Splore 2017 Announcement

Splore, the beach-side summer festival known for its eclectic music policy and creative folly has announced the much anticipated annual festival theme and their full music line-up for the 17th – 19th February event held at Auckland’s Tapapakanga Reserve.

Splore’s first line up of music artists for the 2017 festival includes the exciting new talent – Sampa the Great who will make her New Zealand debut at Splore with her full live band. The Australian singer is receiving much acclaim for her innovative hip hop and spoken word delivery backed by clever production.

One the UK’s most popular festival bands, The Dub Pistols, will make a return to New Zealand following their blistering set at Splore 2016. The reggae ska band is fronted by the energetic and self-proclaimed crazy person, Barry Ashworth.

Also returning are jungle music’s true pioneers, The Ragga Twins. Australian electro pop duo GL will also make their New Zealand debut at Splore.

Skye And Ross of Morcheeba will perform at Splore as part of their exclusive world tour featuring their new debut album. Skye Edwards has one of the most recognisable voices on the planet and teamed with Ross Godfrey’s psychedelic guitar and backing band will create a sensational performance that Morcheeba fans will love. The spectacular Skye and Ross show will feature material from their newly released (September 2016) eponymous album as well as favourite Morcheeba hits.

Joining them in the line-up will be one the UK’s hottest new talents, Lady Leshurr. Her “Queen’s Speech” freestyle series has racked up over 73 million YouTube hits and has caught the attention of heavyweights like American producer Timbaland who is working on her coming debut album.

Beloved Californians Blackalicious, will also appear at Splore 2017. The duo of Gift of the Gab and Chief Xcel have a hard-won reputation as one of hip-hop’s most progressive, forward-thinking creative forces. They will be joined at Splore by Lateef the Truthspeaker.

And also announced is the UK’s fevered genius and festival favourite Beardyman. Touring his startling album, ‘Distractions’, Beardyman’s eclectic performers have been viewed over 60 million times on YouTube with improvisation being at the heart of his creative process.

Live local acts include the triumphant return of Pitch Black who will be touring their new album, Filtered Sensors, and unleashing some very special visuals for their Splore performance.

The lush soundscapes of Carnivorous Plant Society will emanate from Splore’s Main Stage along with the high energy Weird Together full live show plus the Latin grooves from the new 4 – piece Latinaotearoa (complete with dancers) and exciting new band Yoko-Zuna.

Other live music acts added to the Splore line up are virtuoso Indian musicians The Maharaj Trio and award-winning local band Sorceress, as well as up and coming vocalist and producer, Villette.

Exciting overseas DJ’s confirmed are Stones Throw’s Egyptian Lover who brought the house down at the recent 20th anniversary Stones Throw party. The old school LA producer/vocalist brings his in-your- face charisma which gets some of the best call and response reactions around. Joining him on the bill will be influential Detroit producer Tall Black Guy and one of NYC’s finest, Nickodemus. Also on the bill is Brazil’s Tahira.

Local DJ’s include, Frank Booker, Aroha, Greg Churchill, Dylan C, Dubhead and Selecta Sam. Eastern Bloc, Inky Waves, Chiccoreli and Tali, Cian, Jason Eli, Matt Drake, Funk Ferret, Randomplay, Gene Rivers, Finn, Adam O, FJ, Guy Johnson, Oaariki, Lauren F, Takas and the Dastardly Bounder.

John Minty, Splore Festival Director says one of the most commonly asked questions he hears is ‘What is the festival theme’?

“Splore’s creative element comes to life with the interpretation of the annual theme with the festival-goers participating and becoming part of the visual aesthetic. Saturday night at Splore is New Zealand’s biggest costume party where dressing up allows people to take on their alter ego and become uninhibited, making for much conviviality whilst watching world class entertainment.”

The theme for Splore 2017 is Strangely Familiar at the Splore Family Reunion. ‘Family Reunion’ because Splore kindred spirits have a ‘commonessence’ flowing through their diverse identities in a multi-coloured sea of fabulous costumes. The family that frolics together, stays together!

As a community we’re all ‘Strangely Familiar’, but are you the prodigal son or the wayward daughter? The family freak or the black sheep?

It’s an open brief on how the audience want to interpret being ‘Strangely Familiar’ at the Splore Family Reunion.

Minty says the findings from research undertaken every year often reveals it’s the smaller things that stand out as highlights for the audience.

“The food always features in the research as being a highlight and of course the location is a great draw card – you just can’t beat the Splore location, it’s one of the most beautiful festival locations in the world.”