THE WAIT IS OVER. IT’S ROLLOUT TIME FOR NORTHERN BASS 2014/15!
FuZen Entertainment is proud to announce the first selection of top international and local artists to take to the stages at this year’s
Northern Bass New Years Festival.
You can read it here or you can see it unfold in our first ever Northern Bass announcement video.
After the resounding success of last year that saw the event programme broaden to encompass a wider range of bass-driven
artists,
promoters FuZen return with another line-up aimed at creating the perfect two-day New Years sound-track.
To ring in 2015, the Northern Bass team has once again chosen a truly global mix by selecting an incredible blend of
talented international and
local artists – all guaranteed to give revelers an unforgettable New Years Eve experience.
So appearing at Northern Bass 14/15 are….drum roll…..
* NOISIA * ANDY C * FAT FREDDYS DROP * PHAROAHE MONCH * DOC SCOTT * DJ VADIM * OM UNIT * MAD PROFESSOR * THE UPBEATS *
CONCORD DAWN * OPTIMUS GRYME * DYLAN C * AROHA * EAVESDROP * ESTÉRE * DEEP FRIED DUB* DIAZ GRIMM * CTFD * SCIZZORHANDS *
BEAT MAFIA * KNIGHTS OF THE DUB TABLE*
And that’s just the first announcement!
On-top of these great artists, expect more of what has made Northern Bass not just the freshest kid on the festival
block but one of the best!
This year there is a re-designed site layout; a new performance zone; improved access for campers; and yes, even more
bass.
NORTHERN BASS 2014/15
DEC 30th & DEC 31st
Worsfold Farm, Settlement Road, Mangawhai
Tickets are on-sale now from Real Groovy Records, Conch Records and iTicket: http://www.iticket.co.nz/go-to/northern-bass-2014
Get Social: Keep an eye on our website and our socials for all the details, great competitions and updates on camping,
buses, festival line-up and food as well as some special features that we can’t wait to share with you.
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NORTHERN BASS 2014/15 – EDITORS NOTES – FIRST ANNOUNCE
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS:
Noisia - Netherlands
Original, emotional, visceral. These are all words that are used to describe Noisia’s music and each is more than
justified. In less than a decade the Dutch trio, renowned for their unparalleled technical skill, have gradually
developed and cultivated a sound that’s all their own; a sound that’s obsessed with production techniques; a sound
that’s instantly recognisable whether you’re hearing three minutes of a Noisia track dropped at a festival or three
hours of it while playing video games.
Having pushed the envelope and successfully managed to blend incredible sound design with unrelenting and uncompromising
beats and basslines, Noisia’s sound is undoubtedly unique.
Work closely with Kiwi drum and bass artists The Upbeats
Andy C - UK
The worlds’ number 1 drum and bass DJ, Andy C is a long-time FuZen Entertainment and Northern Bass favourite. Always
pulling from the freshest and best tunes, an Andy C show is always full of energy.
Before his last visit to New Zealand for Northern Bass 2012/13, Andy had this to say:
“Oh, I'm always looking forward to Auckland, I mean... Auckland has just been the main stay of my touring in NZ and it
always seems to get better every year.”
In the world of electronic music, there are few bigger names than that of Andy C. Much more than just a DJ, Andy C is a
true figurehead for the drum & bass movement, within which he has been an instrumental player since its very beginnings; his DJ sets and own seminal
productions helping to evolve the genre through the many stages of its evolution.
Head of Ram Records - world leading drum and bass label
Numerous awards for top drum and bass DJ
Pharoahe Monch - USA
While many hip hop artists will talk about money and material things, you are more likely to hear independent artist
Pharoahe Monch talk about surviving lung disease and depression. Monch has never made a secret of his battle with
asthma. But he has also battled with medication issues and depression.
The depression was so severe that family friends had to stand watch over him fearing what he might do to himself. It
wasn’t until a visit to the dentist that Monch was told that the combination of medications he was taking created the
side effects, which included suicidal thoughts.
“I just melted on his desk and I started balling. I couldn’t breathe. I didn't know what was crippling me. I couldn't
figure it out until he pointed it out.”
