DJ WITTERS BRINGS DnB BEATS TO R&V

Feeling the R&V Vibes: MC Crafty and DJ Tom Witters living it up on-stage. File pictures supplied

Rhythm and Vines 2023 is shaping up to be another heart-thumping experience for music lovers. Gizzy DJ Tom Witters continues his nine-year connection with the festival and chats with The Gisborne Herald’s Loren Sirl about bringing his unique vibe to the masses . . .

Music producer and DJ Tom Witters has gone from helping set up R&V as a site team labourer to thrilling the masses with DnB beats.

Witters will once again form part of the line-up at this year’s Rhythm and Vines three-day music festival, which starts on December 29.

“It’s always so exciting to see what Rhythm and Vines continues to bring to Gisborne year after year. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the last nine years at R&V in some way or another,” he said.

Growing up a stone’s throw away from one of New Zealand’s biggest music festivals and attending from a young age was a huge inspiration and drawcard for Witters.  He is now based in Auckland as a music producer and DJ.

“I moved to Auckland to pursue a career in music. I studied a music production course and was welcomed by an amazing musical community in Auckland,” Witters says. “It was one of my best decisions to date.”

He has now performed at many live shows supporting Wilkinson, Dimension, Alix Perez, Netsky, S.P.Y, Friction, Lenzman and A.M.C — just to name a few.  His predominant style is DnB (drum and bass), a genre of electronic dance music often featuring heavy bass and fast breakbeats. The style originated within the UK rave scene during the 1990s.

Witters has also performed at The Homegrown Festival, Longline Classic and the Baseline Festival. Over the past several years he has been joined on stage by home town hero and lifelong friend MC Crafty (Jules Craft).

Witters has released singles and remixes.  His breakout singles Calibrate and Burning Cold have clocked up numerous online streams, expanding his popularity in the industry. Both tracks warranted a great deal of support from local radio and media.

He has some good advice for budding young artists trying to get involved in the music industry.

“I think a great way to get into this industry is to shamelessly put yourself out there and network with like-minded people. The music industry is hugely driven on local support. If you give it out, it’s bound to come back in your direction,” Witters said.

Touted as one of New Zealand’s finest prospects for export of drum and bass, Witters now has his sights set on foreign shores, planning a move overseas next year.

“I want to see what the world has to offer,” he said.

For now, Witters is looking forward to catching up with family and friends before the festivities begin later in the year.

Rhythm and Vines is also looking for some more Gisborne local acts.

Tilly van Eeden, media spokesperson for R&V said: “If you or your band are keen for a shot at the title, apply at www.rhythmandvines.co.nz/apply and make sure to include that you are a Gisborne local in your bio.”