2018 Nostalgia Line-up

Connan Mockasin was born with a tooth as Connan Tant Hosford in Te Awanga, New Zealand. By ten years old, Mockasin started his first band. His debut solo album, 'Forever Dolphin Love’ was released in 2014. Shortly after, Mockasin wrote and recorded with Sam Dust of Late Of The Pier to make the album 'Soft Hair' which wouldn't be released for another eight years. In 2012, Mockasin wrote and toured with Charlotte Gainsbourg before touring with Radiohead later that same year. In 2013, he wrote and produced his second solo album 'Caramel,' in a hotel in Tokyo. Connan has since worked with artists James Blake, Neil and Liam Finn, Vince Staples, Dev Hynes, Mac DeMarco and Andrew VanWyngarden. Mockasin currently resides in Los Angeles where heʼs in the process of finishing a five-part dramatic series called 'Bostyn 'n Dobsyn' to accompany the release of his third solo album.

Hailing from Dunedin, The Chills are fronted by the rare talent of Martin Phillipps. His knack for writing fantastic pop songs has led to chart hits at home and a cult following around the world since the band formed in 1980.

With early releases via legendary NZ label Flying Nun, The Chills produced a number of critically acclaimed recordings such as the single “Pink Frost” from the compilation album Kaleidoscope World and “Wet Blanket” from the LP Brave Words. The highly anticipated album ‘Silver Bullets’ was released 30th October 2015 on Fire Records. Kaleidoscope World has been re-released with additional tracks on Flying Nun in August 2016 on double gatefold vinyl to universal critical acclaim. he band is working on a new album for release in 2018, as well as a feature film on Martin’s life now in pre-production and due for release in 2019.

Like the rare occurrence of crystal frost flowers or lenticular clouds, Estère’s strange brand of Electric Blue Witch-Hop creates an unparalleled melange of sounds. Referencing the meaty side of electronic music with succulent bass atop weighty drums and contrasting it with organic acoustic textures - Estère bedecks her production with an elastic voice and punchy, ethereal melodies. Estère’s lyric writing escapes the common realms of popular music, delving into imaginatively philosophical narratives surrounding ideas of belonging, displaced refugees, kids obsessed with technology, controlling urges, rent and prostitutes becoming presidents (to name a few). Her dynamic one woman show has seen her play festivals in Africa, Europe, Scandinavia, UK, South Korea, Australia, NZ and New Caledonia. Since March 2017 Estére has added a human percussion/ rhythm section to her electronic live show.

Since their conception in 2010, merchants of bliss Glass Vaults have produced a stream of releases and transcendental live performances which have developed into a unique brand of psychedelic pop. Conceived in Wellington, New Zealand by Performance Design graduates, Richard Larsen and Rowan Pierce, the band continues to work closely with producer Bevan Smith (Carpark Records) who has become an integral part of the band and sound. During this time they have released three acclaimed EPs, played to capacity crowds inside drained swimming pools and humid forests, toured throughout New Zealand, Australia, U.S.A and taken up residence in New York while maintaining strong critical praise. Their early collection of EP’s, written and recorded in rooms and studios throughout New Zealand, are atmosphere driven, hazy and slower paced. With the release of Sojourn (2015, Flying Out) and even more so with The New Happy (2017, Melodic Records) the band has begun to peel away the hazy veneer to reveal precision crafted pop songs with groove, immediacy and striking clarity. Glass Vaults are fast becoming a force majeure of transcendental, psych-pop.

Featuring vocalist Lisa Tomlins, The Presidents Of Funk perform an authentic program that will take you back to the 60's & 70's, paying tribute to one of the true icons of Soul; The Godfather, James Brown. As well as having esteemed vocalist, Lisa Tomlins fronting the band, she is backed by some of Wellingtons finest musicians.

With members from groups such as Hollie Smith, Richter City Rebels, The Jac, Lord Echo and The Rodger Fox Big Band, this lineup is sure to bring the funk.