Recently released new album: PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Part of an independent hip hop artists alliance: “Indie 500” with Northern Bass 13/14 headliner Talib Kweli
Doc Scott - UK
One of the original, pioneering drum and bass artists to make their way down to New Zealand back in 1997, when
international DJs lugged bags full of heavy vinyl across the world to play for Kiwis.
From the birth of drum n bass to where it is today. From its transitions from rave to hardcore, jungle-techno to
tech-step to DNB, UK based, to a global scene and industry. Doc Scott has seen it all and been there for the entire
journey.
A man who has earned the title of “legend”, Doc Scott has been part of the birth and development of drum and bass music
as we know it today. But he sums up his 25+ years in the music industry very simply on his social bios: “I’m a DJ who
has made some music”
One of the first international drum and bass artists to play in NZ - 1997
Last in NZ in 2009
DJ Vadim - Russia
DJ Vadim has become well respected as an innovator in a number of areas during his career, "a veteran presence in the DJ
community as well as one of the foremost producers in too many communities to count, Vadim is never running out of
ideas" (URB Magazine). In 1994, Vadim founded his own independent record label, Jazz Fudge and signed to Ninja Tune the
following year. So begun Vadim’s adventure that is now in its twentieth year and has seen him tour across 68 countries
and perform over 2500 times.
Hard to put a peg on because he sticks to no rule-book, Vadim’s musical repertoire encompasses hip hop, trip hop, soul,
funk, grime, reggae, dub and bass, and he has produced numerous solo and group albums across these genres (Ninja Tune,
Jazzfudge, Wordsound, BBE) with seminal tracks such as The Terrorist, Black is the Night and Bluebird.
Vadim also has a great relationship with Aotearoa as indicated by releases featuring Fat Freddy’s Drop, Julian Dyne and
now on a recent project, Rio Hemopo.
Brand new album, released on Kiwi label Loop recordings: Dubcatcher http://www.mixcloud.com/DJVadim/dubcatcher-4-busy-people/
Om Unit - UK
Om Unit is the alias of Jim Coles. But it is not the first and only alias! Producing since his early teens, he started
with jungle before graduating via the world of turntablism under the 2tall moniker and representing the UK in the DMC
World DJ Championships.
Next up it was Phillip D Kick - 2 ep releases and then on to Om Unit, an appearance under yet another name, Dream
Continuum and who knows how many more to come!
The Red Bull Music Academy recognised Om Unit’s originality, dedication and pedigree, selecting him for its 2011 edition
in Madrid. The accolade and opportunities offered by the experience fed the producer’s creativity while growing his
public standing.
Mad Professor - UK
The name Mad Professor was first given by friends at school, who were amazed by the experiments he carried out as a
youth.
Having built a radio and telephone system at the age of 10 years, it was no surprise that his interest and subsequent
career in electronics along with a love of Motown, Philadelphia International, Treasure Isle and music of all types
propelled him onward.
By the mid Nineties, Mad Professor’s profile increased to legendary status after remixing Massive Attack’s second album,
Protection. No Protection was instantly received by all corners of the globe, benefiting from Virgin / EMI international
launch pad.
Mad Professor is also involved in the Back to Africa festival, an annual celebration in the Gambia, committed to the
positive movement of descendants of Africans back to Africa.
NEW ZEALAND ARTISTS:
Fat Freddy’s Drop - NZ
From headlining European festivals to headlining Northern Bass this New Year!
Perennial soul shakers Fat Freddy's Drop have carved a place for themselves in music lore; NZ's highest-selling album by
an independent artist (Based On A True Story), a slew of RIANZ Tuis for everything from Best Producer, Album of The
Year, Best Artwork, Best Video to People’s Choice awards, a multitude of performances at internationally acclaimed
festivals including SONAR, Bestival, WOMAD, Lowlands, DEMF, Pukkelpop, Glastonbury and Roskilde.
The current Freddy's HQ is Bays Studio, Wellington; a studio equipped with a decent kitchen, inextricably linking the
band's love of good cuisine matched with music.
