Punk rock three piece Murder On Venus from Gore High School took out first place at this year’s Southland regional Smokefreerockquest final at Centre Stage on Friday night.  

Lead guitarist and vocalist Hamish Waddell, who also took out the musicianship award on the night, said band’s strength lies in creating an atmosphere for the audience through a strong stage presence that is "completely authentic and in the moment." 

“Stage presence is a big thing for us. You get so excited and then in the moment you aren’t even thinking, it just comes out. I think the audience likes that. They can tell when it’s contrived. You look out into the crowd and you see people smiling and enjoying themselves.”

The other members of Murder On Venus are Jordan Franks (bass), and Angelo Rosario (drums). 

Second place in the band category went to Back On Road from Menzies College, with members Sev Alanquihan (drums), Brian Tyrell (vocals), Paulo Ameto (vocals), Regieson Cordova (guitar) and France Torrepalma (bass). 

They joined solo-duo winners for Southland Maggie Townsey from Verdon College (first) and Bella Tuffley from Gore High School (second) with the opportunity to submit a video of their original material for selection as one of the top ten national finalists to play off at the Bruce Mason Centre in Auckland on Saturday September 14. 

The Smokefree Tangata Beats Award went to soloist Destiny Naunau from Verdon College, who will now go into the selection process for the national final of Smokefree Tangata Beats, at the Vodafone Events Centre in Auckland on September 21. 

The new Rockshop Best use of Electronic assistance Award went to Michael Karesa from Southland Boys High School. 

Event founder and director Glenn Common said the potential of each new round of regional finalists is reflected in a music industry full of past participants. 

“It’s fascinating for us to look back at success stories like Kimbra, Marlon Williams and Broods where we could see the star factor right back at the regional level. Each event gives a new cohort of bands the opportunity to take their obsession with music and develop the organisational and stagecraft skills that will help them become another Kiwi music success.”

The full list of awards for Southland is:  

Band 1: Murder on Venus, Gore High School

Band 2: Back On Road, Menzies College

Band 3: Stitch In Time, James Hargest College

Smokefree Tangata Beats: Destiny, Verdon College

Solo/Duo winner: Maggie Townley, Verdon College

Solo/Duo second place: Bella Tuffley, Gore High School

ZM People’s Choice: Maggie Townley, Verdon College

Smokefree Best Vocals: Ella Cupit, Gore High School

Musicianship: Hamish Waddell - Murder On Venus, Gore High School

Best Song: Zookiniz, Central Southland College

Electronic Assistance: Michael Karesa, Southland Boys' High School

APRA Lyric Writers’ Award: "Turn Your Life Around" by Back On Road, Menzies College