)" dropping truth bombs, Cassie's poised to crash the global pop party. Cassie's music is the soundtrack to your messiest nights, your hardest cries, and those moments when you finally pick yourself up off the bathroom floor.
Buckle up buttercup - this ride's just getting started.
CHARLOTTE PLANK
2024 has already been a breakthrough year for 22 year old singer, songwriter & producer Charlotte Plank. She played at Glastonbury Festival four times this year, performed on main stages at multiple top-tier festivals across the the UK, and released chart-topping singles with some of the biggest dance music artists. Not bad for someone who was working in a supermarket two years ago!
Plank is quickly becoming seen as one of Generation Z’s champions of dance music, fusing her love of drum n bass, alternative-pop, and rave. and more with nuanced, subtle and honest lyricism, often taken from her own personal experiences. This humanism - paired with the energetic, underground sounds she loves, results in a wholly unique approach.
CLIPZ
Before Redlight came Clipz. Before Clipz came a life entrenched in the vital 90s rave movement. Free parties, warehouses, sound systems, dubplates, neck-deep mischief in the Bristol melting pot since the age of 13…
After a decade of conquering other corners of the dance as Redlight, Hugh Pescod returns to his original jungle alias Clipz. And he comes with a whole new perspective. Don’t expect any nostalgic re-runs, there will be no cashed-in revamps; the original sound of Clipz may have set the benchmark and inspired a generation during the 2000s, his bullish bassline blends and prolific banger dispatches may have placed in the top tier of drum & bass jungle’s notoriously competitive heavyweight league for many years, but this return is not about what he’s already achieved. On the contrary: this return is about expression and passion for the original sounds, spirit and culture that inspired him to choose this path in the first place.
The original incarnation of Clipz ignited an uncompromising role in bass culture. The new incarnation of Clipz is about everything that came before…
ELEMENO P
In the early 2000’s Elemeno P erupted onto the New Zealand rock scene, seemingly from out of nowhere. A four-piece with straight-ahead, energetic, power-pop anthems. A succession of massive hits such as ‘Verona’, ‘Every Day’s A Saturday’ ‘Fast Times in Tahoe’ and ’11.57’ followed.
Equipped with a devil-may-care attitude the band soon became household favourites across the nation, releasing a trifecta of top tier albums in the space of six years.
GRAFIX
Grafix is a drum and bass producer and DJ who has spent his career pushing the boundaries of the genre. With a unique sound that blends high-energy dancefloor beats with intricate melodies and driving ethereal, melancholic elements, Grafix has established himself as a true innovator in the scene.
Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres including techno, indie dance, and rock, Grafix's music is both cutting-edge and timeless. His work has garnered praise from some of the biggest names in dance music, including Sub Focus, Wilkinson, Dimension and Andy C to name but a few.
INERTIA
Dan and Alex are a Dynamic producer duo based in Dunedin, New Zealand. They have been producing tunes together for the last 3 years. During this time, they have had releases on established labels, such as. Four Corners, Citrus Records, Yamatai Records (2023 DnB Arena best newcomer label finalist), and Phase Records (2023 DnB Arena best newcomer label finalist) Their high-energy sound is inspired by some of their favorite artists, showcasing their take on the deeper techy sounds of the UK underground while adding their own signature sounds and flavors to give them a unique style and edge that is highly adaptable to suit most time slots and events. They are inspired by artists such as Dbridge, DLR, Noisia, Alix Perez, Black Barrel, and Skeptical and have previously supported artists such as Sustance, A.M.C., Inja, Kanine, and The Upbeats.
ISSEY CROSS
Hailing from London, With her hair dyed half pink, half green like Harley Quinn’s alt-pop alter ego, and hands dripping with chunky rings and jewellery, Issey Cross knows how much music can change your whole attitude, and now she’s aiming to bring a legion of young women along with her too.
