Aftershock have taken the top spot in the regional Smokefreerockquest.
The school-boy band with members from Western Heights High School and John Paul College wooed a crowd of 450 people at Taupo's Great Lake Centre at the weekend, taking the group from last year's second place spot to a chance in the national finals this year. Rotorua and Taupo school bands, duo and soloists took part.
Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Lukas Wharekura said it was their stage presence and energy that set them apart. "We really went for it in our performance ... getting up on the drum risers and playing each other's guitars ... just working the crowd."
The band members, Lukas, Chris Everest on guitar, Shaun Loper on bass and Oliver Prendergast on drums, have been playing together for six years and were placed in the national top 20 last year.
Acoustic duo Title, made up of Ngamoe Potaka-Dewes and Sonya Katipa from Rotorua Girls' High School, won the solo/duo section. The girls have been performing together for nearly three years and are very appreciative of the separate solo/duo category this year.
"I used to think you are more likely to get further in a band, but sometimes it feels like they overshadow you," Ngamoe said.
"It's really cool to be in a duo - the simple acoustic harmonies, and to be heard without a drum kit or electric guitar behind you."
Second place in the band category went to last year's national finalists, A Bit Nigel from Taupo-nui-a-Tia College and Rotorua Boys' High School.
Ellie Redmond from Taupo-nui-a-Tia College placed second in the solo/duo category, and won the Skinny People's Choice Award voted by text. These four acts win musical gear from New Zealand Rockshop and the opportunity to gain selection for the national final in Auckland on Saturday, September 28.
Founder and director Glenn Common said from here on the finalists needed to work hard, drawing on their creativity to make the most of the opportunity offered.
"They now send in videos of their original music that will be judged in August as we lead up to the national final ... This process demands creativity and musical ability, as well as learning to work together as a group and developing the organisation skills they'll need if they're going to make it on the Kiwi music scene."
Other awards:
Third place: Out Of Tunar from Western Heights High School.
APRA Lyric Award: Ngamoe Potaka-Dewes from Title, from Rotorua Girls' High School.
Lowdown Best Song: Zenith from Rotorua Lakes High School.
Mainz Musicianship Award: Oliver Prendergast of Aftershock, from Western Heights High School.
Women's Musicianship Award: Ngamoe Potaka-Dewes from Title, from Rotorua Girls' High School.