Gisborne festival Rhythm and Vines unveiled its second lineup last week, adding English singer-songwriters Declan McKenna and Becky Hill and many more exciting artists to the bill.
They joined on an already packed initial lineup that contained the likes of Australian party starters Peking Duk, rising producer Dom Dolla, pop duo Foley, and indie pop band PARK RD.
Ahead of Rhythm and Vines 2023, which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, Rolling Stone AU/NZ picks five must-see artists, from homegrown hip hop to world-class electronica.
Central Cee
Hailed as the “UK’s biggest rap star” by The Guardian, Central Cee is bringing the heat to this years’ Rhythm and Vines. Known for his complex flows and chart hits, including the mega-pop crossover “Doja” with Doja Cat (which reached number one on the New Zealand charts) and the viral sensation “Sprinter” alongside fellow UK rapper Dave, Central Cee’s rise to the top has been impressively rapid. Last seen in New Zealand at Listen In, don’t miss the rare opportunity to catch the in-demand artist in Gisborne.
Overmono
Fresh from performing at some of the world’s biggest summer festivals, including their debut at Coachella, Welsh electronic duo Overmono are set to bring their exhilarating anthems to Rhythm and Vines revellers this December. Composed of brothers Tom and Ed Russell, Overmono will be arriving with tunes from their debut album Good Lies, featuring intricately crafted dance tracks like “So U Kno” and “Is U”. Having already impressed at Wellington’s 121 festival earlier this year, this is a performance not to be missed. While in this part of the world, Overmono will also perform several headline shows in Australia (more information here).
Jujulipps
You can’t go wrong with homegrown hip hop on a festival stage, and Jujulipps is sure to deliver just that. The dynamic rapper from Tāmaki Makaurau, currently showcasing at SXSW Sydney, always brings fierce flows and supreme confidence with her wherever she performs. Jujulipps made her debut in 2021 with the blistering breakout single “Hilary Banks,” named after the self-serving character from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, followed by “Saucy”. Her latest single is the Afrobeat anthem “Airplane Mode”, which happily celebrated her South African heritage and earned praise from Rolling Stone AU/NZ for its Ezra Simons-directed video. Despite having just a handful of singles to her name, she’s already graced major stages like Synthony, BFM’s Fancy New Band showcase, and Northern Bass, and with good reason. A superstar in the making.
Will Swinton
Bringing a slower tempo to this year’s festival is Will Swinton, who is gaining wider recognition for his emotionally charged folk-pop ballads, delivered in his unique raspy voice. With only a few tracks to his name, including the tender “Leave in the Morning”, he has drawn comparisons to artists like The Kid LAROI, Canadian artist EKKSTACY, and even Post Malone. Starting his music career from his Auckland bedroom, the 21-year-old rising artist has been shuttling between his hometown in New Zealand and Los Angeles, where his music has already caught the attention of artists like Machine Gun Kelly.
EMWA
Fan of a huge bass drop? Then rising electronic artist Emma Davies, aka EMWA, is one to watch at this year’s Rhythm and Vines. Based in Auckland, she’s quickly becoming a staple at summer festivals around the country thanks to her infectious and bass-heavy tracks. Early in her career, her 2021 single “Crush” reached number 38 on the Beatport Dubstep Top 100 Singles Chart, while she’s also had the opportunity to support artists such as Dillon Francis and Quix. There’s a reason that a producer as notable as Montell2099 hails EMWA as “the bass queen of New Zealand.”
Rhythm and Vines 2023
Tickets available via rhythmandvines.co.nz
December 29th 2023-January 1st 2024
Waiohika Estate, Tairāwhiti/Gisborne
Lineup (new artists in bold)
CENTRAL CEE, DOM DOLLA, SUB FOCUS presents EVOLVE + MC ID, WILKINSON + MC AD-APT, BECKY HILL, A-TRAK, DECLAN MCKENNA, GIN WIGMORE, HEDEX, ISOXO, KNOCK2, LEE MVTTHEWS, OVERMONO, PEKING DUK, DELTA HEAVY, DISRUPTA, EMILY MAKIS & DEADLINE, GODDARD, IMANU, LADY SHAKA, LF SYSTEM, MELLA DEE, MIXTRESS, ODD MOB, ROSS FROM FRIENDS, SALUTE, CHICCORELI & TALI, SIN, SIPPY, SLUMBERJACK, BAVHU, BBYFACEKILLA, BROOK GIBSON, COAST ARCADE, CHORES, EMWA, FOLEY, GEORGIA LINES, HELLCAT SPEEDRACER (DJ SET), JUJULIPPS, MYLEN, NICE GIRL, PARK RD, PIRAPUS, SWEET MIX KIDS, TREI, WILL SWINTON, WILLO, WITTERS, ZEKI, ABEIKU, BECCIE B, BRIGSY, BUTTERMILK, BUTTON B, CORTR, DAMAGE CONTROL, EMILIE, FOVOS, HARRISONJUPE, HYAN, JESS FU, JESS RHODES, JOUSEY, KENZO, LAUREN GIN, LUCA, LUCY, MATTY THE FRIEND, MAX MOTEL, NOT LAUREN, PIXIE LANE, SAMMIE, SOPHIA, TETO, THE FALCONS (BORN AGAIN), WARLOW, WILLY MAV