Prepare your ears and your dance moves for some of the most soulful songs on the planet. Incorporating tunes such as 'Sex Machine', 'Get Up Offa That Thing', 'I Feel Good' and 'Papa's Got A Brand New Bag', this show has something for everyone! Don't forget your dancing shoes.

The Swan Sisters are award-winning singer/songwriter, Amiria Grenell, and accomplished professional actress and musician, Amy Grace. Their music is a delicate blend of styles including folk, country and dreamy pop, with a dash of swingin’ blues. It encapsulates their friendship and love of storytelling. Amiria and Amy met whilst studying in Christchurch at the National School of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA). They first started writing together in 2002 and over the years they have both juggled theatre careers alongside their music. Amiria’s album Three Feathers won the Tui Award for Best Folk Album NZ Music Awards 2012. Her latest album, Autumn, was a finalist for the same award in 2016. She has toured Australasia with Fly My Pretties and is in constant demand for festivals and events, both as a solo performer and a children’s entertainer. Amy has collaborated and toured with many of Aotearoa’s most cherished musicians. She has a duo with her brother, Nathan Straker, and her band, The Famous Players, recorded a live album called Backstage at The Court Theatre in 2010. Amy is also a professional actress.

Having toured extensively with multiple projects throughout New Zealand and internationally, multi-instrumentalist and singer / songwriter Jed Parsons’ unique concoction of indie pop music is the culmination of a diverse musical background.

Joined by a core 3-piece band and featured session players, Jed Parsons & His Friends bring their sing-along melodies, sweet harmonies and solid grooves to the party - a treat for all to enjoy.

Calling the UK home for the last three years, the Christchurch native has returned to New Zealand to embark on her new venture, setting up a home studio to create her debut EP Eden. Collaborating with good friend and musician Simon Brouwer to record the EP, the duo also team up on-stage to bring her complex, multi-faceted tracks to life. Laura Lee Lovely plays with upbeat synth-pop sounds, the grooves of house music, and orchestral flourishes, driven by a dynamic percussive section. Paying tribute to the synth roots that she honed as vocalist for O’LOVELY, Laura’s stunning voice carries the collection of songs, with her impressive range and gorgeous tone capping off Eden in truly lovely style.

Pickle Darling is the softly charismatic, woollen-jumper-wrapped project of Christchurch musician Lukas Mayo. This year he released his first EP Spring Onion Pancakes on Slovakian cassette label Z Tapes. UK magazine Gold Flake Paint described the songs on Pickle Darling's EP as "comforting little impulses, ones that bloom with subtlety and acceptance." Live, his sincerity draws his audience into narratives addressing introspection, friendship, movies, and Noam Chomsky.

James Meharry aka Pylonz joins the nostalgia lineup taking to the RDU stage with a historical dig directly from the RDU vinyl catalogue – expect the eclectic! Flipping sides with originals and remixes of classic UK soul, breakbeat and trip-hop tickling toes and tapping fingers with equal delight - straight out of the RDU 1980’s and 90’s. Check his mixcloud https://www.mixcloud.com/pylonz/ for some early breakbeat jungle and drum & bass mixes. Return to the cloud closer to the festival for a special preview Nostalgia mix!!

A seasoned journeyman of New Zealand dj & dance culture. Simon has been selecting music for dancefloors since 1995 when he took over the stereo at his high school breakup party. Traversing the decades of outdoor dance festivals and inner city clubs across the country his relationship with the scene had been consistent only in its diversity, weather he was writing, producing events, providing technical production, Dj'ing or just being omnipresent it was always about the music and the dancefloor. As a Dj he selections draw from the leading edge of ideas and influences in contemporary house & techno, however his roots are deeply woven into the history and origins of true dj culture.

Instant Fantasy is a Realistic Diva. When she isn't performing her "soft synth siren" sets, she's bringing the hits to the dancefloor. For her Nostalgia DJ set she will be digging through her record crates to uncover the hidden treasures that will get you in a dancing and beer drinking mood.