Raglan’s renowned Soundsplash Festival is gearing up for its much-anticipated return in 2024 unveiling a fresh lineup of artists set to light up the stage next year.
The first lineup announcement includes a diverse range of International and local acts. Freshly unveiled are headliners; Coterie, Delta Heavy, K Motionz, Mallrat, Tiki Taane and joining them will be acclaimed genre-defying quintet, Delhi-based Peter Cat Recording Co.
Peter Cat Recording Co. draws inspiration from a diverse spectrum of influences, spanning from Sam Cooke to Hindi film music and even Bangkok surf rock. Psychedelic disco-rock collides with high-octane gypsy jazz, with trumpets soaring above snug chord progressions and lively drum rhythms. Yet what truly captivates the listener is frontman Suryakant Sawhney’s voice—an agile, velvety croon that seems like Sinatra under the influence of mind-altering substances.
After years of being one of India’s best-kept musical treasures, Peter Cat Recording Co. is finally making their way to the southern hemisphere, making their NZ debut at Soundsplash. Earlier this year, when they unveiled their first U.S. tour, the band quickly sold out three nights in New York and four in Los Angeles without any marketing. Their growing Western popularity is partly credited to pandemic-era music discovery and prominent Spotify playlist features.
International acts will be joined by homegrown talents, including Georgia Lines, and Raglan’s very own Muroki and Reiki Ruawai.
Reiki, known for his work with band Masaya, will deliver a solo performance at Soundsplash 2024. He has established himself as a captivating presence in the R&B, dance, and soul genres, crafting music rich in enchanting vocals and evocative melodies, pulsating with emotion and rhythm. His recent singles like “Working Title” and “Papatuānuku” showcase this mesmerising blend. Influenced by his scenic hometown Whāingaroa, Reiki’s artistry resonates deeply with audiences.
Muroki has produced a series of laid-back hits, including the platinum-selling track “Wavy.” He caught the attention of Benee and earned a spot on Elton John’s Rocket Hour radio show in 2020 with his self-released debut. In 2023, he launched singles like “Sweet Lime” and “Watching Movies,” crafted and recorded during sessions in New York and Berlin. Muroki is set to introduce a succession of fresh tracks for his expanding fanbase.
Both Reiki and Muroki were part of the APRA AMCOS SongHubs initiative in February, where Kiwi writers collaborated with top international talents. The event was curated by critically acclaimed songwriter and producer Jordan Rakei, along with two internationally lauded songwriters from the UK, Holly Fletcher (Låpsley) and Ben Jackson-Cook.
Joining our hometown stars will be Georgia Lines, a rising luminary in the New Zealand music landscape. She has swiftly captivated audiences throughout the nation with her exceptional voice, magnetic presence, and songwriting prowess. In 2022, Lines made a pronounced entrance into the ranks of top-tier local artists with her EP “Human,” which debuted at No 3 on the NZ Top 40 and led to a triumphant nationwide tour. Her soulful and dreamlike vocals, coupled with her distinct, feel-good R&B-infused pop compositions, are forging a sound that’s becoming increasingly impossible to overlook.
The team behind Soundsplash is excited to celebrate 23 years of Soundsplash festival, which strives to create a unique environment bringing together live music, art and culture. Earlier in the year Soundsplash organisers announced major changes to their entry process, including the introduction of a Road to Raglan Auckland return bus and staggered entry times to tackle wait times experienced during the last event. More information and tickets are available at the festival website soundsplash.co.nz.
Soundsplash Festival, Wainui Reserve, Raglan, January 19 – 21, 2024.
