Co-Lab on a quest for glory

Rock-reggae five piece Co-Lab from Whangarei Boys' High School and Kamo High School. Photo/Alex Woods

Some of Northland's talented young musicians have done the easy bit - achieving in the Northland final of the Smokefreerockquest - but the hard work starts now if they want to make it to the national final of the country's largest musical contest.

Ten bands and two solo performers took part in Smokefreerockquest held at Forum North on Friday night and, after some great performances, rock-reggae act Co-Lab, from Whangarei Boys' High School and Kamo High School, were named Northland's winners.

Bass player Jesse Samu said the band had been together in its current form for just four months and got together for a jam every week. The name refers to collaboration as they are "a lot of single artists mixed together" in a band.

"We've got an original sound with our rock-reggae and we went for an original look in our op-shop suits and ties. Our songs are about girls and they're pretty upbeat - we just tried to be really, really tight and to have fun - win or lose," Jesse said.

The other members of Co-Lab are Toban Taylor (rhythm guitar and vocals), Jimmy Kay (lead guitar) James Ross (drums), Josh Crawford (lead vocals) and Austyn Mills (keyboard, trumpet and backing vocals). Austyn also won the Mainz Musicianship Award with the opportunity to be selected for a national scholarship.

Second place in the band category went to Alien Weaponry from Bream Bay College and Otamatea High School, made up of Henry de Jong (drums and backing vocals) Ethan Trembath (bass and backing vocals) and Lewis de Jong (lead guitar and vocals).

Emma Scott-Rankin from Otamatea High School was placed first in the solo/duo section. The 15-year-old acoustic rock singer and songwriter from Mangawhai Heads has been strongly influenced by her dad, who is a drummer and big fan of'70s and'80s rock music.

Emma said her music has a classic 70's rock base with "modern markings and influences" and her songwriting is very people focused.

"I find it so interesting how we treat each other and how we treat ourselves. So generally, people would definitely be the main inspiration for my song writing," she said.

Sepp Schmid from Kamo High School placed second in this section.

These four acts win musical gear from associate sponsors NZ Rockshops, and the opportunity to gain selection for the national final at Auckland's Q Theatre on September 27.

Founder and director Glenn Common said from here on the Northland finalists would have to work hard to make the most of the opportunity.

"They now send in video footage of their original music that will be judged in August as we lead up to the national final," he said.