I was recently asked to give a live Q and A on the NZ Herald website with the launch
of our 10 year anniversary documentary 'Behind the Vines'. These are my responses.
Hi
everyone, ask Hamish your Rhythm and Vines questions by clicking 'Comment Now'
above. He'll be in at 12.
by Hayden Donnell October 18 at 9:43 AM
·
Hi team, Im here ready to go and answer any questions
you may have about all things Rhythm!
by Hamish October 18 at
11:59 AM
·
Hi Hamish, thanks for coming in.
by Hayden Donnell October 18 at 12:00 PM
·
Of all the international bands / artists you've had
play at RnV, who has been your favourite and why?
by JamesE October 18 at
12:00 PM
o
Hamish
I
guess my own music taste aside, a memorable act has been Chase and Status.
There was lots of interest to get them out and we worked for a few years to get
them here. When they came it was arguably the most 'enthusastic' crowd
participation the festival has seen.
October
18 at 12:02 PM
o
Hamish
Was
great to have them back and again were questionably the highlight of last years
festival. Look forward to having the whole live show in future!
October
18 at 12:03 PM
o
Hamish
I
personally loved some of the rock we have had at the festival. A highlight was
Kooks and Franz Ferdinand back in 2008, and Tame Impala last year.
October
18 at 12:08 PM
o
Dilated music and loud pupils
Tame
impala was beautiful
October
18 at 12:48 PM
·
Hi Hamish - Which R+V act had the wildest mosh pit?
by Rees October 18 at 12:02 PM
o
Hamish
Don't
think we have had complete moshing at R&V the year we had Pendulum the
crowd was surging prior to the show which was a real worry. Our Production
Manager had to get on stage and calm the crowd down and we played some Bob
Marley to chill things. There was that much anticipation. Luckily everyone
calmed down, the last thing we want to do is get a D ring style fencing in at
R&V as it defeats the purpose of a free and relaxed concert environment
October
18 at 12:05 PM
o
Hamish
I
know the Shihad performances have also got the crowd pretty wild as well!
October
18 at 12:06 PM
·
Hi Hamish - what was the most shocking memory of RnV
that you have? Good or bad
by Emma October 18 at
12:05 PM
o
Hamish
One
memory was the Soundtruck heading off the road last year. I was about to get on
a plane to Rhythm and Alps so was following the news for updates. As it turns
out we were that close to losing the whole main stage, but for a dedicated
sound team who were able to find a new rig and get it ready in time for gates
opening. It was still being tuned as headliners Netksy LIVE and Knife Party
performed. We were that close to losing a whole stage which would have been a
complete disaster.
October
18 at 12:07 PM
·
Aside from Daft Punk (too obvious!), what is the act
you've always wanted but can never get?
by Miss C October 18 at 12:08 PM
o
Hamish
It
would be ambitious to think we could get a large rock act to R&V. I
personally would love to see one of Muse, Foo Fighters but the scale of productions
along with cost may be to large to get to R&V
October
18 at 12:10 PM
o
Hamish
I
would love to see Pearl Jam there, but its fantastic they are going to be at
Big Day Out this year. Ill be there. Other acts that may suit the new years eve
festivities would be The Prodigy. We continue to keep asking the questions!
October
18 at 12:11 PM
·
which artist have you found to be completely bonkers?
by LenBrown October 18 at
12:10 PM
o
Hamish
America
hip hop star tend to be on a different level. Not bonkers but they come from
another world of fame and excess and demand a certain level of hospitality.
Overall though I think Gisborne and R&V is a great leveller, if you can't
drop you game when you arrive on a twin prop engine to little old Gissy airport
and are greeted by a friendly smile then you are not human!
October
18 at 12:13 PM
·
What is your vision for R&V in 10 years time?
by Grant October 18 at 12:14 PM
o
Hamish
I
think continue to keep sustainable and in business is number one. Would be
fantastic to still be here in 10 years. NYE isnt going anywhere. The even may
continue to grow we have room on site for further expansion but are realistic
about what we can achieve in Gisborne due to infrastructure. Id like to see it
be a catalyst for drawing visitors to NZ, just like Tomorrowland brings
thousands of people to Belgium. Id like to see Rhythm and Alps continue to grow
and be on par with the Gisborne show
October
18 at 12:16 PM
o
Hamish
It
would be an exciting dream to think we would replicate and export our concept
in new markets overseas as well. I think R&V is a unique offering unlike
anything else and there is no reason it could not work in other vineyard
regions around the world.
October
18 at 12:17 PM
·
Who's the best band you've ever dealt with and, on the
other side, who's the worst?
by YOLO October 18 at
12:17 PM
o
Hamish
We
have a great relationship with an artist like Netsky who has grown with the
festival and we love having him back in Gisborne. He is humble, respectful
along with being extremely talented. It has been exciting watching his career
grow and he will likely go on to achieve big things.