Recently appeared in the kitchen with Josh Emmett
http://britomart.org/whats-on/fat-freddys-drop-join-josh-emett-kiss-cook-event-ostro
The Upbeats - NZ
Not only do Jeremy and Dylan make waves around the world with their own productions, including the scarily beautiful
Alone (off the 2013 album Primitive Technique), the duo are the mastering genius behind polishing the recent
Shapeshifter releases.
Nicknamed Terror Snake and Downie Wolf respectively, Jeremy and Dylan are not your average, boring producers. Meeting at
school through mutual interests in surfing, skating and ‘being gangly teenagers’ Jeremy had to work hard to pull Dylan
into the world of drum & bass. But the snake soon overcame the wolf’s natural propensity for rock music and, fortunately for us all, a love of
fast breakbeats and low-slung bass-lines soon followed.
Known around the world as some of the nicest people in drum and bass, The Upbeats are a favourite part of the FuZen and
Northern Bass family!
Work closely with Northern Bass headliner: Noisia
Recent release: Rituals EP
theupbeats.co.nz (currently undergoing maintenance but will be back soon!)
Concord Dawn - NZ
Concord Dawn is a legendary name that needs very little introduction. Concord Dawn is responsible for getting a large
number of Kiwi fans into the world of drum and bass. From the iconic Morning Light through to new single Moonlighting,
Concord Dawn is an essential part of any drum and bass fans’ music collection.
A founding father of the New Zealand producing scene, Matt Harvey is now based in Vienna Austria, but comes home to tour
at least twice a year!
Concord Dawn collaborates with Kiwi vocalists whenever he gets a chance. This includes some huge tracks with Thomas
Oliver (These Prison Walls), Tali (Moonlighting), Tiki Taane (Don’t Tell Me).
More collaborations are in the pipeline with Kiwi and international vocalists, and Matt looks for opportunities to share
the stage and get exposure for up and coming as well as established artists.
Concord Dawn is a favourite part of the FuZen and Northern Bass family!
Concord Dawn recently took out 2 spots in GeorgeFM’s Top 42 Aotearoa Anthems of All Time http://www.georgefm.co.nz/Music/NZMusicMonth2014.aspx
Recently released Moonlighting feat Tali (Available for promo purposes on the June Kiwi Hit Disc)
Free releases available through the CD Facebook page
Optimus Gryme - NZ
Optimus Gryme aka Charlie B has been an ambassador of bass music in New Zealand for over 15 years.
As well as setting up his own label 'OG Recordings', he went on to release NZ's first ever Dubstep 12inch record, the
countries first ever solo Dubstep album and the largest collaboration of NZ Dubstep artists on the 30 track compilation
entitled 'Aotearoa Dubstep Allstarz'.
Recent release: http://www.beatport.com/track/the-enclosure-original-mix/5345990
Aroha - NZ
Aroha has been making her mark in the New Zealand music industry for many years. Well known for her work in radio and
music TV, in audio technology, and as an accomplished DJ, music is her passion. You can catch Aroha weekday mornings
6-10am hosting George Breakfast (alongside co-host Clarke Gayford) on NZ’s #1 dance music station, George FM.
Winner of the reader-voted 2013 Rip It Up Magazine “Best Of Kiwi - Best Club DJ” award, Aroha’s eclectic blend of
techno, house and bass heavy goodness continues to win her fans around Aotearoa.
Recently voted “Hottest Radio Personality” http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119=11288583
Beat Mafia - NZ
Known as The Beat Mafia, Auckland DJs Phillip Haeder and Reuben Rivers-Smith have been part of the Auckland clubbing
community for over a decade as club DJs, George FM radio hosts, music producers and event promoters.
Lately The Beat Mafia have focused their attention on the production studio remixing popular bands such as, Milky
Chance, Banglade$h and The Royal Concept with their productions becoming mainstays on Auckland’s favourite electronic
radio station, George FM.
Latest single with Diaz Grimm ‘Motivation’ peaked at #1 on the NZ Electronic charts on iTunes this year.
