Rockshop Bandquest national final results

Media Release Rockshop Bandquest national final results

The eleven member Kedgely Band has won $2000 worth of music gear for Kedgley Intermediate School in Papatoetoe in the first nationwide NZ Rockshops Bandquest.

Young bands have been playing off around the country over the last two weeks in Rockshop Bandquest, a new competition pitched at primary and intermediate school students.

Judge, Clint Harris from Opshop, said Kedgley Band had really strong vocals, a tight rhythm section, and added their own flavour to their cover songs.

“I was completely blown away by their showmanship and the level of musicianship, especially for musos their age,” he said. “Obviously a lot of work has gone in to get that many musicians performing together so beautifully."

Second place and $1000 in Rockshop vouchers for Kimihia Primary in Huntly went to four piece band Thicker Than Water. Judge, Auckland singer-songwriter Massad, described them as sensational with ‘amazing’ original songs…

“Their stage presence is unbelievable at such an age and they have an awesome group dynamic,” he said. “The lead singer has a very individual voice which helps create the band’s sound - he also fronts a great show and he knows how to talk to an audience, which can be pretty hard.”

Third place went to Smooth Groove who won $500 worth of NZ Rockshop vouchers for Napier Intermediate.

Bandquest Founder and director Glenn Common says the contest has had great support from teachers and students, with 70 bands entering the six regional finals held in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Tauranga and Napier and an online section that enabled students located anywhere in the country to be involved. The national final was also held online at bandquest.co.nz

“Teachers are very grateful to have an event that offers encouragement in a non-threatening environment, while giving students a real taste of performing live with a full stage setup,” he said. “The kids are unbelievably enthusiastic and very supportive of each other.”

Glenn says with the first Rockshop Bandquest going so well, the aim is to hold the event in more centres next year.

“I can see Bandquest acting as a feeder to Smokefreerockquest,” he said. “Almost half the entrants performed an original song and it was very empowering forthose who stuck with playing covers to see their peers playing original music and to realise it is achievable.”

Find out more at bandquest.co.nz

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