Since its founding in 2003 by three friends at the University of Otago, Rhythm and Vines has grown into a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s live music landscape.
More than 20 years on, the festival is firmly established as a New Year’s institution, having brought some of the world’s biggest artists to New Zealand, including Chance the Rapper, Juice WRLD, Wiz Khalifa, N.E.R.D., and Grandmaster Flash.
For many local artists, however, Rhythm and Vines isn’t just another New Year’s party — it’s a proving ground.
Long before the confetti cannons and countdown clocks, the festival quietly built a reputation as one of the country’s most reliable launchpads for emerging talent, a status it continues to earn year after year.
Rhythm and Vines separates itself from much of the global festival circuit through its commitment to showcasing local voices. Each year, roughly a third to half of the lineup is dedicated to Kiwi artists, positioning the festival as an active force in shaping the current musical ecosystem in Aotearoa.
It’s a space where developing acts can test new material, build audiences, and share stages with international heavyweights— usually for the first time.
That focus is most visible through the festival’s Waiohika Warmup, an onsite-only event reserved for festival-goers ahead of the main weekend. It’s become a rite of passage for rising artists, offering an intimate, high-energy environment where buzz can build organically in front of large local crowds.
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The festival’s alumni list reads like a roadmap of modern New Zealand music success. Artists such as Lee Mvtthews trace their rise from underground shows to main-stage status through repeated Rhythm and Vines appearances, while electronic exports Montell2099 and SACHI have gone on to global stages like Tomorrowland.
More recently, acts like Harper Finn and Balu Brigada have grown from early R&V sets into international touring artists.
In an era where festivals increasingly rely on legacy bookings and predictable lineups, Rhythm and Vines remains a rare constant within New Zealand — a place where discovery is baked into the experience, and tomorrow’s breakout acts are woven into the heart of the festival itself.
Check out more from the artists featured on this year’s Waiohika Warmup stage below.
Rhythm and Vines 2025 takes place between December 28th-31st. More information can be found here.
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Ella Monnery
How much did music influence you in your early life?
My parents would always play music around the house. Sounds cliché, but before I could walk or talk I would be dancing/singing (shouting mostly lol). From as young as I can remember my parents love of music definitely inspired and shaped me to be the performer I am today. I was always the kid who wanted to make up dances and sing songs, watch musicals and blast music. I started singing and dance lessons from a young age and it is something that has stuck with me my entire life!
What artists influenced you growing up?
I’ve always loved artists likeBeyoncé, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder. I love disco and soul music and I’d say my music taste is quite old-school/classic music. But in terms of the music and artists that have influenced me in the EDM world it would definitely be Becky Hill and Calvin Harris.
What are some career highlights so far?
I’d say being able to travel doing what I love. I’m lucky enough that my voice has taken me all over the world! From the USA, Singapore, Australia, the Netherlands, Fiji, Greece, and Mexico. Also performing alongside my partner Kings, it is pretty surreal doing what you love with the person you love.
Tell us about your latest album/EP.
Still a work in progress! Locking in to the studio next year to finish my debut album.
What kind of personality traits and values do you believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?
I think being driven and determined is just as important as talent. How you treat people, being a good person to work with/for, and connecting with others around you. Staying true, genuine, and authentic to who you are and letting that shine on stage.
How would you describe your music to a potential fan?
Powerhouse vocals, high-energy, uplifting electronic dance music! I love hooks that people can sing and dance along to. I think my music is pretty feel-good and has a fun groove and vibe to it.
What are your goals for 2025 and beyond?
I really want to inspire young singers to chase their dreams. Growing up, I never knew I could make a career out of singing and performing and I’ll always be grateful to be doing what I love, living out my dream. For 2025, I want to continue to breakthrough as a solo artist singing my own songs and performing my own sets at concerts and festivals nationwide.
inmotion
What are some of our career highlights so far?
One of the biggest highlights has been seeing artists we’ve admired for years genuinely connect with our music. Having Wilkinson listen to our tracks and want to sign one of them was massive. Another standout moment was our remix/VIP being played by A.M.C, especially hearing him close a huge Warehouse Project show with it. The voice note he sent us afterward was a real pinch-me moment and incredibly motivating.
Tell us about your latest release.
Our latest track just dropped on Sleepless Music, Wilkinson’s label, which is a huge milestone for us. We actually wrote the track early last year and sat on it for around 18 months, waiting for the right home. The core idea came together in just a few hours and stayed true to that original vision. We collaborated with Ella Monnery and Rider Shafique, both incredible artists, and having the support of a label like Sleepless feels surreal.
What personality traits and values do we believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?
We really believe there’s room for everyone. Our approach has always been to lead with kindness, support others, and avoid gatekeeping. Being a good person, communicating well, thinking big picture, and knowing when to listen — especially to people whose opinions you respect — goes a long way. You don’t need ego to succeed.
