Go Live Festival

In the late 90s/early 2000s, NZ electronica act Minuit (pronounced min-wee, French for midnight) were regulars in the Chch indie-dance scene, in venues like Carbon, Jetset Lounge, Ministry. 'Boy with the Aubergine Hair', 'Except You', 'Fuji', 'Menace' were high-rotate on RDU and Pulsar FM. 

Fronted by the enigmatic Ruth Carr, her 'coy yet threatening' persona made for a must-see live act, while bandmates Ryan Beehre and Paul Dodge forged rib-rattling beats around her.

In 2003, the band released their debut album, The 88, which went gold in NZ, quickly followed up by The Guns EP.

Over the next decade, the trio toured their synths and samplers from Berlin to Hanoi on the live circuit crafting their own refreshing sound. The band recorded four albums before calling it a day in 2014 when they played their final shows.

We asked them, what made you get back together for Go Live?

“Christchurch has always had a place in Minuit's heart. Forming as a band in Nelson, we felt far from the music scenes, and it was Ōtautahi venues that welcomed us. Ross at the Dux gave us our first gig outside of Nelson. RDU DJs picked up the tunes. There were so many shows with crowds in Base, Carbon, Double Happy, Winnies, Al's Bar, the Civic with Concord Dawn, Alpine Unity, underground and overground outdoor festivals via long and winding treks into the forests... Ryan held a DJ residency at Concrete as Funkn'slocuts. And we all ended up living in Christchurch at some stage. 

Tadpole stands as one of New Zealand's most influential rock bands, whose explosive sound and charismatic presence catapulted them to national acclaim in the early 2000s. Formed in Auckland in 1994, the band's journey has been marked by platinum records, chart-topping singles, and unforgettable live performances that cemented their place in Kiwi music history.

The band's watershed moment came in 2000 with the release of their debut album, The Buddhafinger, which rocketed to #2 on the Official New Zealand Top 40 Albums Chart and achieved double-platinum status. This landmark release spent an impressive 46 weeks on the charts and spawned hit singles including "For Me" (#12), "Backdoor" (#12), and "Alright" (#21).

Their sophomore effort, The Medusa (2002), continued their success, landing at #10 on the album charts and showcasing the band's evolution with what critics described as "a much darker, at times, menacing sound." Throughout their initial run, Tadpole garnered multiple New Zealand Music Award nominations, including Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Group of the Year in 2001.

After disbanding in 2006, Tadpole made headlines with their reformation in March 2024. The band returned to the stage for select performances, delighting long-time fans and introducing their distinctive sound to new audiences. November 2024 marked a new era for Tadpole with the introduction of powerhouse vocalist Lauren Marshall, bringing fresh energy while staying true to the band's signature sound. Marshall joined original members Chris Yong (guitar) and Dean Lawton (drums), with Shannon Brown on bass and DJ Kritikl on turntables to forge an exciting new chapter in the band's storied history.

SLIM: Back from the Drive Thru

Slim erupted onto Christchurch’s underground scene in the late ‘90s, fuelled by a relentless two-year streak of dive-bar and all-ages shows. Their explosive live energy culminated in a career-defining support slot for US nu-metal giants Korn at the Town Hall. 

Managed by local music hall-of-famer Carla Potter, Slim picked up the pace and got to work. Their songs appeared on her iconic Brat compilations, while the band hit the road relentlessly touring the country with labelmates Shihad and HLAH and stacking up support slots for a wildly diverse lineup, including Regurgitator, Rocket From the Crypt, You Am I, Silverchair, The Melvins, Creed, Live, and Tool. Their blistering live reputation landed them festival slots nationwide, including two standout performances at Big Day Out.

When Wildside enlisted Neil Baldock to produce their seminal album, Drive Thru, at Auckland’s Revolver Studios, Slim leaned into their high-velocity, melodic punk instincts. The result of the 2001 collaboration was a short, sharp, often observational collection of pop-rock songs on steroids. But while Drive Thru captured a moment in time, Slim’s true strength was always onstage.

Now, 22 years on from their last performance in 2003, the band is both humbled and beyond excited to announce their return for Go Live 2025.

The reunion, however, is bittersweet. Longtime fans of the Christchurch underground scene will know that original bassist Donald McClure tragically passed away from cancer on March 14, 2015. The remaining members - Scott Mason (drums/vocals), Simon Meehan (Guitar) and Aaron Hogg (lead vocals/guitar) have enlisted Pieces of Molly bassist Doug Stewart to play Don's parts.

“This whole thing started as just an excuse to fire up the old Valiant and take it for a burl,” the band says. “But it’s also an incredible chance to celebrate Don—our friend, our brother—the way we know best: by smashing out these songs in front of a pumping crowd of new and old listeners.

