Opiuo: Innovating Funky Beats and Glitchy Rhythms

Oscar Davey-Wraight, better known as Opiuo, was born in New Zealand but really found his lane in Australia. Over the years, he’s built a cult following with a blend of glitch-hop, funk, and bass that’s both hefty and playful. Imagine that rush in a packed warehouse. He’s always evolving, revisiting old tracks through fresh collaborations (like that notable Gravitate remix), and now he’s dropping new singles this year that keep his sound alive and kicking. 

On stage, he brings that same energy. Whether solo or backed by the Opiuo Live Band, his shows are full of analog gear, trippy visuals, and deep, physical bass. If you’re after something with real character that doesn’t follow the usual formula, Opiuo’s got you.

The Birth of Opiuo’s Sound

Opiuo didn’t grow up in a city scene; he came up in the middle of nowhere. Born in Motueka, New Zealand, his childhood soundtrack was the rumble of basslines echoing across his parents’ farm, where they threw actual music festivals. Before he even touched a synth, he was surrounded by everything from dub to rock to electronic in the wildest way possible.

When he moved to Australia as a teen, things got serious. He got deep into production and started building a sound that doesn’t really fit into any one box—glitch-hop, funk, bass, and whatever else feels right. You can hear the influence of acts like Tipper, Fat Freddy’s Drop, and The Chemical Brothers, but at this point, Opiuo just sounds like Opiuo: detailed, unpredictable, and weird in all the best ways.

<Spotify link="https://open.spotify.com/album/55bo2b0ZAV2Nhc6vkgi62z?si=WBpEp9QfSOGUvMgaKAUJSQ" />

Your Go-To Guide for the Essentials

Want to get a feel for Opiuo’s world? Here’s a handpicked list of standout albums, EPs, and singles that capture what makes his sound so distinctive.

 Not everything he’s dropped, but definitely the ones you shouldn’t miss:

Opiuo’s not easing into 2025; he’s firing on all cylinders. New singles like Mekke Flex (with K+Lab and ProbCause), Aethers Theme, Satellite (with Wreckno), and Swamp Belly show he’s still pushing his sound in new directions.

It’s everything you’d expect from him.

Opiuo's Live Show Madness

There’s studio Opiuo and then there’s live Opiuo. On stage, he brings something bigger. He’s headlined iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre (including a massive “Opulent Orchestra” show in May 2025) and nailed festival stages like Lollapalooza and Glastonbury.

In 2025, he’s been rolling through North America hard: solo runs, full-band shows, and orchestral setups. He’s dropped into venues like ReelWorks in Denver and The UC Theatre in Berkeley, and returned to Unison Festival in New Mexico. Plus, he’s set for Secret Dreams in Ohio and Same Same But Different Festival in California. This is Opiuo doing everything: solo, band, orchestra.

The Hype Is Real: Opiuo's Unstoppable Rise!

This isn’t just hype. Opiuo took home Best Electronica Album at the New Zealand Music Awards for Meraki back in 2014, and he’s been building ever since. With sold-out shows, a dedicated fanbase, and major respect across the scene, he’s carved out a space that’s entirely his own. He’s even shared the stage with names like Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, and Gwen Stefani, proof that his reach goes well beyond the underground.

From grassroots festivals in New Zealand to massive stages like Red Rocks, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, and Electric Forest, Opiuo has made his mark. His blend of glitch-hop, funk, and bass doesn’t just get people moving, it keeps them coming back. Whether you’re tuning in at home or seeing him live, he brings something that sticks.

For the full lowdown on his music, check out Opiuo's official website >>>