First Lineup Announcement for Rhythm and Alps

Those on the lookout for New Year’s plans and an excuse to head yonder may well be tempted by the first line-up of acts just announced for the South Island’s largest music festival.

From December 30-31, 7500 people are expected to land in the Cardrona Valley for Rhythm and Alps. It will be the third year the festival has been held in the postcard-worthy location just outside of Wanaka.

British house and techno DJ Carl Cox has been confirmed to ring in the New Year at the event. Beginning his career in the ‘80s rave scene, the DJ and producer is now considered one of the best in the business. He was last in New Zealand at sister festival Rhythm and Vines.

Another international draw card on the line-up includes Jurassic 5 frontman Chali 2na. The Chicago rapper will appear at the festival to perform a set of solo material with his band The House of Vibe.

Further highlights include Sydney reggae fusion band Sticky Fingers, Melbourne rapper Remi, German duo Âme, Canadian ghetto-funk producer Stickybuds, Berlin art rock/techno duo Kaiser Souzai, South London dubstep producer Mala, and New Zealand’s own Electric Wire Hustle.

Drum and bass will also be a key component of this year’s festival with Christchurch promoters Bassfreaks taking over the forest-based 'Where The Wild Things Are' stage to host acts including Brazil’s DJ Marky, Ed Rush and Optical and Dub Phizix & Strategy.

See the full line-up below and for more information visit the Rhythm and Alps website.

Carl Cox, Sticky Fingers, Chali 2na and The House of Vibe, Opiuo, Ed Rush and Optical, Dub Phizix & Strategy, DJ Marky, Mala, Machinedrum, Ame, Weird Together, Electric Wire Hustle, Ahoribuzz, Reality Chant & Deadly Hunta, Kamandi, Arma del Amor, Aemi, JPS, Stickybuds, Summer Thieves, Amit,  Kaiser Souzai, Out of Sorts, Thanks, Murry Sweetpants + Kumara Funk DJs.