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Rhythm & Alps 2023: 4 Must-See Artists

From homegrown country to much-hyped electronica, Rolling Stone AU/NZ has picked four artists not to miss at the New Year festival

Kaylee Bell

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Rhythm & Alps returns with a thrilling lineup at Wānaka’s Cardrona Valley from December 29th-31st.

Benee, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Ocean Alley, Ross From Friends,  BICEP,  Channel Tres, and Nice Girl are just some of the exciting artists set to appear at the festival.

“Rhythm & Alps is the best place to be in New Zealand for New Year’s. Awesome music, immaculate stage production, amazing weather and a 100% good vibes,” as event organiser, Alex Turnbull, says.

Ahead of Rhythm and Alps 2023, Rolling Stone AU/NZ picks four must-see artists, from a homegrown country star to a much-hyped electronic act.

Find more information about Rhythm & Alps here.

Ross From Friends

The renowned British producer brings his expansive electronica to Cadorna Valley. Known for his skillfully crafted ambient tracks, Ross From Friends, aka Felix Clary Weatherall, turns up the dance vibes in his live shows with the help of friends like John Dunk on sax and keys and Jed Hampson on electric guitar. Catch him playing new songs from stellar albums like 2021’s Tread, while he usually adds in a crowd-pleasing remix or two, including Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”.

Kaylee Bell 

Waimate-born country music sensation Kaylee Bell is back in New Zealand for the summer, bringing her Nashville success back to her roots. This year has been a whirlwind for Bell, winning the prestigious Jeff Walker Global Country Artist award at the biggest global country music event, which highlights outstanding achievements as a country artist signed outside the US. Her chart-topping single “Keith”, inspired by the one and only Keith Urban, is also the talk of the town. Go and celebrate her talents and hard-earned accomplishments. 

Ocean Alley

Psychedelic surf rockers Ocean Alley are set to deliver their signature summer vibes under the Wanaka mountain ranges. The talented Australian band are touring with their latest studio album Low Altitude Living, which garnered positive reviews last year. “Ocean Alley makes good on their promise for a compelling — if at times formulaic — album,” Rolling Stone AU/NZ wrote, with frontman Baden Donegal coming in for particular praise. In New Zealand, Low Altitude Living debuted at number five on the New Zealand Top 40 Albums Chart, highlighting the band’s strength of support in the country. Firm festival favourites wherever they go in the world.

Benee 

Currently flying high in Los Angeles and collaborating with heavyweights like Pusha T, it’s always a treat to catch Benee on a homegrown stage. The Grey Lynn-born superstar is a dynamic and thoroughly entertaining performer, with crowd favourite hits like “Supalonely” and “Glitter” that just sound like a Kiwi New Year.