Deep Hard N’ Funky returns to Ellerslie for winter’s biggest night out

Auckland's biggest winter rave—Deep Hard N' Funky—takes over Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday 18 July, with organisers promising a return to the multi-genre, multi-stage format that built the event's reputation in the first place.

Topping the bill is Acraze, the American producer behind house anthem "Do It To It" — a track backed by DJ Snake, Chris Lake and Malaa that cemented his standing as one of dance music's most reliable hitmakers. His catalogue also includes the remix of Sam Smith's "Unholy", and he arrives fresh off festival slots at Tomorrowland and Ultra.

Flying the flag for New Zealand is QUIX, the Kiwi trap producer who's gone from local stages to Coachella. Known for inventive sound design, his catalogue spans "Time" with Alison Wonderland to the genre-bending TIGERDROOL project — a body of work that's made him one of the country's most significant bass music exports.

Australian duo Ekko & Sidetrack join the lineup off the back of touring with WORSHIP and Pendulum. Their track "Pressure" was named BBC Radio 1's Tune of the Week last year, and they've since released official remixes for Sigma while building their profile through Pendulum's Sleepless imprint.

UK DJ Jakkob, known for his viral "Kitchen Club" sets, brings a background as a trained sound engineer to a discography that includes a Ministry of Sound release and slots at Hideout and Secret Garden Party. Australian producer Godlands rounds out the international names, blending old-school grit with contemporary production and a résumé that includes stages with Excision, Jauz and Getter.

Local support comes from Deep Notion, Tim Phin, Twofold, Sean Hill, Edenna, Damage Control, Onit, Kenzo, Addy, Disco Biscuit and DJ Gregory, with more still to be announced.

Tickets are available now via OURHOUSEEVENTS.