21 November 2012 - 1 Comment

After a fantastic inaugural party, Catlins River Festival is back for Easter 2013. This two-day event is designed to celebrate the unique environment of the area set to a soundtrack of awesome – and predominantly local - live music. There’s a huge number of the acts set to play over the weekend hailing from Dunedin, Central Otago and Invercargill.

Easter is a wee way away, but CRF is giving everyone a date to look forward to before the winter months fully set in.

There is a MASSIVE line up, featuring many artists who have been very busy this year. The Nudge headed to Bali where they held a residency for 2 months, attended the APRA Silver scrolls where they played their rendition of Stephanie Brown’s 2012 winning song “Everything to Me”, and have recently announced a trans-Tasman tour schedule with Kora. Organikismness and Soulware are back from Australia performing at Eclipse Festival (alongside the likes of Freq Nasty, The Raconteurs and Fat Freddies Drop to name a few). Soulware was nominated for break through act of 2012 and organikismness was nominated for best electronic album of 2012 at the VNZMA. Left or Right have also recently just completed an Australian tour after yet another successful national tour of their sophomore album “Buzzy”. To complete the list of international touring artists The Julian Temple Band's lead man (Julian) jet-setted from Dunedin to Sydney to the USA in the space of 48 hours, playing 3 shows along the way. Budspells have dropped their masterpiece, SOUNDBOY KINGDOM which was recorded all over the globe in NZ, Australia, and the UK. You can hear the inspirations flowing through their music, from Lee Scratch Perry to J Dilla. 

It has been a solid year for Kylie Price who has competed on NZ’s Got Talent and recently turned heads by winning the 2012 Golden Guitars. In 2011, it was Matt Langley who scooped up his own Golden Guitar award.

One of Dunedin’s hardest working bands Alazirin Lizard has released another fantastic album “Oh Colour” and set off on what could possibly be NZ’s longest tour with over 40 dates where they were joined by Brown, who made a return to New Zealand after a stint in the UK. Rhythmonyx, one of Invercargill's premier bands, made a real impression at Earthtonz (NYE 2011) before spending a year scooting all over the country.

Mountaineater have been selective through 2012, playing only the biggest and best shows, with the highlight being Radio One’s metal night with Beastwars, where they gave a free lesson in what sonic music really is. With the popular roots band Taos set to appear, these boys know how to captivate crowds! With their conscious, soulful lyrics, big basslines, skanking guitar riffs and freestyle flows it all results in an unforgettable performance!!

Keeping it locked on the 1’s and 2’s are South Island residents, Dave Boogie and Tsubliminal who have been kicking it with the best, supporting several touring international and national artists. Creeping down town in the urban underground, Selective Soundsystem have been taking control of the deep-south. Getting together whenever they can for very special occasions, Catlins River Festival is in for a treat.

From Owaka (in the heart of the Catlins), there is Noise Complaint, who should be happy to know that (according to the locals we spoke to), when the Warratah’s came to town they were blown off the stage by these local boys!

And last but not least; Beau. What has this man not done? International hip hop superstar support act? Yes.  Mix tapes? Tick. EP’s? Done. He brings a super polished performance, along with a whole load of swagger!

And if you thought this was a lot, this is only the first line up!!

The Catlins River Festival is set in the beautiful surrounds of the Catlins Valley. It’s a family friendly event; so expect a variety of people from all walks of life. Tickets to the festival have been capped to 2000 to help ensure it is a great event for all attendees. The weekend tickets start at only $55 so get in quick because early birds are sure to shoot the coup quickly. The tickets include 2 nights camping that can be purchased from Cosmicticketing.co.nz and Cosmic outlets.

There will be alcohol available to purchase on-site at the R18 bar, so make sure you bring your ID, and there will be a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee and free water available.  Please note no BYO alcohol or glass.  Food can be brought in, although there will be a large range of delicious food available to purchase on-site, including a Hangi – a portion of the proceeds from this will go towards the local Plunket.

THE CATLINS RIVER FESTIVAL
RIVER RIDGE RETREAT
348 Catlins Valley Rd, Owaka
March 30 + 31 2013 (EASTER WEEKEND
http://www.catlinsriverfestival.co.nz/

Thanks to www.catlinsriverfestival.co.nz for this story.

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