Words by Hannah Powell. Images provided.

Introducing Twominds Festival, a one-day house and techno party held in Ōtautahi. Hosted by the infamous music label Twominds, Yo Vocal talked to founders Corban Tupou and Dan Stewart about what to expect for the first-time event.

Born in 2020, Twominds is as much a part of the Christchurch music scene as Smash Palace is to a Friday evening. A staple if not a music institution, the collective-turned-label is fast approaching the next level: a festival.

Corban Tupou/DJ Freddy Tuco says after many gigs in the past few years, it was time for the group to take a crack at a bigger event. Taking inspiration from their favourite festivals and the local music scene of Christchurch, Twominds Festival is a celebration of the genres and values that encompass everything they do. With a diverse and inclusive line-up, the festival showcases the hottest house and techno from Aotearoa and beyond.

“Twominds is very much a product of the local music scene here in Ōtautahi, and our festival wants to be somewhat representative of that community.”

Reflecting much of the local collectives and artists that inspired Twominds, the line-up includes special guests from Auckland, Wellington and Otago while reaching into Australia and Europe. Curated and tailored down to the bottom line, Dan says the names have been put through a wringer of sticky notes and spreadsheets. There’s no shortage of exceptional talent or collaborators. Many of the artists were handpicked alongside local collectives such as Craigslist, Sugar and Spice, Club Unique and Southern Selects, as well as in-house.

But choosing artists who spoke to their values was essential. A mix of regional and further afield, a number of headliners include Atarangi, Bontempo, Halfqueen, Willo and more.

“Having DJ Boring headline is a dream,” Dan tells me. “People know who he is, but he does shit his way.”

Another standout artist is HAAi. After her knockout closing set at Pitch Festival in Australia, Twominds knew they wanted her to play, with Dan saying she is one of his favourite artists in the world.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just rather curious, the chosen breadth of genres caters to all moods. Spread across three smaller stages for the full experience, festival-goers can expect anything from funk and disco all the way to heaving techno and lightning bpms.

While the backbone of the festival is music, the rest is made up of a carefully thought-out experience. Held on a campground at Spencer Beach Holiday Park, the venue is amongst lush grass, a forest of trees, and only five minute’s walk from the beach. Ticket holders can choose to camp, with exclusive access to an after-party to – in Dan’s words – drink tea and boogie into the night. While at the festival, expect a plethora of activities, market stalls, drinks, and kai.

A fresh and exciting addition to Christchurch’s otherwise limited (but loved) festival line-up, Twominds hopes to shine a light on the pockets of people who are making change. One of these pockets they talk most highly of is the dance music community.

Though the Two Minds boys love the city and scene they found themselves in, Corban says it goes without saying that Christchurch has a bad reputation when it comes to conservatism. But, he says, not everyone subscribes to that.

“There are many pockets of people who are changing this perception and leading change.”

While they modestly explain they are not the first to create it, they like to think they are pushing it forward. Drawing inspiration from those welcoming diversity and inclusivity across the city, such as Sugar & Spice, Twominds is excited to celebrate this in a festival setting.

“If you can be visible by doing something to encourage diversity and open-mindedness, then hopefully people will be inspired by those around them to embrace inclusivity and belonging.”

Only a few weeks before the big day, Corban and Dan say when it comes to the line-up, “trust us.” In the morning, wake up slow, have a swim at the beach, and linger long before you make your way home. But most importantly, open your mind, be free, and check out what’s happening in the scene. Get ready for the full experience, they say. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

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Twominds kickstart festival of the future