Northern Bass unveils first lineup for 15th anniversary

Northern Bass has revealed the first wave of artists set to perform at its 15th anniversary festival, which returns to Mangawhai on December 30 and 31.

The lineup features international heavyweights, established New Zealand acts and rising talent across drum and bass, jungle, grime and electronic music, including Andy C, Culture Shock, DJ Zinc, Ivy Lab, JME, Lee Mvtthews, Pirapus, S.P.Y and The Upbeats.

Promoter Gareth Popham said the milestone festival was an opportunity to celebrate Northern Bass’ journey while looking ahead to its future.

“Fifteen years is an incredible achievement for everyone who’s been part of Northern Bass. The festival has grown every year, but the heart of it has always been bringing together amazing artists, incredible production and a community that lives for this event,” he said.

“The milestone edition is a chance to celebrate how far Northern Bass has come while looking firmly to the future.”

Popham said demand for this year’s festival was already outpacing last year, following a record-breaking 2025 event that sold out in early December and left more than 3,500 people without tickets.

“Last year’s response was unbelievable, and knowing thousands of people missed out has only motivated us to make this anniversary edition even bigger,” he said.

“This first lineup is just the beginning, and we’ve still got plenty more to reveal.”

Since launching in 2011, Northern Bass has grown into one of New Zealand’s leading electronic music festivals, hosting internationally renowned artists while showcasing homegrown talent across drum and bass, jungle, grime, hip hop and electronic music.

The first lineup includes: 4AM KRU, A LITTLE SOUND, ANAIS, ANDY C + TONN PIPER, AXIS, BREAK, CHARLI BRIX, CLOVA, CULTURE SHOCK, DJ ZINC, DYLAN C, EMWA, IRAH, IVY LAB, JME, JOE HUNT, LAMOUR, LEE MVTTHEWS, PEARLY, PIRAPUS, QUIX, ROBUSTT, ROVA, S.P.Y, SONGER, SUBSONIC, SUUNE, SWINDLE, TALI, THE UPBEATS and WAXX OFF.