First Time Entrant Wins Nelson Rockquest Title

A first time entrant to Smokefreerockquest has his chance at kiwi music success after winning this year’s Nelson title on Saturday night at the Trafalgar Centre.
 
First place in the regional final of the nationwide youth music competition went to a shocked Johnnie Cameron from Nelson College, who says he never entered the competition before because he was put off by the name.
 
“I thought it was mainly for rock bands and that’s not my style, but this is my last year at school so I thought I had better do it - but I really didn’t think I’d have a chance.” Johnnie says. “I had to change one of the songs I was going to do because I injured my strumming hand in a quad bike mishap the day before - it was painful but at least I could still play my guitar.”
 
Second place, winning vouchers from the NZ Rockshops and their suppliers, went to Toysonfire from Waimea College.
 
First and second placegetters win musical gear from NZ Rockshops and their suppliers and go on to compete for one of the six finalist spots in this year’s Smokefreerockquest. They’re joined by MusGrave from Nayland College who won the Smokefree People’s Choice, selected by text vote at the event.
 
Rockquest Promotions Founders and Directors Glenn Common and Pete Rainey said it was now up to the Nelson finalist to make the most of the opportunity Smokefreerockquest offered.
 
“The process from here on will sort out those who have the creativity and the commitment,” Rainey said. “The six bands or soloists to play off at the national final in September are chosen from DVDs of their own music. Bands have to work together as a group on their DVD and develop the skills that will help turn their talent into success.”
 
The six national finalists will be selected from a pool of around 60 DVDs, made up of first and second place-getters from each of 26 regional finals, plus the Smokefree People’s Choice winner and bands from Rockshop Second Chance, which is an opening for established bands who feel they didn’t play at their best on the night.
 
In term three Smokefreerockquest and the NZ Music Commission, with funding from the Ministry of Education, will partner the regional winner with a mentor band - a band that is some years ahead and has first hand knowledge of the industry.
 
This year’s national final is at the Power Station in Auckland on Saturday September 19, 8pm start.
 
Prizes at stake include musical equipment from NZ Rockshop to the value of $10,000, and The Edge Airplay Award with NZ On Air where the winning band’s music and video are recorded at York Street Studios with guaranteed airplay, and a promotional package from myspace.com. Other awards reinforce the key Smokefreerockquest aim of encouraging students to write and perform their own music. Individual prizes are awarded for best lyrics, women’s musicianship, the best song and a scholarship to the Tai Poutini contemporary music course is awarded for musicianship.

The other Nelson awards on Saturday night went to:
  
Third place winning musical gear from NZ Rockshops and their suppliers: Ello from Garin College
 
The Mainz Musicianship Award with the opportunity to be selected for the $4500 Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand Scholarship, announced at the national finals: Clark Hinton, guitarist from Paradox, Garin College

The APRA Lyric Writer’s Award judged from lyrics submitted at the heats: Alice Williams from Face of the Day, Nelson College For Girls
 
Smokefree award for women’s musicianship with a prize of $150; Louise Maroni from Face of the Day, Nelson College For Girls
 
The Lowdown Best Song Award, winning $100 cash: The Icecream Bandits from Nelson College, Nelson & College For Girls
 
 
ENDS