Her breakthrough hit 'Used To This' with legendary DnB producer Wilkinson spent 14 weeks in the UK OCC Top 40 and 12 weeks on BBC Radio 1 Playlist.
JUICY ROMANCE
The Scandalizer from down under, Juicy Romance is the Australian mystery girl promising steamy indulgence and dance floor hedonism. From her roots as a violin-playing, rock-skipping, small-town country girl, Juicy has evolved into an island-hopping, club-rocking party queen, infecting the modern world with her playful blend of dark and bouncy club bangers. Familiar with the game of exceeding expectations, her music curation within the club space transcends normative popular culture to deliver her iconic blend of Electro-Pop, Techno, Breaks, Trance and vintage club anthems. This unique Juicy sound has opened many doors for the young diva, with debut festival performances from Melbourne to Helsinki, and myriad club performances across Europe, Australia and the UK in 2023 alone.
Her debut EP ‘Amorous’ turned heads by effortlessly delivering three sub heavy, fast and hard floor fillers backed by dirty beats and sassy lyrics about owning your desires, in addition to a remix by Marlon Hoffstadt. Receiving extensive support from scene tastemakers and heavyweights, the lead single ‘Hummer’ was included in Mixmags ‘Best tracks of 2022’ where is was described as an “00s-inspired pop-turned-club anthem.” With this saucy offering, Juicy established herself as the antidote for the black-clad ravers in club basements listening to pounding techno, secretly wishing they were at home listening to Ice Spice on their UE boom. These fast paced, pop infused productions build a dance floor environment where clubbers can experience the best of both worlds; sprinklings of sexy, bad-bitch vocals, over ass-shaking, earth-quaking 140bpm floor fillers.
And now, this brilliant, beat-making baddie is set to excite and arouse yet again with the establishment of her adequately named label, Kiss & Tell. As label founder and CEO, Juicy is swapping her bikini for a blazer and building the perfect vessel for delivering her daring and provocative musical and lyrical creations to her loyal fans. Her soon-to-be-released music will be her most audacious, her most outrageous and her most contagious, and is undoubtedly set to send the world into a Juicy crazed meltdown, symptomised by high temperatures, racing heartbeats and addiction to the dancefloor.
KADYN WEBSTER
Coming straight from the afterhours, New Zealand’s Kadyn Webster is solidifying his brand of techno, breaks and electronica in his home country and beyond with sheer distinction, having a superb rapport with dance floors and its enthusiasts alike. A producer first and foremost, Kadyn’s passion for the underground depths of the electronic music realm is ruthless, maintaining a driving energy that commands the devotees. Taking his music from the studio to the console, his grip on darker hues has had a distinct mark with chart-tapping originals, inevitably leading to headline shows and festival spots in abundance, Carl Cox’s PURE alongside the pioneers, Adam Beyer, Paco Osuna and Nastia.
Delivering hellraisers for the clubs and festival circuits alike, Kadyn’s presence on German record labels drove a dent into the beatport top 100 Techno charts while attaining high end support.
Notably one of New Zealand’s pioneering techno and electronic artists, Kadyn Webster has accumulated billing with the likes of Richie Hawtin, Nina Kraviz, Mall Grab, Dusky, Heidi, X club and so on. Deep in the clubs, support duties for Wehbba, Will Clarke, Juliet Fox, PanPot, Victor Ruiz and
Christoph have taken a notable spot on the underground curriculum vitae for Kadyn, putting him under the noses of some of the world’s most elite tastemakers.
KNOX
Auckland based Knox is known for his peak time minimal house & tech sets, with a consistent, driving style of mixing, drawing inspiration from the Dutch and minimal/ deep scenes for his sound. Knox has been developing his mixing and producing skills for 6 years, cutting his teeth in the Wellington and Dunedin student scenes while at university, where his love for house music developed.
Over the last 6 years, Knox has supported a range of well established internationals including Rossi, Locklead, Artmann, M-High, Jordan Brando, Little Fritter, Laidlaw, Paluma & more. Alongside this, he has been integral as a director in the development of Collekt House Group, a NZ based house music events and touring company.