October
18 at 12:19 PM
o
Hamish
It
was disappointing last year to get a grilling on twitter from Rob Swire from
Knife Party after the festival last year. Our team worked tirelessly in trying
circumstances to get the main stage sound right after our soundtruck going off
the cliff. It was great to see his passion for how his show was presented
though and we look forward to having him back to deliver there kick ass set in
future.
October
18 at 12:22 PM
·
Please excuse my spelling grammar mistakes, hard to
read back over it in this text box!
by Hamish October 18 at 12:23 PM
o
Miss C
Forgiven
;)
October
18 at 12:48 PM
·
Have you ever thought of having an underage event to a
smaller scale of course for the younger kid's in Gisborne around new years. I
know alot of the young locals feel like they are missing out cos there's a big
buzz up the road.
by t edited by Hayden Donnell October 18 at 12:23 PM
o
Hamish
Yes
we are currently looking at this. Would be nice to give something back to the community
and also breed a new generation of festival attendees. Also make the most of
having so many fantastic artists in Gisborne. Watch this space!
October
18 at 12:25 PM
o
Hamish
We
have done a number of local events with artists such as Public Enemy and John
Butler who are big on social and moral obligations to give back to the
community.
October
18 at 12:27 PM
·
What do you think is the best festival ever? Does this
year have any chance of topping it?
by Hayley October 18 at 12:25 PM
o
Hamish
For
the me Glastonbury has been the ultimate. The scale, the artists, the venue,
the history. It would be hard to replicate, I think we need another 30 years
and a London-type city near by!
October
18 at 12:28 PM
o
Hamish
Still
I think we offer an original and world class festival experience on par with
other larger shows. The sense of occasion at R&v being new years is like
nothing I have ever experience anywhere in the world. R&V has a real
purpose and vibe, the crowd. Artists know this and talk about it the world
over.
October
18 at 12:29 PM
o
Hamish
Still,
I haven't been to Burning Man yet....that will be a trip
October
18 at 12:29 PM
·
What is the biggest artist that you guys have tried to
get and missed out on? I've heard rumours you tried to get Eminem once and he
said no to $5mil cause it wasn't enough? any truth to that?
by Scott October 18 at
12:28 PM
o
Hamish
To
be honest probably the Prodigy. We have tried to make it work for a number of
years but the touring schedules have not aligned. We have also spoken to Snoop
Dogg's people but again things haven't quite fit. We have never approached
Eminem although I'm sure his show would be fanastic at R&V.
October
18 at 12:32 PM
·
R & V has been the breeding ground for many NZ
artists. Which one/s have you seen to go on to great success?
by MistaLoss October 18 at 12:33 PM
o
Hamish
It
was great to help provide a stage to artists like Shapeshifter, The Black Seeds,
Kora who have since gone on to be festival stallwarts in NZ. We also had Six60
when they were an up coming party band straight out of Otago, now they are
based in Berlin playing all over Europe. The Naked and Famous is another act
who performed in their early years. Now they are on a full US concert tour. I
saw them in LA a few weeks back performed to over 2000 people, not a kiwi in
sight!
October
18 at 12:37 PM
·
What degree did you do at university and did it help
you shape out rhythm the way it is now?
by A. October 18 at
12:37 PM
o
Hamish
I
studied Law and Geography at University. I did my bar exam and then went
travelling and decided I wanted to stay in the music industry and build
R&V. I think my legal training has given me an understanding in contract
and negotiation but if anything confidence to go on my own path in business.
October
18 at 12:39 PM
o
Hamish
I
decided rather than help solve other peoples problems as lawyers end up doing I
would help solve my own!
October
18 at 12:40 PM
·
How much time do you spend each year travelling,
visiting festivals, talking to agents etc in order to secure a line up each
year?
by Tim October 18 at 12:39 PM
o
Hamish
The
last few years I would spend a couple of trips overseas. One or two would
normally be my own holiday with friends, which would normally be to a festival
anyway. Then a trip to Uk and Europe to meet with agents in London and
generally fit in a couple of festivals or conferences to keep networking,
learning and gaining experiences to bring back to R&V.
October
18 at 12:42 PM
·
Rumors are that Lorde may be a surprise guest at 2013
Rhythm? Any confirmation or denial on this? If she isn't, did you consider
approaching her?
by Alex October 18 at
12:42 PM
o
Hamish
We
did speak to Lorde's people. With her recent success she had so many
opportunities on the table and as it turns out she will be playing Laneways. We
look forward to having her at R&v in future as her star continues to grow
and solidify in NZ and abroad.
October
18 at 12:45 PM
o
Hamish
She
may make an appearance this year...as a punter! Although at 16 not sure we will
let her in....
October
18 at 12:45 PM
o
AR
I'm
sure you could make an exception! I don't know how well she would fit in BW
though, might have to let her into R20 camping as well!!
October
18 at 1:04 PM
·
what has been your favourite live set you have seen at
any festival internationally
by Johnny Gibbs October 18 at 12:45 PM
o
Hamish
I
would love to say Daft Punk back in 2007 Sydney but I never went. My friends
did and Ive never heard the end of it.
