Featuring mainstays of the Kiwi music industry alongside some of the best up-and-coming talent, the Go Live Festival is set for two huge nights at the Christchurch Town Hall this July.

Bringing together a wide range of musical genres, festival-goers can expect everything from drum and bass through to rock, pop and alternative sounds. New Zealand music royalty Jon Toogood (of Shihad fame) and Stellar* are headlining the two-night spectacular, lighting up the Town Hall with their chart-topping hits from the ‘90s to today.

The festival also showcases some of the best up-and-coming talent Ōtautahi has to offer. Fresh from touring her debut solo album, Spit, Emma Dilemma is sure to deliver a high energy alt-rock set. Indie darlings Imperial April are releasing a brand new single ‘9.30’ on the eve of the festival and are hitting the Radio Hauraki Stage just before Stellar*.

Synth-pop princess PRINS will bring the dance floor to life with her chart-topping bangers. Award winning electronic artist Paige Julia is making her Go Live debut, presenting a bass-heavy DJ set on the new and immersive RDU Stage.

Long-time fans of the local music scene will also get kick out of hearing indie act degrees.K and melodious rockers Heavy Jones playing live. Both groups have reformed in recent months and will play their first live shows in over a decade.

The five Go Live stages will host 19 artists across Friday 22 July and Saturday 23 July and tickets are on sale now.

Produced by the Christchurch City Council, the festival also offers an afternoon of free Industry Talks to inspire the next generation of rising stars. The interactive sessions will be presented by panels of industry professionals, sharing their own experiences, tips and tricks.

The sessions will cover all the essentials like touring, publishing, radio play, recording contracts and songwriting, giving aspiring performers everything they need to take their music from the page to the stage.

The Industry Talk sessions are being held at Te Pae from 1-4pm on Saturday 23 July. Tickets are free, but bookings are essential.

The full lineup

Friday 22 July Jon Toogood (Shihad), Volts, Deep Water Creek and Heavy Jones.

Saturday 23 July Stellar*, 1 Drop Nation, degrees.K, Imperial April, PRINS, Emma Dilemma, Midi Committee, Paige Julia, The Hootz, Al Park, Goodwill, EBB, No Broadcast, Candice Milner and Elidi.

Industry Talks

Inside the music business

Learn how to take your music from page to stage with this comprehensive session covering all the business essentials from touring to publishing, funding, contracts and more! Featuring Kurt Shanks (Plus1 Touring), Chris Van De Geer (Big Pop Publishing), Teresa Patterson (NZ On Air), Dan Chisholm (Music Lawyer), Dean Cameron (Recorded Music NZ) and Greg Prebble (Music Director of Radio Hauraki).

An artist's journey

An up-close and personal conversation with founding members of New Zealand super bands Shihad and Stellar*. Hear Jon Toogood, Boh Runga and Andrew Maclaren present songwriting tips and stories from the road, along with some sound advice for artists wanting to forge a career in the music industry from international music expert Alan Holt.

Features, Jon Toogood (Shihad), Boh Runga and Andrew Maclaren (Stellar*), Alan Holt (NZ Music Commission) and Teresa Patterson (NZ On Air).

Go Live Festival
Christchurch Town Hall
Friday 22 – Saturday 23 July
Tickets: premier.ticketek.co.nz
More info about the concert series and industry talks: ccc.govt.nz/whatson.