With the last years focussed on promotion and Collekt House Group, Knox is now leveling up his production to continue his growth as a well-known name in the NZ house scene. Expect to hear more of his signature minimal grooves in the months to come!
LIME CORDIALE
Louis and Oli Leimbach know how to make a meal out of enmeshed worlds. The brothers grew up on an island just off the coast of northern Sydney before settling in the Northern Beaches, steeped in their English cellist mom’s love of French pop, their documentarian dad's anthropological perspective on Polynesian and Brazilian music, and a warm hippie vibe permeating their community. As Lime Cordiale, the Leimbachs learned to build from that endless musical swirl with their own endless charm, assembling two standout albums, a collaborative EP with Idris Elba, and countless live shows. And now on the upcoming Enough of the Sweet Talk (due July 26th via Chugg Music), the brothers find a deeper flavor of fusion, zigzagging around their sonic palate on a path all their own.
Lime Cordiale’s first steps on their musical journey started when the Leimbachs visited family in the south of France as teenagers. Louis and Oli had played instruments with their mum since childhood—“We didn’t have much of a choice about it,” Louis laughs—and had each joined bands in school. But on this particular trip, the brothers spent most of their down time jamming and writing songs together, and decided to officially join forces. The aunt they were visiting runs a small music festival called Musique-Cordiale, so half of that name combined with half of their last name became Lime Cordiale.
The project ramped up quickly upon their return to Australia. The brothers toured incessantly through Australia in the ‘10s, releasing singles and EPs that earned a rabid following. Their 2017 debut Permanent Vacation reached the charts in their homeland and earned rave reviews, with 2020's 14 Steps to a Better You amplified by a gold-tinged nostalgia. Their next release came as a massive surprise—even to the Leimbachs: a collaborative mini album with famed English actor Idris Elba. The duo learned that Elba had heard their music while filming a project in Australia, so they reached out to the Luther star’s team. The best part of the surprise: They got along so superbly that it turned into six full tracks, with Cordi Elba bringing more hip-hop and electronic flourishes into their sound.
The only way to build from that high, though, would be to get in touch with their origin story.
“At first we envisioned our next album like a French menu—complete with entrees, mains, and desserts, every song referencing food or drink,” Louis laughs. Some of those references made it into the final blend, but the emotional resonance ran far deeper than the culinary. “The final result details the course of a relationship rather than a meal,” he adds.
The album’s first single, “Facts of Life”, exemplifies that heady tea. The Leimbachs have always so effortlessly and purely captured the sugar rush of ‘70s psychedelics and glittery fun of the ‘80s, but Sweet Talk feels genuinely drawn through some swirling temporal portal. “Ice cream dripping down her chin again/ Going in bite for bite with me/ Turning lime green, that's the way the Kool-Aid comes, oh/ Put me out of my misery,” Louis floats over the gum-snapping bass and honeyed synth chords, injecting that too-familiar feeling of forbidden summer love.
While their parents’ diverse interests established a base of French flavours and ‘80s pop that still powers Sweet Talk, the brothers pollinated that fertile garden with influences from modern indie pop: the nimble experimentation of Michael Kiwanaku, the twangy enthusiasm of Nathaniel Rateliff, the Artic Monkey’s’ swagger, and Charles Bradley’s soulful burn. Later, Oli studied at the Sydney Conservatory, and wound up bringing jazz musicians from his program into the studio for Lime Cordiale projects. Louis, meanwhile, studied fine arts, and has since gone on to design the band’s vivid album covers.
The Leimbachs put their history on their sleeve elsewhere on “Colin”, a track that builds from Oli’s limber guitar picking, resonant piano chords, and soaring vocal sentimentality in the vein of Aussie legend Colin Hay. In fact, the song’s namesake also sings the track’s final verse. The skipping and hopping "Country Club", meanwhile, sounds most indebted to Cordi Elba, Louis dropping something akin to a self-aware diss track against bougie weekenders—complete with, of course, a clarinet solo from Oli.
