The Southland bands to progress to the regional finals of Smokefreerockquest have been announced, after a performance at Invercargill’s Civic Theatre last Friday. 

Also announced were the top two placing solo/duo acts, who now go through to the event’s semi-finals.

The top Southland solo/duo acts selected were winners Maia and Keita from James Hargest College and runner-up Meadow Bodkin-Allen, also from James Hargest College.

Founder and director of Smokefreerockquest, Glenn Common, who was also the event manager for the Southland heats, says he was blown away by the talent in the region.

"Southland always produces such fantastic musical acts,” said Common. “We had so much fun hosting this year's acts, and look forward to seeing what those going on to the next stage do in their video submission."

Common says Smokefreerockquest is a huge learning and confidence building opportunity for young musicians.

“The experience of Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats goes far beyond event day.” 

“Each of the acts have been writing, practicing, and planning, and then on event day they get to finally put that work into action. Following their performance they get to reflect on how their performance went and what they will do the same or differently next time."

“This learning is great for developing skills and attitudes around goal setting and each student's ability to try new things, and celebrate themselves and their hard work.”

The top bands going on to submit videos in the regional final are:

• The Terrace - James Hargest College
• Abulia - James Hargest College
• blxck window - Central Southland College
• Thermonuclear - Gore High School
• The Liveable Mess - Gore High School

At the regional final there will be awards for the top three bands, the Musicianship Award, ZM Best Song, Best Vocal, APRA Lyrics Award, and the Rockshop Electronic Assist Award.

The top regional bands and solo/duos submit footage for selection as finalists to play off at the Smokefreerockquest National Semi-finals, from which the top 10 National Finalists will be selected. 

The National Finals will be held in Auckland on September 23rd. 

Smokefreerockquest has national winners’ prize packages for bands and solo/duo winners that includes $22,000 in Rockshop vouchers, $16,000 NZ On Air recording, video and promo package, a photo shoot and branding package.

Musical successes from Smokefreerockquest include Broods, Marlon Williams, Six60, Ladyhawke, Brooke Fraser, Anika Moa, The Black Seeds, Bic Runga, and many more acts who have gained national and international acclaim.  

Smokefree Tangata Beats standout successes include Alien Weaponry and Nesian Mystik.