Smokefreerockquest has embraced the power of the web to choose this year’s Taranaki regional finalists.
“The process was a bit different because contestants uploaded videos on YouTube and posted the link to us, but it was judged the same as if would be if it was a live heat,” said regional organiser Dan Kendrick
“Logistically it became impossible for live heats, so we decided on holding them online,” Mr Kendrick explained.
Twelve bands from Taranaki high schools have been selected to perform in the finals on Saturday June 16 and they will have seven minutes to show the judges what they’ve got,
Mr Kendrick said.
One band hoping to make an impact at the regional final is Skunk Pizza from Inglewood High School, who got Google Generator to choose their oddball name.
Band members vocalist Libbyanna Cruickshank, 17, Kelvin Sadler, 16, guitar, Tyler Jackson, 17, bass, and drummer Rory Gordon, 18, were confident of their ability.
“Rockquest is a good way of showing our own music and with Libby’s vocals and our individual skill on our selected instruments we hope it will give us a good chance of winning,” said Tyler.
He said after the competition Skunk Pizza hope to organise some gigs and do some recording.
The top three bands at the regional finals will be chasing awards for overall and woman’s musicianship, best song, best lyrics and the people’s choice award which is chosen via text.
The top two bands can then send in a video to compete against the other regional finalist to find the eight bands who’ll playoff at the national final at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton on September 22.
Mr Kendrick encouraged music lovers to get along to the Taranaki show and support the bands.
“It’ll be a great time, great diverse music and there will be giveaways and prizes. If you have friends involved you can vote for them via text. It’s a full production show and just a fun environment.”
The Smokefreerockquest Taranaki regional finals will be held at the TSB Showplace on Saturday June 16, from 7pm, tickets are $20 from TicketMaster or at the door.