“As hard as it’s been, emotionally, relearning these tracks—hearing Don’s spirit woven into the melodies and lyrics—it’s been cathartic. We’re going to do our best to make him proud, and we’ll play as hard, fast, and with as much integrity as our old asses can… just maybe a few BPM slower.”

Cairo Knife Fight (CKF) is a dynamic duo originally from New Zealand, renowned for their innovative approach to music and electrifying live performances. The band consists of drummer and vocalist Nick Gaffaney and guitarist George Pajon Jr.

Nick Gaffaney is a seasoned musician who has collaborated with many of New Zealand's leading songwriters and producers. In 2009, Nick had a dream of CKF’s sound—one that would go beyond the limitations of a two-person lineup by using real-time layered loops to create a rich, full-bodied musical experience. As soon as he woke up, he sketched out the stage plot and the equipment needed to make it a reality, laying the groundwork for the band's unique approach.

George Pajon Jr. is a Grammy Award-winning guitarist and songwriter with an impressive portfolio, having worked with international music heavyweights such as The Black Eyed Peas, Carlos Santana, Macy Gray, Nas, and Damien Marley. His collaboration with Gaffaney has infused CKF's sound with expansive, ambient guitar soundscapes and compelling riffs, creating a distinctive musical identity.

CKF's live performances are renowned for their intensity and the seamless integration of technology and musicianship. Their ability to create a full, immersive sound as a duo has captivated audiences worldwide, earning them spots at major festivals and tours alongside music legends.

Cairo Knife Fight continues to redefine the possibilities of a two-person band, blending technical prowess with creative experimentation. Their journey from New Zealand to international stages exemplifies their dedication to their craft and their ability to adapt and innovate in the ever-evolving landscape of music.

The band are coming direct from the U.S for their first hometown show in over 9 years.

Rodney Fisher, renowned as the frontman of the iconic New Zealand band Goodshirt, has continually pushed creative boundaries throughout his illustrious career.  Now, he’s joined by Ōtautahi duo The Response—Andy and Victoria Knopp—renowned for their immersive alt-pop sound, as well as playing in local acts, Imperial April, Volts and Katie Thompson and leaving their sonic signature on dozens of acts nationally.

Having quietly enjoyed The Response’s unique alternative style over past years, Fisher finally met the duo after hearing their cover of Goodshirt’s Fiji Baby. “We got talking, and I made plans to send them a track to get their take on a remix version.” One remix turned into what’s been described as a beautiful and pensive album, Art School Dropout, released in September 2023. This introspective collection showcases a seamless blend of acoustic-driven melodies and atmospheric electronic elements. Tracks like “ICU” envelop listeners with intimate vocals and intricate guitar arrangements, reflecting the collaborative synergy between Fisher and The Response.

Don’t miss Rodney Fisher & The Response as they bring Art School Dropout to the stage—an essential experience for festivalgoers looking for something fresh yet familiar.

Terrible Sons is the ‘folkish’ project of songwriters and musicians Lauran (LA) Mitchell and husband Matt Barus. Their music explores life's tensions – exhaustion and joy, heartbreak and love, loneliness and companionship.

Both have had extensive and varied experiences in music, previously as members of Dukes and with Lauren’s active project LA Mitchell; from supporting artists such as Stevie Wonder, the Pretenders and Blondie, (who they also wrote songs for) to being session musicians for Dave Dobbyn’s band; and from playing a show on a special Air NZ & MTV flight between Auckland and Sydney for the MTV Awards to being a member (LA Mitchell) of Fly My Pretties.

Lately, as Terrible Sons, they’ve been touring Aotearoa while releasing a quartet of EPs, racking up some large streaming numbers while their recent critically acclaimed debut LP The Raft Is Not The Shore was nominated for Best Folk Artist 2024 at the Aotearoa Music Awards.

Rising country stars Steffany Beck and Miranda Easten partnered up to create the Saddle up Sisters, a genuine sisterhood that loves country music.

Together the dynamic duo co-wrote and released powerful country duet single ‘Hell & Back’, charting at #12 on the Tasmanian & OZCMR Top 40 Country Chart, and were nominated for duo of the year and awarded 3rd place in the TIMA (Tasmanian Independent Music Awards). They double headlined a national tour including Tussock Country Music Festival, TSB Festival of lights, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and five in-store live performances in JB Hi-Fi’s throughout NZ, and released a tour music video for their single ‘Hell & Back’, capturing their bestie adventure.

These two country gals perform original music as well as the classic sisters in country, Shania Twain, Jewel, Dolly Parton and, of course, Taylor Swift. With more music and shows on the way, these two are just breaking in their boots.

