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Tucked in the corner of Waiohika Estate is the Garden Stage, the newest stage to R&V and this little oasis is home to some of the best hidden gems that the line-up has to offer. If you’re looking for some indie, alternative bands to grove out through the long summer days this is the place for you. We’ve seen acts such as Foley go from the Garden to the main stage, a humble start for the young pop acts who have now gone onto to play some of the biggest stages in Aotearoa. Keep a note of who's playing the Garden Stage this year as you could very well be seeing them play the main stage in a few years time. 

PollyHill

Paloma Schneideman aka PollyHill is truly a jack of all trades, as an award winning NZ International Film Festival director she was initially drawn to the big screen. However being around creatives her entire life, she became drawn over to the microphone. Initially starting as duo producer/MC duo, Paloma has taken PollyHill solo and she hasn’t slowed down since. This year alone she opened for Church & AP and Wax Mustang along with New York MC Wiki back in the pre-COVID days. 

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‘As someone who feeds off reading and vibing with a crowd, no two PollyHill shows are ever the same. Expect wacky word play, antics, a blend of deep sincerity and absolute foolishness. Expect storytelling from a different lens. Dance battle, asthma attacks, pussy poppin, waving lighters, participating in experiments, expect unapologetic PollyHill’

- PollyHill on what makes a PollyHill set

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Since releasing her debut EP ‘Greatest Hits’, PollyHill has become a favourite amongst student radio nationwide. Appearing in various top 10s in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Palmerston North, she’s had eyes from around the country looking straight at her. Her in-between set banter in second to none as her natural charisma flourishes on the microphone amongst her stand-apart bars. Performing on *INSERT TIME + DATE HERE*, PollyHill is one that’ll keep your attention focused.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollyhillxoxo/

Spooky by PollyHill

Leaping Tiger

We’re sure you haven’t quite seen anything like a Leaping Tiger live-set, yet. As a popular face amongst the Auckland underground scene, Leaping Tiger has played nearly every Auckland venue and punters keep coming back. It’s hard to stand still during one of his sets, whether it's the live bass guitar, keyboard or midi controller his experimental electronic style is one that is unmatched. 

‘Expect copious amounts of energy with a few surprises sprinkled in. Drink plenty of water beforehand’

- Leaping Tiger on what makes his set a can’t miss

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In early 2020 Leaping Tiger put out his debut album ‘Porcelain Orca Whales’, the 10 track album was years in making the young do-it-all musician. Drawing influences from the likes of Flume and Toro y Moi, Leaping Tiger has carved out his own lane making his live sets a can’t miss. 

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leapingtigersuqqs/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaping.tiger/ 

Screwface by Leaping Tiger

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Daffodils

Made up of high school friends Theo, Jade, Isaac and Louis the group have been jamming for a number of years. After finding success through the Rockquest high school competitions, the band kept going and now they’re onto nationwide tours playing to hundreds of people across Aotearoa. 

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‘We like it really loud. We love the connection with everyone there and that’s what we really aim for with our set - it’s about giving people a space to let go of everything for a bit, and we love sharing that feeling with everyone around us. Lots of volume and lots of feeling!’ - Frontman Theo Salmon on what to expect from a Daffodils set

Their debut single ‘Two Angels’ was an immediate success, following a string of singles the group finally released their debut project ‘Boys’ in late 2019. For fans of old school rock, Daffodils are the band for you. With frontman Theo Salmon’s unique Morrisey-esque vocals mixed with production of synth and britpop elements, it’s modern day take on the golden age of rock. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daffodilsarenotforkids/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daffodilsarenotforkids/ 

Boys by Daffodils

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Lévyne

Sophie Bialostocki’s roots stem back as an avid piano and keyboard player, when she started The indie-pop songstress has only been putting out music for 2 years but has years of hard work behind her. The origins of the name ‘Lévyne’ stem from the name a rare form of crystal, a hidden gem so to speak and the Garden Stage is exactly where you'll find this Aotearoa hidden gem. 

Recent single ‘Misconception’ put her on many people’s radar, however Lévyne’s short but sweet discography proves she's been putting out hits for sometime. Making her festival debut at R&V 2020, Lévyne is here to hypnotise your attention with her glimmery pop tracks. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heylevyne/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heylevyne/ 

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Misconceptions by Lévyne

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PARK RD

Coming out of West Auckland, PARK RD was born in a small town high school but quickly started to turn heads after getting to the finals of Rockquest 2019. The 5 piece alt-pop group has since gone on to retune their craft, debuting with ‘Lay Me Down’ and nearly 18 months later the band had their first project, ‘Sandcastles’ under their belt. 

Recently they headlined Auckland’s Tuning Fork playing their first ever sold out show, the group will be making their first festival appearance this summer down in the vines. For all fans of surf rock, PARK RD are your go-to’s. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkrdmusic/

Golden by PARK RD

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