Twisted Frequency Faces Closure as Ticket Sales Plunge

The Twisted Frequency music festival in New Zealand is at risk of closure due to a significant decline in ticket sales. Scheduled to run from December 30, 2023 to January 3, 2024, the festival, which celebrates underground music, is struggling to attract attendees, with ticket sales dropping from nearly 3,500 last year to just 2,500 this year. Founder David Tait has expressed concerns that without substantial changes, the festival may not continue beyond its upcoming events.

Tait has been dedicated to Twisted Frequency for over a decade, often investing his personal income to keep it afloat. He remarked, “We’ve been trying to save it for 10 years, but sadly Twisted has most likely gone the way of Splore and many others.” He emphasized that the festival has never achieved sustainability, leading to a pressing need for either a new funding model or a decision to cease operations.

The decline in ticket sales is attributed to the ongoing cost of living crisis, which has impacted the festival’s core audience—individuals employed in lower-income jobs. With ticket prices set at $500, many potential attendees simply cannot afford to participate. Tait stated, “Festivals are nice to have, not a thing most people can afford right now.” Despite a successful turnout last year, Twisted Frequency has struggled to overcome the debts accumulated over its many years of operation.

The announcement of Twisted Frequency’s challenges comes shortly after the Splore festival revealed its permanent closure after 20 years, citing an inability to secure funding from the New Zealand government’s $70 million allocation for major events and tourism. Tait voiced his frustration about the funding distribution, noting, “Throughout its life, Twisted has yet to receive a single dime or any kind of funding, and that is not for lack of trying.”

He criticized the prioritization of funding, highlighting that independent festivals, which support numerous local artists and create jobs, often receive little to no assistance. In contrast, well-known commercial events, such as the Ultra festival, are benefiting from government support. Tait expressed his discontent, stating, “If Splore can’t get a small bit of chump change to help prop them up, then it’s clear that the money is not intended for New Zealanders.”

Set in the scenic Cobb Valley near Nelson, Twisted Frequency features a 24-hour music event spread across five days and five stages. The festival relies on a crew of over 70 individuals who spend seven weeks preparing the venue, creating a community atmosphere for underground music enthusiasts. Despite the challenges faced, Tait remains committed to delivering high-quality festivals. He stated, “We’re not going to go off without a bang,” echoing the sentiments of Splore founder John Minty.

Looking ahead, Tait sees three potential paths for the festival’s survival: a shift in government funding priorities towards independent music events, a rapid economic improvement that enables people to afford tickets, or the emergence of a benefactor with a passion for music and arts to provide support.

As Tait reflects on his dedication to Twisted Frequency, he remains hopeful that the community can sustain the dream they have built together. However, he acknowledges the grim outlook, noting, “The circumstances are looking rather dire.” With the festival’s future hanging in the balance, the upcoming events will serve as a critical moment for the underground music scene in New Zealand.