The countdown to 2019 is officially on…
New Years can make or break your summer. Whether you’re embracing the back of 2018 like Hailey Baldwin is her new surname (it’s Bieber, btw), or just ~hanging~ for a fresh start, there’s only one way to guarantee your New Year’s plans will live up to your expectations. And that’s by hauling ass to the beautiful sights of Wanaka to get amongst the Rhythm & Alps music festival.
It’s got all the makings of the perfect party. Epic scenery c/o of the fruit bowl of the South Island, headliner acts that’ll blow your socks off, a festival village for champions and all the bells and whistles to keep you feeling superhuman at all times via generous camping facilities.
But that’s enough yarns, for now, let’s crack into the need-to-knows:
WHEN
The festival runs over three nights from 29th December 2018 – 1st January 2019.
WHERE
Situated in the Cardrona Valley amidst the stunning Southern Alps, you’re looking at a 40-minute drive from Queenstown or a brisk 15-minute drive from Wanaka.
The festival address is Robrosa Station, 1653 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka. Punch that into your Google Maps and we’ll see you there!
WHAT
It’s a music festival attracting up to 10,000 party-goers from across the globe, and the South Island’s premier music festival at that. There are more than 50 international and local acts performing across four incredibly rad stages. FOMO can only be cured by attendance. Which we highly recommend you do.
GETTING THERE
There will be buses to and from Wanaka and Queenstown daily for a small fee (which you can book here). Plus, there’s plenty of secure car free parking onsite.
LET’S TALK BEVERAGES
R&A festival will be providing three bars serving ice cold beers, wine and cocktails and more than 15 diverse vendors providing incredible food options. But you may want to leave all your Christmas brewskies at home, cause R&A is not a licenced BYO (sorry!).
CAMPING
Pitch a tent with your mates or drive your campervan right to your campsite. You’ll be set up with: hot showers; plenty of toilets; phone charging facilities; access to the swimming hole; a full vendor village; and a general store exclusive to campers.
Note: Teepees and Glamping have sold out, but VIP and campervan upgrades are still available – as are GA campsites.
WHERE YOU CAN BUY TICKETS
If you’ve got a good head on shoulders, and we’re confident that you do, you’ll not waste another moment to get that group DM fired up to lock in numbers and secure your tickets. You can purchase tickets to R&A here.
THE HEADLINERS
Vince Staples, Wilkinson, Action Bronson, Matt Corby, The Black Seeds, Fred V & Grafix, The Cat Empire + more…
THE NEED-TO-KNOW UP-AND-COMING ARTISTS
The fastest way to earn your music festival sea legs? By rattling off some of the up-and-comers. Shows that you’re a real muso, you know? But if you’re short on time, we’ve compiled the top five below. You’re welcome.
Crooked Colours
This super fresh electronic trio from Perth consists of three lads; Philip Slabber, Leon Debaughn and Liam Merrett-Park. Described as the ‘love child’ of indie music and some seriously deep electronic flavours, their smooooth genre of tunes has seen them play at Wonderland, Laneway festivals, and support big dog RÜFÜS in a sell-out national tour in 2013.
Baynk
This bloke knows how to suss a catchy beat. Baynk, aka Jock Nowell-Usticke will be returning to R&A for a second time this year. The 25-year-old local has acquired a *cool* 1 million+ monthly listens on Spotify each month and has impressed the pants off festival goers at Laneway and R&A after only releasing one track back in 2016. Stock up on Baynk goodness before he tours North America next year…
Ama Lou
Heard of Chase & Status? Of course, you have. That was a trick question. They may be the D&B legends but that hasn’t stopped 20-year-old British vocalist Ama Lou from carving out a name for herself. Signed by Drake & Jorga Smith, this hon is known for creating some seriously dope visuals in her music clips.
Timothy Clerkin
If you’re partial to some doof-doof D&B or house music, then the stage you ought to know about is the Log Cabin. The second thing you ought to know about is Timothy Clerkin. Heading up the time slot of the “needy and sleazy,” Timothy will be playing the Cabin’s closing set on the 30th with his house tunes. If you’re still not convinced, listen to his track Knife Edge Heart below…
My Baby
And last but not least… Fueled by an eclectic mash-up of sounds – think country, funk and blues – this Dutch Kiwi trio hailing from Amsterdam will be bringing in the New Year on the main stage and deservedly so! Just tune into their popular track Uprising below and you’ll be getting all goosebumpy-NYE-frothy in seconds.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your togs, dust off your boots, dig up your festy cap, sunnies and cutoffs – it’s time to get excited.
For more information including all the finer details and FAQs, head to rhythmandalps.co.nz.