How would we describe our music to a potential fan?
We’d describe our music as forward-thinking, polished bass music that doesn’t try to fit neatly into one box. We’re not interested in chasing trends — we want to carve our own lane. Whether it’s slower tempos or drum and bass, the focus is always on quality, emotion, and interesting ideas pulled from a wide range of influences.
Mikeyy
How much did music influence you in your early life?
Music was everything for me growing up. My dad is a maestro and would always be playing the piano or the accordion around the house and at family gatherings growing up… he infected me with his music bug very early and I started playing basic chords on the piano and singing when I was about 7 years old…. I always processed all my emotions and feelings through writing music and that still is the same today as a 23-year-old.
What artists influenced you growing up?
So many, across different genres. When I was a kid I heard my cousin Jimmy playing “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” by Kanye West off LimeWire and I walked into his room, absolutely enamoured with the sound and how it made me feel… ever since then I became obsessed with making music and replicating that feeling.
In the electronic world local legends Lee Mvtthews and Montell2099 really inspired me to push the envelope with sound design, but hip-hop was my first love with artists like Drake, Chance the Rapper, and so many more.
What are some career highlights so far?
I’ve been really blessed early in my career with some dream like moments. This year I performed at half time at a Breakers game at Spark Arena, that was a pinch-me moment (my local basketball team played at their camps and [I’ve] supported the team since I was 9). Playing Rhythm and Vines last year with time-coded full-scale visuals to 4000+ people was also [a] bucket list [moment]. So many more (and more to come hopefully).
Tell us about your latest album/EP.
I released the Breathe EP in February this year. Definitely the most proud I’ve ever been of a project. The writing comes straight from my mind/heart. Every word just blurted out, all four songs were the fastest I’ve ever finished the skeleton of a song which was mad. It’s high-energy with euphoric and wholesome production, but the lyrics are pretty personal and introspective which you might not hear in the club too much, so I’m really proud of that element.
What kind of personality traits and values do you believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?
In New Zealand a lot of industry folk have said one of their biggest pieces of advice is “don’t be a dick”and I agree — that’s huge. You gotta have an almost delusional level of drive — everything that can go wrong probably will at some point, and it’s a long slog, but if you persist you can achieve some pretty fulfilling things. Most importantly, I think passion is the biggest factor. If you truly love the art you make, you’ll find your way.
How would you describe your music to a potential fan?
High-energy, personal, and emotive. I’m always trying to make the music make you feel something, whatever that feeling may be.
What are your goals for 2025 and beyond?
2026 has a big international focus. I’ve just signed to Sweat It Out Publishing / Central Station Records in Australia who did Dom Dolla, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Odd Mob, and so many awesome acts, so I’m stoked to be a part of something with a known track record of exporting awesome dance music. I’m gonna write and hopefully play in Europe and spread the wings from Down Under.
Mylen
How much did music influence you in your early life?
I’ve had a really broad music taste all of my life, and played a number of instruments throughout my childhood. I think music was always a fun escape for me, I loved looking for new artists and exploring new genres. I always found that sharing music I’d found with people was such a great way to connect, and would massively nerd out on how certain albums were made.
What artists influenced you growing up?
Growing up, I primarily listened to a mix of metal/post-hardcore and electronic music. I was always very inspired by the work of Pendulum, Deadmau5, and Netsky from a songwriting and production perspective, but I did have big dreams for a while of being in a band like Bring Me the Horizon or Asking Alexandria.
What are some career highlights so far?
I’ve had some really amazing opportunities over the past few years, but there’s two career highlights that really stand out to me. The first is releasing a single on my dream label, Liquicity. The music of Liquicity has been a huge part of my life for almost 10 years, so it feels really special to have joined that family officially.
The second, I think, was getting to tour the country with one of my personal heroes (and now friend), Grafix. I’ve played a lot of amazing shows, but getting to tour with Josh that month and pick his brain was invaluable for me, and helped me grow so much.
Tell us about your latest album/EP.
It’s actually been a minute since my last release, but earlier this year I put out “Walls” with Houndeye & C:rcle on Liquicity Records. This was a dream come true for me, and [it] has been my best performing record yet. I think it’s a testament [to] the work I’ve been putting in to honing my craft in recent years, and I can’t wait to be releasing new music again in early 2026.
What kind of personality traits and values do you believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?
Resilience is key. It’s so easy to get caught up in everything and constantly compare yourself to your peers. Comparison is definitely the thief of joy in this industry, and I constantly have to remind myself that I’m actually just doing this for fun, and success is just a bonus.
How would you describe your music to a potential fan?
Energetic, vocal-driven, dancefloor drum and bass.
What are your goals for 2025 and beyond?
My biggest goal always is just to make music that connects with people, so more of that is all I need.