The album is also a product of the band’s endless touring, the musicianship honed to its finest point. “We spent six months in Europe, and just spent the time on the bus and on planes workshopping and getting stuff demoed on a laptop,” Oli says. “And our stage presence is pretty weird, our outfits are pretty silly—we take our music seriously, but especially on tour we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We just want people to listen and have a good time.” While on tour, they stopped down to record music videos for the upcoming album—for instance, the clip for "Country Club" was filmed in the English countryside, the "Colin" video takes a turn through the Mojave desert in California, and an upcoming clip took a few days out of their schedule in Japan. "The album came together in different weird parts of the world, even down to Louis cutting the collage in the back of the bus, so we wanted to honor that impact," Oli says. But when it came time to put the tracks to record, they opted for the family homestead to maintain that intimacy and warmth, converting the living room to a makeshift studio.
As Sweet Talk progresses, the tracks steadily build away from the troubled adoration of “Pedestal” (“She's on a pedestal/ So high and mighty, so terribly vain/ She's on a pedestal I'd take it politely, so bring on the pain”) through the who’s-to-blame one-two punch of “Imposter Syndrome” ("I'm living with imposter syndrome/ I'm just a colossal freakshow") and "The Big Reveal: Ou L'Hypocrite" ("You're obsessed, think you're the star of the show/ Now look who it is/ A hypocrite”) and to the climax, “Strangers”, where things have officially gone past their expiry date.
A headrush of enchanting indie pop and transportative emotional journey, Sweet Talk is a tour de force that showcases how much Lime Cordiale both continues to remain tied to their roots and evolve exponentially. “As brothers, we have so much shared experience back to our hometown of Avalon,” Oli says. “And now we can push each other to grow through it, to share that with audiences in a way that scratches an itch and offers some closure.”
LUCY
Lucy, playing some of the largest festivals in Aotearoa, she is the bearer of large beats and even larger smiles. Whether headlining her own shows, supporting the likes of Cut Snake and Hybrid minds or on residency at Rhythm and Vines Goose Club, she is a certified party starter.
MATTY THE FRIEND
Introducing Matty The Friend. The Auckland-based DJ, producer, and rising star has built up a reputation for his blissful house productions and always animated sets. Equally fitted to your headphones or the festival sound systems, Matty’s sound focuses on chunky breaks and melodious basslines, inviting listeners to a warm but groovy dancefloor welcome to all.
It’s all systems go for Matty this year. Best known for filling dance floors across Auckland and New Zealand, including features at Rhythm and Vines in 2022, Matty has taken his talents further having dropped multiple singles this debut year. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with Australian heavyweight Jordan Brando on his dancefloor inspired track ‘Testing’ released on Wellington based label Fruit Blender, while his other releases such as ‘Something In The Water' and ‘Feeling’ showcase the emotive / dance fusions that make up Matty’s diverse palette.
MRS K
Auckland based House duo Mrs. K pride themselves on their colourful, disco inspired sound, exploring the avenues of UKG, trance and the universally loved vibes of late 90s house. Picture Rose Royce meetsJamesJamesJames with a hint of Tom Misch. Famed for dropping any plans of a good set and belting ABBA the second 2 AM rolls around, you are never quite certain what you will get with these two. Ultimately Mrs. K entertains the Auckland scene with an excitingly fresh sound and a colourful presence.
OPPIDAN
Undoubtedly one of the fastest rising names in UK Garage, Oppidan has made a name for herself with her distinctive production style blending 2-step, 4x4 NUKG, Hip-Hop, Soul, Grime and UK Bass influences. At this relatively early stage of her career, she has had releases on theNight Bass, 24 Hour Garage Girls and Steppers Club as well as being an active part of the Kiwi Rekord’s roster. Oppidan’s technical skill and individuality doesn’t stop at production either.She’s also established herself as a phenomenal DJ, playfully blurring the lines between UK Garage, Funky, Grime and House.
