Teen singer ‘speechless’ after rockquest victory

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Gisborne Boys’ High School student Salem Randall says “I can truly lose myself” when it comes to performing onstage.

On Saturday, losing became winning as Salem took out the solo-duo category at the 35th national final of Smokefreerockquest held at Q Theatre in Tamaki Makarau.

“I feel amazing and it is really surreal; I am speechless,” Salem said after his winning performance.

Salem sang two of his original songs — Run Boy Run while playing the electric guitar and A Chord Like This as he performed on the keyboard.

“What I love most about performing is that when I get up there I lose all my anxiety in the world and I can truly lose myself on stage,” said Salem, who last year won the $10,000 rangatahi section of the Whakaata Māori  (TV) singing series 5 Minutes of Fame.

Judge Jeff Newton from NZ On Air heaped praise on the soloist for his rockquest performance.

“All he had was his instrument, his voice and his passion . . . and he nailed it.

“He was so good. You can strip it back, or add on to it — his songwriting is great.

“His ability to command the audience with just his voice and a solo instrument, and make people believe and feel something — he is very developed.”

Salem won $3000 in musical equipment from Rockshop and a NZ On Air New Music Single recording, video and promo grant.

The judges were Mikhal Norris (NZME), Jeff Newton (NZ On Air),  Ellie Smith (Live Nation) and musicians Matt Warman, Nat Hutton, and Lepani.

Rockquest dates back to 1988 and several of the young musicians who have competed in it have gone on to successful music careers.

This year’s edition featured 3000 musicians across 22 regions — the biggest rockquest ever.