Miranda Easten is a dynamic singer, songwriter, radio presenter, and author. She launched her solo career in 2019 with Behind Unbroken Strings, recorded at Roundhead Studios with Greg Haver (producer for Mel C, Kimbra, Manic Street Preachers). Her singles ‘Country Boy’ and ‘View From Here’ gained international success, with the latter topping the Australian charts and dominating Taste of Country in the U.S.

Currently, Miranda is preparing her third studio album, set for release in 2025.

Beyond music, Miranda is an accomplished poet and short story writer, exploring themes of resilience and personal growth. She hosts The SXC Workday on Southern Cross Country, New Zealand’s only mainstream country radio station. A supercar enthusiast, she has been featured in multiple automotive publications and TV appearances and writes for NZ Classic Driver Magazine. 

Steffany Beck is a country pop singer-songwriter with an impressive list of career highlights, including recently releasing her country debut EP, PILLARS, recorded with multi-award winning producer Ben Edwards and charting at #6 in The Top 20 NZ Albums and at #4 in the Top 10 Albums Independent Music NZ.

Writing songs with celebrated Aotearoa singer-songwriter Bic Runga and performing live with kiwi music legends Jason Kerrison (lead singer from Opshop) and Anika Moa. She has won a national songwriting competition and, just this past summer, she performed in Christmas in the Park, NZ Spirit Festival, Summer Sundays, South Island Wine and Food Festival opening for Kaylee Bell and many more!

Charged with an electrifying fusion of pop and rock, Ōtautahi band Castaway bring a captivating high-energy show to any stage they come across. The band met in their first year at university, as fate brought the five boys from all across the country to the same hall of residence.

Years on, the band lives and breathes music from their flat in Ōtautahi. When they aren’t chasing each other up for not unloading the dishwasher or sharing a delicious meal at the dinner table, they are hard at work on their sophomore EP, Nondual. In 2024, Castaway celebrated an opening slot for Drax Project, two releases in the NZ Hot 20, and making airwaves on ZM Locals Only, MoreFM, The Hits, Hauraki, RNZ and The Edge.

Influenced by the anthemic prowess of The Killers, the emotive melodies of Coldplay, the indie-rock vibes of Inhaler, and the genre-bending creativity of The 1975, Castaway write fun and emotive songs that get stuck in the head and the heart.

Meet The Rainfall, a dynamic three-piece rock band from Ōtautahi Christchurch. Drawing inspiration from a range of artists such as Blink-182 and Foo Fighters to Oasis, The Beatles, and other pop artists – The Rainfall infuses every performance with an electrifying energy.

Coming off a New Zealand tour, their new single “Nothing Makes Sense” has reached #9 in the NZ rock radio airplay charts. The Rainfall are now back in the studio writing and recording the next batch of songs for their highly anticipated sophomore album. Fans can look forward to more new music, videos and live shows.

Out of the expanse of the Canterbury Plains comes One Waka – a dub roots co operative bringing their take on reggae rhythms, up skanked tempos and soulful vibes. The One Waka family history began long before music was its main focus.

As the different braids in the river crossed, so too did the stories and connections from the land, bringing about an indescribable buzz!

With enjoying the journey of life as their primary focus, One Waka’s mission is to sing their songs through the rich and colourful framework of reggae music, always paying respect to those before them and enjoying the ride along the way!

Formed in 2023, Ellie Oak are a five piece band featuring lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Si Hart, keyboardist/vocalist Nic Hart, bassist/vocalist Tim Cederman, lead guitarist Rob Grover and drummer Andy Gibbs. Their debut EP, released in 2024, launched a tour of New Zealand with the lead single 'Give it a Go' becoming a fan favourite. With their second EP on the way and new music set for release in 2025, Ellie Oak continues to carve out their place in the indie music scene.

There’s something called a three-field crop rotation, where one is simultaneously growing sustenance but leaving one field fallow for the next rolling meadow. A cycle of influence, pulling across the chaff, always making new progress.

It seems fitting that this metaphor suits multi-instrumentalist and producer Ryan Chin, who has never seemed content in making music in just one scene. Starting his career as a drummer for successful indie electronica act Doprah, moving into deep session work for a gamut of Aotearoa’s most successful independent acts, whilst also adopting the nom de plume Ryan Fisherman, only demonstrates the natural embracement of change of a mature recording artist.

His first debut album, Vibe, is an intensely self-reflective work, featuring notable musicians from across his storied history as a touring and recording artist. The album’s opiate country oeuvre rightfully earned a finalist placing at 2021’s Best Country Artist category at NZ’s Country Music Awards. Alongside extensive coverage on RNZ and festival appearances, Chin established himself as an austere voice in Aotearoa’s alternative music camp.