PHRASE
Deep, dark and soulful. Poneke based artist Phrase has established himself as one of the go to underground artists in New Zealand’s bass music scene. A versatile producer, he makes and mixes heavy and melodic bass music running from 140 to the quicker sonics of drum and bass. Phrase continues to grow & evolve each year. With releases on UK heavyweights, Skank and Bass, Italian underground label Delta 9, a forthcoming single on Flexout and plenty of unreleased tracks on his USB, catch Phrase for your bass fix this year at Rhythm and Alps.
PONZ
Introducing PONZ: the unstoppable force of talent, crea:vity, and good vibes! A singer, songwriter, producer, and DJ extraordinaire hailing from the vibrant music scene of Christchurch. Having only first appeared on the electronic music scene three years ago, PONZ has wasted no :me in skyrocketing to the largest festival lineups in Aotearoa.
When PONZ takes the stage, crowds can expect to be blown away by an experience like no other. Whether she's seamlessly blending her original music or singing with her captivating vocals, she leaves audiences in awe and eagerly embracing every beat.
PONZ released her debut EP in early 2024, receiving accolades from radio station George FM and gaining funding support from NZ On Air for not one but two of the tracks. This EP is proving to be the launching pad for her incredible journey ahead. She's poised to take the music industry by storm, not only in Aotearoa but also beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
With a down-to-earth charm, an appreciation for the support she has received and a genuine love for her craV, PONZ remains refreshingly humble and continues to spread infectious positivity. Her passion for music stems from her love of songwriting which was born at the early age of ten years old.
Join PONZ on her exhilarating musical adventure as she brings joy, creativity, and a whole lot of fun to every stage she graces. Get ready to witness the rise of a true music sensation as she sets her sights on a future that knows no bounds.
RARE SPECIMENS
Rare Specimens burst onto the national scene with an incendiary performance at Rhythm & Alps in 2023, where they were simultaneously hailed as both the best act at the festival and “The Travelling Wilburys of Disco.”
A brand new project from the shores of Lake Wanaka, the DJ quartet includes DJ’s Everybody (Dan Rainey), Nick Munday, OCDJ (Matt McPhee) and Pete Green, core members of party collective Tempo Schmempo, and firm fixtures in New Zealand‘s festival, club and private party scene.
United by their love for classic Disco, Italo, Chicago House, Detroit Techno and UK club culture, the group combines decades of experience with their finely tuned musical sensibilities, developed through years of crate-digging for the perfect tracks in clubs and festivals around the world. Having also released on the likes of Paper Recordings and Late Night Tales, the boys possess a production pedigree that cannot be ignored. Rare Specimens have quickly gained a reputation for their extended sets and infectious live performances around the country, often playing for hours as they navigate their extensive vinyl and digital music collections. With a series of genre-melding E.Ps and remixes set for imminent release, a tight-lipped radio project in development and major support slots and festival appearances lined up for the summer, Rare Specimens are set to introduce themselves in extraordinary fashion.
ROVA
Originating from New Zealand, electronic producer Rova found a passion for music production back in 2019. Fast forward to 2024 and Rova is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing names in drum and bass.
With every release, Rova continues to showcase his distinct flair for pushing the bass music boundaries, and is now turning heads around the globe. Rova’s breakout singles ‘Let You Go’ and ‘EYES ON ME’ have captured the attention of some of the most credible names in bass music, as well as a rapidly growing fanbase, with plays from the likes of Chase and Status and Sub Focus, to BBC Radio 1 and George FM.
Rova's live performances are known for their high energy and intensity. With every show, he creates an electrifying atmosphere, blending new sounds with his signature style. His ability to connect with fans through his hard-hitting live sets has led to continuous sell out shows across New Zealand and Australia.