CTFD (Calmthefvckdown) - NZ
Hamilton-based producers CTFD (Sligh & Tony Douglas) met through their love of hip hop and formed CTFD in April 2012. Their first track ‘Atencion’ infiltrated
clubs and radio waves around the country and resulted in collaborations with international artists such as ETC ETC.
In October 2013, CTFD collaborated with the NZ King of producers, P-Money on a song named “New Love- - currently getting
a lot of radio play across stations including George FM.
Deep Fried Dub - NZ
Deep Fried Dub is a dubwise electronic duo that consists of two Kiwi-born Melbourne based producers Ben Hartley and Ben
Dudding. The two originally met in Auckland (NZ) where they formed the electronic dance group Redivider in 1996.
Their early involvement in integral events such as the gathering helped form the early dance music scene in New Zealand and gained them a cult following and extensive radio play on
alternative radio, before moving to Australia in 2000.
Deep Fried really started getting recognition in Australia in the last couple of years when they started playing at a
number of high profile festivals such as Earth Dance and Rainbow Serpent.
Diaz Grimm - NZ
Named an artist to watch by RipItUp magazine, it's obvious not only within the New Zealand hip-hop and bass music scene
but among NZ music in general Diaz is a very relevant artist to keep an eye on where it takes him.
Diaz will be in the Redbull Studios in October this year to complete his debut studio album 'Osiris' which will see some
of NZ's finest creative minds and a few international folk come together to build something truly special.
Dylan C - NZ
Dylan C, Auckland's local hero, is a DJ, go-to-guy, Base FM Programme Director and a big part of the FuZen/Northern Bass
family.
The man who can mix anything works pretty much every night as a DJ - supporting internationals or just generally being
an awesome local headliner. His radio show: The Headspace, showcases all sorts of goodness across the musical spectrum
and is now 10 years strong on BaseFM. Not content with one show, Dylan also co-presents Base Breakfast and Kiwi-music
show Native Tongues.
Eavesdrop - NZ
Eavesdrop’s debut LP, Pins & Needles released by Loop Recordings in March 2013, is the result of dedication, talent, hard graft and organic
collaborations. Teaming up with vocalists Soulyric, Keshia, J-Dubs, MC Tali & violinist Yoomia, Pins & Needles is a solid Kiwi release.
Eavesdrop’s reputation has seen him play live consistently in New Zealand the past few years, with this past summer no
exception. Delivering break-through performances at the likes of Northern Bass Festival, Secluded Sounds and the
Shotover Festival after party. He was also part of a nation wide tour with Veteran Drum & Bass DJ Asides, over the summer months.
Estére - NZ
Estère is a girl with an MPC she calls Lola. She produces all her own songs with Lola, mostly at home in her pyjamas. Since obtaining Lola in March 2012, Estère has played a large variety of live performances in cities and festivals
throughout New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Europe.
Over the last year Estère has also opened for a variety of international artists, including Erykah Badu, Morcheeba,
Baths, Ikonika and KT Tunstall. In April 2014 Estère released her debut self produced album via band camp.
In October 2013 Estère also embarked on the Red Bull Prodigy collaborative project with Washington D.C./ New York
Producer and Northern bass 2013/14 artist, Oddisee, which saw them spend two weeks together in a studio writing music.
Knights of the Dub Table - NZ
Formed in 2008 while studying a music degree at Wintec in Waikato New Zealand, electro dub group ‘Knights of the Dub
Table’ dive into sonic frequencies taking audiences on high energy and dynamic live journeys.
The bands sound has evolved alongside the bands creative discoveries and musical passions over the years and has matured
into the distinctive and dynamic sound that represents the Knights today.
Scizzorhands - NZ
Hailing from West Auckland Scizzorhands (Elton Noyer) is a New Zealand Turntablist DJ who is always improving on skill
and knowledge and bringing a variety of music in a HipHop way.
Also opening for Acts in New Zealand such as De La Soul And Pharoahe Monch, Scizzorhands jammed live on stage with
Pharoahe Monch’s DJ Boogie Blind of the legendary X-Ecutioners in true Turntablist style. Currently Scizzorhands hold
down Weekly Radio shows on KFM, BaseFM and Radio Burgerfuel.