Synthony are coming to Rhythm & Alps
Rhythm and Alps returns for its 15th anniversary this December with its biggest event yet - featuring a stacked first lineup featuring international heavyweights and homegrown faves. One of the artists hitting the stage are Synthony.
Synthony blend electronic dance anthems with a live orchestra, DJ and vocalists with stunning visuals.
LWB: Synthony has grown arms and legs in New Zealand — can you tell me more about how it started in 2017 and how it’s grown?
S: The idea came from New Zealand pilot David Elmsly, who watched a YouTube video of Pete Tong performing classical remixes with an orchestra. Inspired by this concept, Elmsly partnered with DJ Erika Amoore to create a unique fusion of dance anthems and a live orchestra. Their first sold-out show in Auckland in 2017 was a massive success, leading to major promoter Duco Events investing in 2018 to scale Synthony’s global reach
LWB: How does it feel to be performing at R&A over New Years?
S: This is our second time performing at Rhythm and Alps and our second time doing the midnight slot. I don’t think there’s a better place to be on New Year’s Eve — the crowd are always awesome and up for a party. There’s something very special about that venue, and with the mountains as a backdrop, at midnight the place lights up with fireworks.
LWB: What do you think it is that people love about Synthony / what makes it such a unique experience?
S: I think people love a bit of nostalgia, and Synthony is a unique experience that blends familiar dance music classics with a full-size orchestra, amazing vocalists, and instrumentalists. The music is uplifting, and having 40 to 50 people on stage makes for an epic visual performance.
LWB: Can you tell me any of the special guests that will pop in?
S: We have P Digsss from Shapeshifter as MC and also doing some vocals on a couple of tracks, as well as our top vocalists Emily Williams and her brother J Williams, Nyree Huyser, and Synthony legend on sax Lewis McCallum.
LWB: You've performed all over the world — how does a Kiwi crowd compare?
S: The last two years have been bonkers with shows all over Europe, the Middle East, Las Vegas, Calgary and the USA. Every show is different, but there’s nothing quite like a NZ summer festival.
LWB: What are some of the crowd favourites?
S: The ’90s and early 2000s trance never fails. Songs like Café Del Mar, Infinity, Sandstorm and Children work so well with the orchestra. But also EDM anthems like Titanium and Satisfaction go off too.
LWB: And what are you most looking forward to for the show at R&A and in Wanaka at New Years?
S: Would have to be midnight on NYE. We have something special lined up to go with the big fireworks display.
Synthony will be joining a range of great Kiwi and international artists including P Digsss of Salmonella Dub fame, Rudim3ntal, The Black Seeds, Dizzee Rascal, and more at Rhythm & Alps. The festival runs over New Year from 29 – 31 December. Tickets and more information are available at rhythmandalps.co.nz
