Dunedin’s Lines of Flight Festival Celebrates Global Music Community

The Lines of Flight music festival is currently underway in Dunedin, attracting musicians and audiences from across the globe. The festival, which began as part of the inaugural Dunedin Fringe Festival in 2000, has evolved into a significant event for experimental music lovers. This year’s festival highlights the enduring community spirit that has developed around the genre, with performances scheduled until March 16, 2024.

According to Peter Porteous, co-organiser of the festival, Lines of Flight has provided a unique platform for experimental musicians to connect and collaborate. “It coalesced a community of experimental music makers around New Zealand, Aotearoa,” he noted. Many artists involved in the festival had not previously performed live, as their music often does not traditionally fit into conventional venues. Porteous explained the festival fosters an environment where both musicians and audiences can engage deeply with the music.

Over the years, the festival has attracted international artists, particularly those connected to “drone-based” music, which is characterized by its slower, immersive soundscapes. “Many of the performers have contacted us directly, asking to be part of the festival,” Porteous added. This year, festival-goers from various countries, including Australia and Europe, have traveled specifically to attend, showcasing the festival’s global appeal. Porteous mentioned that at the last festival, approximately 20 attendees journeyed from different parts of the world to experience the performances.

Despite facing challenges such as the impact of Covid-19 and the passing of co-curator Peter Stapleton in 2020, the festival has remained resilient. Porteous shared that many in the community encouraged him to continue the festival after Stapleton’s death. “Everyone said it has to continue, and then they offered to help,” he recalled. This support has been crucial for maintaining the festival’s momentum, with around 60 volunteers involved in organizing this year’s event.

The lineup for the current festival features a diverse range of acts. Notable performances include Slightly Imperfect, a duo performing songs by Ivor Cutler, and Microsoft Voices, who create sound using the text-edit function of a Microsoft program. Porteous’s own band, Ghost Bells, is also set to perform, showcasing their unique blend of free noise music. He expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s atmosphere: “I just love seeing people exposed to this music. I hope people get inspired to make their own sounds.”

Performances are held at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery and Port Chalmers Town Hall. Porteous hinted at surprises beyond the official lineup, promising an exciting experience for attendees. He believes that Dunedin, located at the bottom of the world, is an ideal setting for experimental music. “I think everybody should play music. It’s so good for the soul,” he stated, emphasizing that the essence of improvised music lies in creativity rather than technical skill.

Looking ahead, there are discussions about the next Lines of Flight festival, tentatively scheduled for 2027. “It’s more than likely that there will be another one in two years’ time,” Porteous confirmed, as several musicians have already expressed interest in participating.

As the festival continues, it serves not only as a celebration of music but also as a testament to the strong sense of community and collaboration that defines the experimental music scene in Dunedin and beyond.