Concord Dawn
New Zealand's long-running DnB institution still carries anthem-level recognition, rugged drums and a deep trans-Tasman fan base.
Artist Guide
Concord Dawn are one of the defining names in Australasian drum and bass history. Their rise from Wellington into the London axis gave New Zealand a flagship export and helped prove the region could produce acts with global weight rather than just local love. Even now the name carries instant recognition for anyone who came into the genre through early-2000s anthems or the broader NZ/AU circuit.
The appeal is durability. Concord Dawn records hold onto big hooks and tough energy without feeling locked to one micro-era. There is always a rough-edged, trans-Tasman confidence to the project: enough melody to stay memorable, enough weight to land on a festival rig and enough history to make every tune feel connected to the way southern-hemisphere drum and bass built its own identity.
At LOCUS, Concord Dawn are not just nostalgia bait. They are a bridge between older-school believers, Australian and New Zealand travellers, and younger ravers who know the name from the stories first. A Bali setting only sharpens that feeling because the act speaks directly to the wider regional footprint of the festival. If the room wants a full shared-history release, Concord Dawn are one of the most obvious cards on the lineup.
Quick Reads
Fun Facts
- The project is one of the most recognisable New Zealand exports in drum and bass.
- Their move through London helped connect NZ energy to the UK core of the scene.
- They carry obvious pull with Australian and Kiwi travellers heading to Bali.
- Likely favourite Indo meal: beef rendang, because it rolls slowly and still hits heavy.