Set in the stunning Southern Alps, Rhythm and Alps has got to be one of the best festivals around. This year’s festival comes with an insane lineup including powerhouse Becky Hill, Andy C, and Shapeshifter, who will be celebrating their 25th anniversary. Also joining the bill are Badger, Pons, Bag Raiders, The Butlers, Cassie Henderson, Sir Dave Dobbyn, The Beatnix and heaps more. Mountains, music and marvellous moves—does it get much better? We think not.
We caught up with Shapeshifter, PONZ, The Beatniks and The Butlers ahead of the festival to chat inspiration, good kai, music and The Good Life.
Shapeshifter
Image credit: Rhythm and Alps | supplied
New Zealand music incarnate, if a summer lineup didn’t include Shapeshifter (PDigsss, Sam Trevethick, Dan McGruer, Nick Robinson, Darren Mathiassen) did it really happen? This year Aotearoa’s most celebrated live electronic act is celebrating their 25th anniversary.
The Good Life According To PDigsss From Shapeshifter
My girlfriend + my superbikes + the mountains I’m surrounded by in the deep south.
Inspired By
Environment for me is massive, studio time with the lads, making new music and the excitement of testing them out. It’s hard to beat that rush.
Shapeshifter Is
Live drum and bass jungle music with a heavy dose of soul
Favourite Meal
Both my partner and I enjoy cooking and eating at home but if I were to pick it would be anything Vaughan Mabee and his crew at Amisfield. Truly supreme.
Favourite Thing To Do
Friday locals surf session at Yourwave (wavepool) in Lake Hāwera.
PONZ
Image credit: Rhythm and Alps | supplied
Festival-goers will be treated to the fresh, magnetic sounds of Lauren Ponds (aka PONZ) who’s known for her evocative production and DJ sets that bring together drum and bass, UK garage, and house.
The Good Life According To PONZ
The people in my corner + maintaining a bit of balance in terms of lifestyle + being able to express myself through music
Inspired By
My past, present and future experiences. I have a big imagination so I usually delve deep into my own hopes and fears. Usually my writing isn’t about one specific experience but more of a jumble of experiences all contributing to the same feeling.
PONZ Is
Dreamy, uplifting and nostalgic (recently). I’ve been playing around with a few different genres within the electronic music umbrella which has helped me to really hone in on my sound.
Favourite Meal
Current favourite is the spicy crispy chicken noodles from Wok Express in Kingsland. They hit hard on a Friday evening after a long week! If I’m at work, then my go-to is the low and slow BBQ pork pies from Ashby pies in St Heliers. Best Auckland pies and a very close second to the pies from Fairlie Bakehouse in the South Island.
Favourite Thing To Do
I love going bouldering either after work or on the weekends. It’s such a fun way to get in a bit of exercise and doubles as a social activity for me too. I’m not that good yet though so if anyone sees me in the climbing gym no you didn’t.
The Beatniks
Image credit: Rhythm and Alps | supplied
Dunedin-based band, The Beatniks (Sam Charlesworth, Seth Sinclair, Logan Edwards, Alex Kendall) fuse the raw intensity of indie rock with an experimental edge. Drawing from the gritty pulse of garage rock, the melodic sensibilities of post-punk and a dose of alt-rock swagger, their sound is as unpredictable as it is captivating.
The Good Life According To The Beatniks
Peace + love + knowing where our bassist Kendall is at all times.
Inspired By
The city of Dunedin, Bonanza Jelly Beans and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2.
The Beatniks Are
A self-produced Kiwi D.I.Y. punk attitude that mixes raw and energetic performance with thought-provoking lyrics, drawing sonically from both Grunge and Surf Rock and captivating audiences by resurrecting and redefining the Dunedin sound.
Favourite Meal
Anything from the hardworking people at The Bowling Club in Caversham. Or, the recently resurrected Cooper’s Burgers—Dunedin’s best Nashville-style chicken burger.
Favourite Thing To Do
A beautiful hybrid of working at a local independent Radio station, surfing our beautiful coastlines and losing important personal items.
The Butlers
Image credit: Rhythm and Alps | supplied
Four-piece funkadelic surf-rock band The Butlers (Walt Robberds, Jordan Kennedy, George Berry, Bradley King) hail from Sumner, Christchurch and have spent over seven years honing their sound, rooted in a decade-long friendship. Think: a blend of indie rock with brit rock influences and a helluva lot of feel-good energy.
The Good Life According To The Butlers
Music + surf + family
Inspired By
Our families and friends plus the communities we grew up in. So many different artists and musicians it’d be impossible to list. Our ever-changing lives and the people that make it so great.
The Butlers Are
Ever-evolving, with roots in indie rock.
Favourite Meal
Spicy noodle soup from Miss Peppercorn.
Favourite Thing To Do
Jam music, catch up with our mates and families and surf.
THE DETAILS
What: Rhythm & Alps
Where: Cadrona Valley
When: 30-31 December 2024
Grab your ticket here.
Keen to infuse your summer with never-ending festival vibes? Check out the best music festivals in NZ this summer.
Image credit: Rhythm & Alps | supplied