October
18 at 12:46 PM
o
Hamish
I
feel like I was there - does that count?
October
18 at 12:46 PM
o
Hayden Donnell
I
say no, but the people might be more kind.
October
18 at 12:47 PM
o
Hamish
Not
sure a few things spring to mind. My first concert Pearl Jam in 1998, Metallica
at the BDO, U2 in San Sebastian, The Rolling Stones at Glastonbury. For me it
is about just about the live performance, it is the people you are with, the
anticipation and the occasion
October
18 at 12:49 PM
o
Hayden Donnell
All
good answers.
October
18 at 12:50 PM
·
What's the deal with Netsky this year?
by Vegetable October 18 at
12:47 PM
o
Hamish
In
what regard? He came with his live show in March and is currently head down
making his next album.
October
18 at 12:50 PM
o
Hayden Donnell
So
he's not going to make it to the festival?
October
18 at 12:52 PM
o
Hamish
He
is not going to make an appearance this year. He may be there as a punter
though!
October
18 at 12:53 PM
o
matt
Hes
gotta be there
October
18 at 1:04 PM
·
Are the plans for further growth in terms of
attendees, or is it more of a case of refining the festival as it has stood for
the past couple of years?
by JAMES S edited
by Hayden Donnell October 18 at
12:51 PM
o
Hamish
We
have not huge growth plans outside of the current model. We will look to grow
on site camping to accomdate more VIP and premium camping to align with likes
of BW and current offerings. There may be some new stages come and go. But we
are happy with the level we are at and just want to keep improving the current
model to deliver the best festival experience possible.
October
18 at 12:53 PM
·
What's your favourite part of your job?
by Sarah October 18 at
12:54 PM
o
Hamish
Probably
when you are on site and a security guard stops you and says you can't go here
and you pull out your AA and say 'no I can do what I want'
October
18 at 12:56 PM
o
Hamish
No
seriously it is working within an industry that I am passionate about. And with
people who are equally passionate. R&V encompasses some great qualities -
music, summer, NZ, tourism, along with the business entrepreneur side. It is
also rewarding to take calculated risks based on initially on a vision and then
analysis, and see them come off.
October
18 at 12:59 PM
o
Ryan
lol
thats fantastic
October
18 at 1:04 PM
·
Any tips for someone wanting to get into the music
entertainment business?
by Sam October 18 at 12:58 PM
o
Hamish
Be
original. Think outside the box. Take a step into the unknown. Be creative.
These are the things that will make you stand out from the crowd and push the
boundaries ultimately leading to success.
October
18 at 1:00 PM
·
Hi Hamish, do you guys think after 10 years that
Kiwi's are bored of the festival? How do you keep it fresh? Do you plan to use
better technology to make the experience better? Like a mobile app etc
by James October 18 at
1:01 PM
o
Hamish
It
is a challenge to keep it fresh for sure. We endeavour to do so with the lineup
year in year out, adding new feastures like an improved VIP area, new stages
such as the RBMA stage, or Glamping options. We will have an intergrated RFID
payment system this year that will sync with a mobile ap and social media to
share your experience with friends. In time this will also link to your ticket
and also Rhythm events through out the year
October
18 at 1:04 PM
o
AR
Seconded!
A mobile app at the event would be great for updates and info
October
18 at 1:04 PM
o
Hamish
At
the same time we think R&V is a pretty unbeatable experience, why change a
good thing? We just want to keep refining it and making it better.
October
18 at 1:05 PM
·
if money wasn't a problem, what would be your top 3
acts to play at rhythm
by Dilated music and loud pupils October 18 at 1:04 PM
o
Hamish
You
know when we first started the festival our ideal like up was Salmonella Dub,
Ben Harper, Black Eye Peas (this was pre Fergie remember) and Groove Armarda
October
18 at 1:06 PM
o
Hamish
In
that order in the Vines stage. Would probably still be pretty dope!
October
18 at 1:06 PM
o
Hamish
Id
have to say Muse, Prince and The Prodigy. Oh and Daft Punk of course :)
October
18 at 1:07 PM
·
Thanks for all your questions everyone. This will be
the last one.
by Hayden Donnell October 18 at
1:07 PM
·
Obviously the bulk of your job is focused on the five
days around new years, but do you ever get to take time off? Or on Jan 2nd will
you be straight into planning for the next Rhythm?
by AR October 18 at 1:07 PM
o
Hamish
We
try to keep things rolling in January. It actually is a busy time not just for
our site team but also debriefing with staff and contractors, thanking
sponsors, artists etc. It is nice to have some down time in Feb to enjoy the
kiwi summer along with other people's events! But from March onwards it is all
go again. A lot of planning then goes in over the winter, it is the busiest
time for a lot of the team implementing marketing plans, securing talent,
refining our internal systems. etc
October
18 at 1:10 PM
