Young Wakatipu artists are being hand-picked to perform during New Zealand's brand new music festival with the help of the RockFormation Charitable Trust.
EarthTonz New Year's Eve Music Festival, will feature Tommy Lee, of Motley Crue headlining a bill of New Zealand and international dance acts at the Gibbston Valley Station.
Festival producer Dan Allen, of Missouri, was asked by Queenstown trustees Liza Devine, Robynne Williams and Justin Eden if he would like more young Wakatipu talents to play at EarthTonz, following the successful performance by youth band the Station Agents in front of 15,000 revellers, as support for Creedence Clearwater Revival and Dr Hook in March.
EarthTonz agreed and RockFormation was facilitating the process of Mr Allen selecting eight acts which would be "the right fit" for the festival on the new stage on December 30.
"There's lots of raw talent and it's really difficult to choose," Mr Allen said.
"Some hadn't had a real break before, but once they do, they are going to make it."
Mr Eden said he was "very encouraged" by ticket sales, particularly in Australia where promotion was yet to build up.
He estimated 85% of ticket buyers were choosing to camp for the two-night event.
"We know what it takes to give the wow factor and create a very cool vibe.
"This is not going to be a small-time operation."
