Tour News - One NZ and Live Nation's Ones to Watch at this year's Rhythm and Vines Festival

Press ReleaseNewsTour News

18 Dec

Written By Megan Moss

Presented by: Live Nation and One New Zealand

Following a successful year of showcases throughout Aotearoa, One New Zealand and Live Nation’s upcoming artist showcase ONES TO WATCH has revealed their kiwi ‘Ones To Watch’ artists at this year’s Rhythm and Vines Festival, beginning next Sunday December 29.

The three incredible wāhine to catch at R&V are Elipsa, Jude Kelly and Dani Josie - who will all be taking the stage on day two of the festival - Monday December 30. Catch Dani and Jude on the Garden Stage and Elipsa on the Rhythm Stage!

ELIPSA aims to be the name on everyone’s lips. A multi-talented artist, excelling as a singer, songwriter, DJ, MC and stage host, Elipsa delivers heartfelt and honest lyrics coupled with a powerful and dynamic voice. Having worked with renowned artists such as Grafix, Kanine, Lee Mvtthews, Goddard, Enei and Mollie Collins to name a few, her breakthrough came with the release of her debut EP ‘Divine’ on the prestigious UKF label in 2022. Having garnered millions of streams on Spotify, Elipsa has gone on to perform across the globe as well as on some of New Zealand’s most prominent stages, which she returns to at this year’s Rhythm and Vines Festival. Her magnetic connection with fans and ravers across the globe stems from her infectious positivity, playful charm, and the overall captivating energy she brings to every performance.

JUDE KELLY is the artist project of 25 year old New Zealander Judah Kelly. Her sonic world is founded on soul pop littered with western/Americana and folk elements, driven by emotive vocals and poetic lyricism. With influences from Patti Smith, Hayley Williams, Florence and the Machine, Prince, Blondie, Cher, Miley Cyrus and Shania Twain, Jude’s music is a refreshing take on timeless songwriting. What started as writing and producing songs with her brother, transformed into a cinematic, gripping and refined sound that makes Jude’s music stand out. Channeling real life experience of love, loss, growth, accomplishment, and resilience all before the age of 20 - through it all, Jude was writing songs. With a debut EP set for 2025, Jude hopes for listeners to come with a curious heart and be open - feel the bad - feel the good. Having not performed live in a year, her Rhythm and Vines performance will include a snippet into this world. On her set at R&V, Jude says “Getting back to performing live is how I feel most comfortable. I can’t wait to share it with you all - and there are DJ’s after so we can just shake it off if need”.

DANI JOSIE, the 19-year-old punk-pop powerhouse is taking the music scene by storm. Her electrifying debut single Go Go Go became an instant hit - dominating radio airwaves, climbing the New Zealand charts multiple times, and amassing over 10,000 streams in just two days. Known for her high-energy performances and raw authenticity, Dani brings an edge to the stage that's impossible to ignore. With a voice that demands attention, a talent to write unique and powerful lyrics that resonate and passionate and catchy melodies, she's carving out her place as a fearless voice of her generation. Her shows are riots of expression, power, and unforgettable moments. Each song is an experience. With a number of singles ready to share with the world, Dani Josie is truly ‘One To Watch’.

Following a successful year of showcases throughout Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland and Pōneke, Wellington, names such as Frankie Venter, Gracie Moller, MAYJUN, Casual Healing, Sure Boy, Mikeyy, Reiki Ruawai, Sam Cullen and CRYSTAL have graced the Ones To Watch stage in 2024. Since inception, the showcase has featured a variety of genres from pop to indie, rock to hip hop, showcasing Aotearoa’s best when it comes to local music.

Launched in 2017 in the United States, Ones To Watch has helped boost the careers of artists now reaching global stages, including international superstars Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa and Gracie Abrams, as well as kiwi trailblazers Benee, LEISURE and Georgia Lines.

Past artists are added to the Ones To Watch homepage, where updates and information on them is regularly updated, exposing them to a wide audience of music lovers worldwide.

After launching an exclusive long-term partnership in 2019, Live Nation Australasia and One New Zealand have provided One NZ customers access to Live Nation’s entertainment portfolio including music, family and comedy tours and festivals across the country. The strategic multi-year partnership is committed to bringing the best live experiences to New Zealand and the best New Zealand artists to the world. The unique emerging talent platform of Ones To Watch builds on this strong partnership and a mutual dedication to support grassroots initiatives.