Culture

New Year’s Eve is an important time for a lot of us – the final goodbye to a year of triumphs or failures, and the ushering in of new beginnings. Well, either that or a black hole in your memory from Dec 27 till Jan 2. Often the soundtrack to this haze of hedonism is provided by one of many festivals around the country offering an array of locations, genres, or artists – or at least the illusion of a variety of artists, as I realised when researching this article. The Upbeats are playing at three separate festivals. Hospital Records artists Charli 2na, Andy C, Shapeshifter, Dub FX, Andy C, Black Sun Empire, and De La Soul are all playing at least two separate festivals over the three days. We can excuse that though – it takes a while to travel to our little island, and you might as well make the trip worth it. There are a whole bunch of artists at only one or the other though, and picking the right place to spend that (un)forgettable weekend can be a tough choice musically. So instead of looking back and doing some lame “best of 2012” list that I’m sure someone else will do, let’s look forward and find somewhere to dance together, all right? At least it will be a good enough excuse for what you’re paying.

RNV

The stalwart behemoth of the NZ New Year’s circuit, RNV is heading into its 10th year in the vines. To be fair, a lot of punters will head to RNV this year just for its reputation, but there is music there as well. Unfortunately, the first line up wasn’t mind blowing. There were some massive acts, but I got the feeling this line up was an exercise in nostalgia, with another Netsky set, although live this time, being the main example. The big-name, flavour-of-the-moment electronic acts, Knife Party and Chase & Status, are there for the bros, along with the ever-popular summer vibes of the Hospital Records boys, but props for staying away from Skrillex. The Presets? Meh. Tame Impala will be making a play for the psychedelic jam crowd, and were the most surprising act I saw on the line up. The second line up hasn’t been announced, but I’m sure the organisers will prove me completely wrong, with some big names coming up and drawing in the crowd that we all assume is going to be there anyway.

RNA

The new little brother of RNV has one major drawback – it’s not over NY night. But hey, the South Island is going to take what it is given, right? Lacking money and based in Dunedin still? Go to this. SBTRKT will blow your mind, UMO will satisfy the alternative band kids, Opiuo will also raise the roof, and the rest is just more of the same. But it’s better than your Uncle Jack’s farm just out of Timaru.

La De Da

This is more of an urban/roots festival; one to skank out at. The slightly better version of Six60 will be there of course, along with David Dallas and Ladi6. UK bass music gets a look-in, with international heavyweight DJ and RAM label boss Andy C making an appearance along with his hit-and-miss signees Delta Heavy. De La Soul is a real coup for New Zealand and they are probably the biggest drawcard on this bill, but they aren’t exclusive to La De Da and will feature at Coro Gold as well. This one is awkward for me. It’s an amalgamation that doesn’t really work in the face of its competitors. Northern Bass does electronic better. Coro Gold does roots better, and also has De La Soul. Go to this if you live in Masterton.

Northern Bass

Sticks to one main genre and does it well. I’m impressed by this line-up. Andy C features again for what I assume will be a mind-blowing countdown set, propped up by Wilkinson, NZ heavyweights The Upbeats, and the grooves of Black Sun Empire, Distance, and Concord Dawn. If you like electronic music and dislike the RNV crowds, this should be your jam.

Coro Gold

The other festival stealing La De Da’s thunder, this is the place to forget your roots to a soundtrack of roots. It ticks all the boxes. Obligatory Shapeshifter set? Tick. Hip hop flavour of the month? HomeBrew, tick. Fat Freddy’s Drop there as well? Of course. Better surrounding acts to see De La Soul with? Yes.