The wait is over! we’re thrilled to share the 

. This is only the beginning, with many more huge names still to come, We are feeling super chuffed, this first announcement is already packed with an incredible mix of international innovators and homegrown legends who will be lighting up our stages this summer.


A name that needs no introduction in underground music circles, Om Unit has spent more than a decade redefining what bass music can be. With roots in drum & bass, dubstep, and hip-hop, he has steadily carved out a sound that is uniquely his own — fluid, genre-defying, and deeply rooted in sub-heavy atmospheres. Whether he’s reworking jungle classics, experimenting with cosmic downtempo, or pushing new ideas in the world of bass, Om Unit’s sets are immersive journeys that challenge and uplift. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to Golden Bay for the first time.


Representing Aotearoa on the global stage, Grouch has long been a pioneer in psychedelic bass and progressive electronic music. His productions are rich with texture, storytelling, and a sense of movement that carries dancers into new dimensions. Having played at some of the world’s most renowned festivals, Grouch brings an international flavour while staying deeply connected to his Kiwi roots. His performances are legendary for their hypnotic flow — a perfect fit for Twisted Frequency’s boundary-pushing ethos.

 is known for his lush and atmospheric sound design, fusing progressive trance, downtempo, and deep psychedelic textures. His music is equally at home on a sunrise dancefloor as it is in a late-night journey set. We have wanted to land Kliment for some Twisted sets for years now and we know the psy scene heads are absolutely STOKED on this one - You're welcome xoxo

 Bass aficionados have been fizzing on this one, will be bringing a raw, bass-heavy energy that blurs the lines between trap, hip-hop, and experimental electronica. Expect dense sub-bass, wild percussive switch-ups, and a sound that’s both challenging and danceable.

 Long time Twisted whanau and all round legendary darling of a man, Tribone delivers tribal-infused psy-bass, balancing primal rhythms with cutting-edge production. His sets bring a hypnotic drive that pushes the dancefloor into full-throttle mode.

 Back once again, we couldnt resist bringing back one of these legends to the Cobb - as a duo their deep, cinematic take on drum & bass and dubwise sounds are well known and loved across Aotearoa for rolling basslines, crisp percussion and an emotive edge that has made them a favourite among DnB purists and adventurous listeners alike.

Of course, it wouldn't be wouldn’t be Twisted without a strong backbone of New Zealand’s underground champions.

 continues her unstoppable rise as one of the country’s most innovative bass producers and DJs, blending heavy subs with experimental textures and forward-thinking grooves.

 bring a unique fusion of soulful live vocals and electronic beats, offering a heartfelt and uplifting sound that perfectly bridges the worlds of electronic production and live performance. Its been a hot minute since we had Dub Princess in the mix and we are super excited to have her back as part of her tour of Aotearoa. 

, at this point a regular feature on Twisted lineups and driving force in New Zealand’s techno scene, will be delivering his trademark hard edged yet playful sound. Uncompromising, powerful, and impossible not to move to.

, both long time contributors to Aotearoa’s underground community, When their forces combine they bring a phenomenal Garage set that has been blowing up stages since its inception.

, pushing the sound of breakbeat and rave mutations; 

, known for her eclectic vibes with an allstar band lineup of Twisted regulars to boot and 

, another well loved Twisted alumni who needs little introduction, bringing that classic deep and weighty sound system pressure.


There are SO MANY names on this drop that we simply cannot go into every one of them but there are a few hot takes on some of the headliners from this first batch, We have stacked the bill with a solid mix of local talent and HEAPS of takeovers from crews across the motu. Scope the lineup page 

 to learn more about what we have teed up for yas!

This is only the first look at the artists joining us for Twisted Frequency 2026. With more announcements on the way, including some massive international names still under wraps, this lineup is set to grow into one of our most diverse and exciting yet.

FIRST DROP WADDUPP

We could not be more excited  to announce this powerhouse collaborative event!

For the uninitiated, 

 started as an intimate underground club night in London and has grown into a global platform celebrating underground dance music through live streams, pop-ups, and parties in unexpected places.

These folks have such a fantastic kaupapa that resonates deeply with what we are doing down here in Aotearoa and we couldn't be more stoked to work with them and share a bit of the Twisted community's creative passion with the world.

Featuring a carefully selected lineup of talent who are dedicated to creating original homegrown tunes, all representing a unique aspect of the country’s bass music melting pot. This will be a journey of sound from dub-infused taonga pūoro to home mulled jungle breaks and all stops in between.


 [AKLD/CHCH — HIKO/PŪORO DUB]

In true Twisted style we are pulling out all the stops with a full production so we can show the world the sexy maafakin parties we love to throw!



KEEP HUSH X TWISTED FREQUENCY


This year for the first of our annual pre-parties we’ve gone around the country to gather a lineup of creators working at the intersections of techno, delving into influences from bass, breaks, psychedelia, club music and beyond, all underpinned by elements of dance music's most enduring genre.We believe each one of these acts is currently pushing the needle forward for underground club culture in Aotearoa, and are thrilled to host them all together at Valhalla to push their vision across the almighty Third Eye Hi-Fi soundsystem.




ELI HØFF — Abyssal Soundworks / PHTM Producer and DJ, Eli is undoubtedly at the forefront of Aotearoa’s underground dance scene.
Those who have kept their ears tuned to the innovative underground have no doubt stumbled upon the tribalistic, psychedelic, and focused sounds emanating from the mind of Auckland-based producer Eli Høff. With a string of releases on Berlin-based PHTM, Tāmaki Makaurau-based Gypnotica, and an impressive catalog of self-releases, he consistently showcases his singular and original interpretation of dance music.

Raised in Kaikōura, Aotearoa, Hunter's dark and atmospheric sound often contrasts the beautiful environment she grew up in. Her direct approach to techno draws influence from heavy percussion, bold rhythm and industrial soundscapes. After spending two years finding inspiration in clubs overseas, she has returned to Ōtautahi with a refined style that’s ready to make people dance. As the co-founder of “Hang The Saints” and resident of “Haven”, Hunter is all about creating safe, inclusive spaces for people to connect through the music she loves.

https://soundcloud.com/hunter-mccrory-334790608

https://on.soundcloud.com/bC3qeA6pUxBoMo7P9


LUDUS & RIZZO — Tonic CollectiveTonic Collective is the recent endeavour of Ludus and Rizzo, inspired by the people, places and spaces of their experience touring China with BIRDPARTY and Vera Ellen. Both acts are individually known for their versatile and innovative sound, bringing a wide range of influences and inspirations to the dancefloor. In the short time since establishing the collective, they’ve already hosted Kaishandao and Bone Chapel, established a space, and debuted a monthly radio show on Mouthfull that explores sound from across the genre spectrum, both in the club and out.

https://www.instagram.com/alicerizzoofficial

https://www.instagram.com/tonic.collective/

https://soundcloud.com/l-s.../416life-support-cl1n1c-chengdu

https://soundcloud.com/racquetclub-info/mix-series-016-ludus


SHLI — Echo Train Records / Warehouse Rave / Holding HandsShli is the alias of Ōtautahi-via-Pōneke DJ and Producer Tim Ward. Steadily releasing works over recent years through local labels like Echo Train and the Big Fresh Collective, he is carving out a sound of his own.Stitching together infectious rhythms layered over low-end pressure, Shli’s sets draw influence from across the hardcore continuum and beyond. Creating dancefloor moments from trippy rhythmic states to unleashing sheer bass weight.

https://echotrainer.bandcamp.com/.../ech009-bracing-set...

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