Both Rhythm & Vines and Rhythm & Alps released their first lineups to the deflated applause of students last week. In a tough moment for students who bought early-bird tickets, the RnV line up has been critiqued by pretty much every student Critic talked to as being “shit.” For those who hadn’t, the lineup led many students to reconsider their plans – with many thinking R&A would likely be the push.
For those who haven’t checked, RnV will feature artists including Ice Spice, Sammy Virji, Luude, Badger, Sachi, and the old king Sir Dave Dobbyn. As it stands, a four-night camping pass will set you back a minimum of $500, but this can climb to $1,000 if you’re feeling bold enough to add a few luxuries.
Dropping just a few days later, R&A – hosted only on the 30th and 31st of December (as opposed to the original 3 day structure) – has artists such as Becky Hill, Andy C, Shapeshifter, Badger, Wax Mustang, and – would you believe it – Sir Dave Dobbyn. Seriously, the man travels like Santa Claus.
Speaking to the RnV lineup, one third-year student Abby told Critic: “It’s shit, that’s all I’ll say.” Similarly, Matt just said, “RnV, how shit, how shit.” Then yet another student (who wouldn’t give his name for some reason) said, “Um, yeah it's obviously not as good as last year. Ice Spice is the head act which is probably not the best but yeah I bought tickets six months ago so we’ll just have to run it.”
Chloe’s concerns lay with a certain act, stating, “Ice Spice is the headliner and she’s kinda cancelled at the moment so not sure about that.” She didn’t elaborate on why, though. Google didn’t reveal much, and Critic’s resident muso, Local Produce columnist Jordan, hadn’t heard of it either: “People are so quick to cancel women, meanwhile Chris Brown is still beating up people.” Anyways.
Like true Southlanders, people were a lot more optimistic about R&A – RnV’s South Island counterpart. “I went to RnV last year and Becky Hill was there, it was the greatest experience […] I think R&A are lucky to have her,” said Matt. Following on from this, Abby said, “I’ve already heard there’s already better artists for R&A [...] It might not be bigger but it's gonna be better.”
Overall, students didn’t see the lineup as something which would necessarily change much since many had bought tickets already, and music is just one part of the festival experience. “People just get RnV tickets before they know the lineup regardless […] people aren’t going to refund 500 dollars, it's just like ceebs,” said Charlotte.
In 2023, RnV welcomed 21,000 Kiwis, over double that of its younger brother R&A who welcomed just over 10,000 to Wanaka shores. However, the festival is much younger than its Northern counterpart, beginning in 2011, while RnV began in 2003. Debating if either festival was worth the cost, Chloe suggested that students instead just have “a wee mini gathering and then get blackout with your mates.” That’s inspirational, Chloe.