Splore, the annual music festival at Tāpapakānga Regional Park, kicks off this weekend for its special 25th edition.
This year’s lineup includes headliners such as Sampha, Greentea Peng, and The Pharcyde. Local acts Estère, Yoko-Zuna, MELODOWNZ, Shepherds Reign, Grecco Romank, and more, round out the bill.
In addition to its eclectic music lineup, the three-day beachside festival offers free camping, multiple stages, and activities like reiki and visual arts installations.
Here are five artists we’re eagerly anticipating at the 2024 edition.
Splore takes place from Friday, February 23rd-Sunday, February 25th. For more information, visit their website here.
Wednesday
Super grungy, noisy alt-country from one of the hottest indie bands around right now? Don’t miss it. North Carolina five-piece Wednesday are set to bring their signature raucous energy to Splore, performing tracks off their feverishly praised 2023 album, Rat Saw God.
Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Karly Hartzman, the band delivers confessional lyrics about small-town America, backed by the outstanding talents of MJ Lenderman, bassist Margo Shultz, drummer Alan Miller, and lap/pedal steel player Xandy Chelmis. Fresh off a knockout performance in Wellington last week, with one more show scheduled in Auckland this Thursday, the band will be fully warmed up by the time they hit the Splore festival stage.
Greentea Peng
Greentea Peng is a perfect fit for Splore’s vibey, spiritual atmosphere. We can just picture swaying to the South London neo-soul singer’s blissed-out, dub-heavy grooves as the sun goes down in Tāpapakanga Regional Park. Peng has garnered comparisons to Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Amy Winehouse, and this is her debut Aotearoa performance.
Sampha
It’s been a long time coming for Sampha fans since his indelible performance on our shores back in 2017. The South London star is making a comeback following the swift acclaim of his new album, Lahai, accompanied by an exciting live show and fresh band lineup – featuring Ruthven on percussion, Elsas Hackett on keys, Rosetta Carr on bass, and Blake Cascoe on drums. Expect imaginative reworkings of his latest tracks and beloved favourites. It will be pure magic.
Hemi Hemingway
Get along to a dose of rock ‘n’ roll by the sea courtesy of Hemi Hemingway, the solo project of Aotearoa musician Shaun Blackwell. The charismatic frontman will be delivering his soul-stirring, heart-rendering tunes with signature panache, accompanied by his full band, The Snowflakes. Expect to hear tracks from his stellar debut album, Strangers Again, which delves into themes of love, loss, and his Māori identity.
The Pharcyde
Another one of the big headliners but impossible to overlook! LA hip hop pioneers The Pharcyde are locked in for a special appearance at Splore. Whether you choose to sit back and unwind on the grassy banks or get up close at the front, you’ll be treated to timeless tracks like “Runnin'” and “Passin’ Me By” performed live and up close. Catch them right after Sampha on Saturday night for a back-to-back lineup that feels too good to be true.
