From about 15 cassette tapes in 1997, to more than 170 DVDs, memory sticks, YouTube clips, podcasts, emailed MP3s and myspace website links in 2009 - the application process for bands vying for a chance to play at Wanaka's Rippon Festival has evolved significantly.
As the reputation of the twoyearly festival has grown, so too has the number of bands aware of the type of exposure a stint on the Rippon stage can give.
Consequently, organisers are flooded with an increasing number of music demos each year.
Last week, Lake Wanaka SouNZ Incorporated organisers announced the line-up for next year's festival but it was no easy task getting there.
Festival director Lynne Christie said the lengthy selection process had started ‘‘pretty much as soon as we finalised the line-up for the last one''.
She has already started taking notes on potential acts for the 2012 festival.
"You're thinking about it all the time. Reading reviews, going to gigs. It's exciting, especially the way New Zealand music is evolving, it's quite a dynamic selection of musicians,'' Ms Christie said.
The festival is exclusively for New Zealand artists but that prerequisite failed to deter some international Rippon hopefuls, with inquiries fielded from throughout the world and demos sent from as far away as Canada and Austria.
Once those bands were weeded out, the selectors looked for ‘‘bravery and sincerity and maybe something a bit different''.
Quality sound which would measure up in a "live'' performance was also key.
Ms Christie said it had been "quite a privilege'' listening to the diverse musical talent New Zealand had to offer.
The final line-up for next year's festival, scheduled for Waitangi Day, Saturday February 6, at Rippon Vineyard comprises Fat Freddy's Drop, The Black Seeds, Little Bushman, Iva Lamkum, Pacific Heights, Minuit, Eru Dangerspiel, Electric Wire Hustle, The Mint Chicks, Opensouls and former Mount Aspiring College pupils The Slur-Tones.
Lake Wanaka SouNZ Incorporated has donated more than $31,000 in proceeds from the six previous festivals to local environmental, musical and educational groups.
Tickets for the Rippon Festival go on sale on October 12 through Ticketek and Play It Again.
Rippon '08 sold out three months in advance.
- Lucy Ibbotson
