Download - Massive Magazine

IN SHORT
LA DE DA FESTIVAL TIPPED TO BE BEST YET
The La De Da festival is entering its third year of existence and is promising to provide
everything you want for a New Year to remember. Paul Berrington takes a look at what it
has to offer.
ABOUT 10,000 PARTYGOERS ARE EXPECTED TO
attend this year’s La De Da festival in Martinborough
for what is being tipped as the best yet.
Those who have been before know what to
expect – a great setting in the green fields of
Martinborough, a diverse line-up of international
and local acts across a range of genres,
and a vibe that makes this one of New Zealand’s
best festival experiences.
Co-promoter Josh Mossman says that going
into year 3 they want “to raise the bar yet
again”, and he believes they have achieved that
by attracting another fantastic line-up.
David Dallas is an example of how strong
local hip-hop has become over the past few
years, and his reputation for outstanding live
performances looks set to provide one of the
highlights. International DJ duo the Nextmen
have toured New Zealand many times, establishing
a reputation for bringing the party to
life with their blend of everything from UK
rap through to D&B bringing the sound of
a block party to any stage they perform on.
It wouldn’t be a truly New Zealand festival
without the addition of reggae, and local
heroes 1814, built around the Colbert brothers,
provide a 10-piece extravaganza that features
original songs alongside classics from Burning
Spear and Dennis Brown. In addition, the
self-proclaimed ‘sunshine reggae’ sound of
Wellington band Tomorrow People is perfectly
suited to sunny days and the festival vibe.
The sounds of drum and bass are another
favourite of New Zealand festival audiences,
and once again La De Da will provide a selection
of acts that are sure to thrill local fans. Arguably
the two biggest DJs in drum and bass, Andy C
and DJ Marky, provide a guarantee of quality
and fun. Andy C’s skills and tune selection are
second to none, and he has defined D& DJing
for more than a decade, sending fans into
raptures on regular tours to this part of the
world. He will be joined on stage by beatbox
hero Dub FX.
Coming with that Brazilian flavour, DJ Marky
once again brings regular collaborator MC
Stamina along for what is certain to be one of
the highlights of the festival’s electronic stage.
New Zealand’s finest live act, Shapeshifter, look
set to deliver another legendary New Year’s
performance, and headline the event this year.
Those familiar with their previous sets know
that this is one you really can’t afford to miss.
Local legend Concord Dawn will also be there,
while joining these acts on the electronic stage
will be Ram Records act Delta Heavy, and
dubstep innovators Bare Noize.
All of these acts are part of the first
announcement, and many more are due to be
added to the bill over the summer months.
Mossman says they have invested heavily in
the site and infrastructure “so we can provide
our ticket holders with the best possible festival
experience while they make Martinborough
their new home for two nights this December”.
And given the stunning location at Daisybank
Farm that shouldn’t be too difficult.
Another great aspect of the festival is that you
can volunteer to become part of a passionate
team focused on providing a memorable New
Years’ experience.
If you’re available to help set up the stages and
venue, or help during the festival, or perhaps
even during pack-down then contact the organisers
through the website. It’s a great way to
see the other side of festival while bringing
your skills to the table, and you also get the
benefit of free entry. Positions are available
for a number of roles, including both skilled
and casual positions, including everything
from carpenters through to traffic controllers
and food stalls. It is also a great opportunity
for Massey nursing students to put their skills
to the test in a practical environment. In other
words, there is a position for everyone, and with
more than 500 crew involved, it’s a chance to
meet like-minded people and have some fun
while enjoying La De Da. All applications must
be in by mid-November, so take a look and see
if it works for you.
Besides these opportunities, Mawsa and La De
Da combine to bring several events together,
including recent shows with hip hop legends
Pharcyde and Ghostface Killah, and several
sold-out events featuring Home Brew and @
Peace. This ongoing relationship not only
guarantees an influx of quality international
acts and national tours, but also benefits
Massey students.
Student discounts are available, and with a
number of ticket options it is easy to work out
what sort of New Year’s adventure suits you.
Passes are available for each day, meaning if you
have time for only one night then you can still
get a great deal, and if you’re more interested in
camping and taking in as much of the festival
as possible, there are discounts available for
passes that will allow you to see everything.
This is the only festival in the lower North
Island over the holiday period and has fast
established itself as one the best in the southern
hemisphere. With a wide range of acts to suit
the tastes of even the most discerning music
lover, La De Da provides a great option for
those needing a break after a tough year of
study and exams. Head over to the website to
keep up to date with further announcements of
acts and DJs, and with any festival news.
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