SMOKEFREE ROCKQUEST 2016 Central Otago Region Final Friday 17 June

It’s the big night of the year for aspiring young musicians as they take the stage at the Smokefreerockquest Central Otago regional final at the Lake Wanaka Centre on Friday 17 June.

High school bands and solo/duos from Central Otago are set to play off for first and second place in band and solo/duo categories, with the opportunity to go into the judging pool for the coveted spots at the national final in September.

Smokefreerockquest founder and director Glenn Common says at the regional final level some entrants are already demonstrating the stand out factor that may see them achieve music career success.

“The benefits of coming together, meeting fellow musicians and playing to a live audience can’t be overstated,” he said. “Becoming a performing artist is not a one-day project – it’s a long road until you’re writing the sort of songs that help to shape a nation’s identity as some past Smokefreerockquest winners like Anika Moa and Jason Kerison have done.”

The bands and solo/duos taking their shot at Kiwi music success on Friday 17 June at the Lake Wanaka Centre, start time 7pm, tickets from NZTix.co.nz are:

Becky Reid Wakatipu High School

Syndkt Mt Aspiring College

After Tomorrow Mt Aspiring College

Young Kings Cromwell College

Sofia Wakatipu High School

Violet Hirst Wakatipu High School

Park Radio Verdon College

Clockwork Mt Aspiring College

Paige Mt Aspiring College

Evie Mt Aspiring College

Siobhan Cromwell College

The six stringers Mt Aspiring College

Dylan Mt Aspiring College

Honeyduck Wakatipu High School

Leah Gourlay Wakatipu High School

Alex Dykes Central Southland College

Amalasanda Wakatipu High School

Kairose Mt Aspiring College

Casey & Niamh Mt Aspiring College

G&G Machine Wakatipu High School

Mikyla Schneider Wakatipu High School

Clone Radio Wakatipu High School

Underage James Hargest College

The Junior Sound System Mt Aspiring College

Rogue Mt Aspiring College

Zak and Becky Wakatipu High School

Silhouette Mt Aspiring College

Ceiling Mt Aspiring College

The top two bands and solo/duos will send in 15 minutes of video for selection to go into the national finalists judging pool.

The regional events for both Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Pacifica beats run from May 13 until July 2. The Smokefree Pacifica Beats national final is on Friday September 23 at the Raye Freedman Centre in Auckland, followed by the Smokefreerockquest national on Saturday September 24.

Smokefreerockquest, powered by Rockshop, has national winners’ prize packages for bands and solo/duo winners that includes $22,000 in Rockshop vouchers, a $20,000 NZ On Air recording, video and promo package’ a ‘Decent Exposure’ campaign on The Edge TV, a photo shoot and branding package from Imaginary Friends.

There is also the MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand) Scholarship for Outstanding Musicianship, the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Lyric Award, the Lowdown Best Song Award, Smokefree Vocals Award, the Dominate Style Award and the People’s Choice voted by text with the opportunity to open the Smokefreerockquest national final.

Musical successes from Smokefreerockquest over its 27-year history include Broods, Leroy Clampitt, Kimbra, Aaradhna, Opshop, Evermore, Ladyhawke, Kids of 88, Die!Die!Die!, Joel Little, Tiny Ruins, Cairo Knife Fight, Brooke Fraser, Anika Moa, Kora, Thomston, Midnight Youth, Steriogram, Phoenix Foundation, Devilskin, The Black Seeds, Bic Runga, and The Naked and Famous; Smokefree Pacifica Beats standout successes include Nesian Mystik, the only New Zealand band to ever have ten singles all certified gold or platinum.

ENDS

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