Cokesmokefreerockquest 04: Final Winners Announced

Cokesmokefreerockquest 2004: Final Winners Announced

INCURSA wins CokeSmokefreerockquest National Finals!

Months of rehearsals and intense competition came to fruition last night for Auckland band INCURSA, who shook Takapuna’s Bruce Mason Centre to its very foundations with their winning performance!

Walking away with a recording deal and $10,000 worth of music equipment, INCURSA holds high hopes for the future after wining the same contest that has spawned some of New Zealand ’s biggest international acts, including Steriogram, Bic Runga and Zed.

Hamilton soloist, KIMBRA JOHNSON, was the national runner-up, while FIFTH ELEMENT from CHRISTCHURCH placed third, each also winning recording deals and $5,000 and $3,000 worth of music equipment respectively.

The national finalists had been selected from a record 649 bands who entered in 2004 and held their own alongside sets from STERIOGRAM (on a fleeting visit from Los Angeles), GOODNIGHT NURSE and 2003 CokeSmokefreeRockquest winners FALTER.

The judging panel comprised Ashley Page, of Festival Mushroom Records; Camille Guzwell, of New Zealand On Air; Producer Malcolm Wellsford and Willie McAllister from The Edge radio station.

Glenn Common, founder and director of Rockquest promotions, says the CokeSmokefreeRockquest showcases the fresh New Zealand talent that is integral to developing the New Zealand music industry’s creative and competitive edge.

“CokeSmokefreeRockquest is known for catapulting its finalists into the national spotlight. Winning the national final ensures a high profile for a very concentrated period of time and offers the band acknowledgement and experience within in the music and media industries,” says Glenn.

2004 NATIONAL WINNERS INCURSA RECEIVE:

q The Edge Airplay Award (in association with New Zealand on Air and York Street Studios), which includes a single recorded and produced to release quality at York Street Studios in Auckland

q A music video

q A radio release on The Edge

q Inclusion on a New Zealand On Air Hit Disk

q $10,000 worth of vouchers supplied by The New Zealand Rockshop, Direct Imports New Zealand Ltd, The Electric Factory Ltd and Roland, Boss, Fender, Zildjian, Tascam, Mapex, V.S., Edirol, Jackson, dB Technologies, and Marshall branded equipment

q Travel costs and full support and plugging from the New Zealand On Air team!

SECOND PLACE WINNER KIMBRA JOHNSON RECEIVES

q $5,000 (incl GST) worth of vouchers from The New Zealand Rockshops and their suppliers

q Two songs recorded and released on the CokeSmokefreeRockquest websites

THIRD PLACE WINNERS FIFTH ELEMENT RECEIVE

q $3,000 (incl GST) worth of vouchers from The New Zealand Rockshops and their suppliers

q Two songs recorded and released on the CokeSmokefreeRockquest websites

Additional prizes awarded last night included:

q The Lyric Award ($500 cash), awarded to:

q
The Smokefree Best Vocals Award ($1,000 cash), awarded to: KIMBRA JOHNSON, Hillcrest High School , Hamilton

q The Smokefree Award for Women's Musicianship ($1,000 cash), awarded to: KIMBRA JOHNSON, Hillcrest High School , Hamilton

q The MAINZ Scholarship (at $4,225 value), awarded to: ALEX SELWYN, Glenfield College

q The Cokefridge Stage Image Award ($500 cash), awarded to: INCURSA, St. Peter’s College, Auckland

q The Cokefridge Original Song Award ($500 cash), awarded to: FIFTH ELEMENT, Hornby High School , Christchurch

Kaitaia College band, OUTATUNE picked up the Coke Anthem Award, an annual prize for the band which the judges deem to have the most polished and energetic sound, with a broad appeal.

OUTATUNE wins the opportunity to record a Coke “anthem”, utilising New Zealand 's top recording facilities and production people. The winners are guaranteed national exposure as the anthem is used for radio – and potentially TV - advertising campaigns.

Coca-Cola Region Corporate Affairs Manager Alison Sykora says the recent achievements of CokeSmokefreeRockquest national finalists has been outstanding.

“You only have to see what bands like FALTER and THE CHECKS from the 2003 national finals have achieved in the past year to understand what an invaluable platform this event is to launch a career from.

"Coke would like to congratulate INCURSA and all entries in CokeSmokefreeRockquest 2004,” she says.

Issued for and on behalf of Coca-Cola Oceania Ltd by Publicis Drum

“Coca-Cola” and “Coke” are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.

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About Coke Fridge

Fresh music comes from the Fridge ( http://www.cokefridge.co.nz ). Coke has launched the most wicked music site NZ has ever seen including artist profiles, photo’s MP3 streaming, inside information, reviews and news, charts, music giveaways and cool games and competitions.

About Smokefree

Smokefree exists to encourage New Zealanders to adopt and maintain healthy attitudes and lifestyles and is a major supporter of key annual youth events at a national level. Events including Cokesmokefreerockquest, Smokefree Pacifica Beats, STRIKE to schools and the Young Designer Awards are backed by Smokefree, ensuring that the positive Smokefree message reaches young people in their environment. http://www.lungfish.co.New Zealand

About CokeSmokefreeRockquest

CokeSmokefreeRockquest is the biggest and most influential nation-wide youth event held in New Zealand , attracting audience numbers in excess of 100,000 every year. Founded by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey in 1988 (who now run Rockquest Promotions full time out of Nelson), it has become a New Zealand institution. Bands including The Datsuns, Anika Moa, Steriogram, Tadpole, the feelers, The Blackseeds, Nesian Mystic, Bic Runga, Fur Patrol, Betchadupa, King Kapisi, Zed and The Have have all participated in the CokeSmokefreeRockquest during its 16-year history. CokeSmokefreeRockquest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and encourage their peers to support 100% original New Zealand music. For more information email info@cokesmokefreerockquest.com

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