Splore 16 – announcing the first milestone

Splore 16 – announcing the first milestone on the line-up journey

Splore has released a typically diverse line-up of artists in its first major announcement for the February 2016 event with five international artists making their New Zealand debuts.

SXSW and Pitchfork indie darling, Waxahatchee, will play Splore on the back of her acclaimed third album, Ivy Tripp. Touring with her live band, Waxahatchee ( aka Katie Crutchfield) will bring her unique style of folk-inflected indie rock to NZ after a successful Australian solo tour earlier this year.

One of America’s most charismatic blues/indie bands, The Reverend Peyton and His Big Damned Band, will play two sets at Splore. A regular at SXSW, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo and Glastonbury, The Reverend’s gritty, growling vocals and superlative finger picking guitar style channel blues greats like Charlie Patton and Furry Lewis. The band’s latest album “So Delicious”, went to Number 1 on the iTunes Blues Chart and Number 3 on both Billboard’s Blues Album and Heatseekers charts.

And the UK’s dancefloor-friendly, Dub Pistols will make their first visit to NZ. The super-tight UK festival regular keep winning new fans at Glastonbury and Bestival with their blend of ska, dub and hip hop. Led by the charismatic Barry Ashworth, The Dub Pistols have worked with The Specials, Busta Rhymes, Horace Andy, Madness and Gregory Isaacs.

Australia’s most exciting new hip hop talent, Tkay Maidza, will bring her eccentric style and original flow across the ditch next February. Compared favourably to Azealia Banks in style, Tkay has been hyped by Run the Jewels’ Killer Mike, Charli XCX and Mark Ronson. Her recent sold-out gigs in Australia have followed sensational debuts at Brighton’s legendary Great Escape festival and Splendour in the Grass.

Also from Australia, new lo-fi soul sensation, Jordan Rakei, will make his New Zealand debut at Splore. He has garnered a loyal global following with a sound inspired by musical influences including Robert Glasper, Fat Freddys Drop and Roy Ayers.

Adding to the international roster is one of UK’s leading hip hop dj’s, Sarah Love who is described invariably as a “one woman worldwide wrecking ball”.

Local acts announced for Splore so far include Katchafire, The Supervillains, Tipene, Eno x Dirty and Race Banyon.

Back by popular demand and already announced for Splore 2016 are the UK’s Cuban Brothers and The Correspondents. It seems the audience can’t get enough of both these acts as they remain the most consistently requested music acts to bring back.

John Minty, Splore’s Music and Festival Director says “Splore 2016 will be another eclectic music event with an emphasis on hand-picked charismatic acts. Combined with innovative art and roving performers, Splore continues to enhance its reputation as a world-class creative festival experience.”

Splore’s launch party featuring Tuxedo on Friday 18 September saw the unveiling of the Splore 2016 theme and creative direction. Each year the audience awaits their cue for a night of dress up to unleash their inner alter ego. The Splore 2016 theme is ‘a summer odyssey’ and the hero image is a waka filled with recognisable Splore characters that nod to the exciting journey and summer destination that Splore has become on the festival calendar.

ENDS

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