Editorial: Local bands do us proud

The state of Rotorua's live music scene is alive and well if the results of the Smokefreerockquest is anything to go by.

Two of the six bands in the grand finals in this year's competition come from Rotorua schools - that's remarkable.

The finalists were announced this week and are A Bit Nigel from Rotorua Boys' High School and Taupo-nui-a-Tia College and Aftershock from Western Heights High School and John Paul College.

While it's the third time in the finals for A Bit Nigel, Aftershock is to feature for the first time.

To have a third of the finalists coming from our area is amazing and bodes well for the title coming this way.

Smokefreerockquest is no ordinary talent quest.

It has launched the careers of some of our country's greats, including Kimbra, Opshop, Evermore, Ladyhawke, the Datsuns, Brooke Fraser, Anika Moa, The Feelers, The Black Seeds, Nesian Mystik, Bic Runga, King Kapisi and Elemeno P.

I had the pleasure of attending a band practice for Aftershock a couple of years ago to offer some advice ahead of their first Smokefreerockquest performance.

These young guys were hard out rehearsing in the garage at one of their homes. The music was blaring but none of the neighbours were complaining. I'd suggest because their music was so good.

Their proud parents were beaming and so they should be.

For those parents who cringe at the thought of their child becoming a full-time muso, think again.

The band members in these two groups are learning so much in their drive to win the competition - determination, commitment, confidence and work ethic to name a few.

In my view, New Zealand's music industry is possibly in the healthiest state it has been for years and I look forward to seeing Aftershock and A Bit Nigel up there in lights in the future.

Roll on the finals on September 28 and best of luck to the boys in the bands.