Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats 2016

Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats 2016

Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats are back in business for 2016, and gearing up to deliver an estimated 650 bands and solo-duos the opportunity to perform live in 20 regions throughout New Zealand.

Founder and director Glenn Common said there are some changes to the Smokefreerockquest format this year, but the platform for young people to perform their original songs live remains the same.

“Worldwide, there’s a renewed emphasis on live performance in the music scene, with all the excitement that streamed music alone cannot deliver,” he said. “For young people Smokefreerockquest provides a professional stage setting with lights, MC and digital backdrop. It takes them to the roots of musical performance, to audience response and to what, for many, is a life changing experience on stage.”

This year students can enter in the solo/duo section as well as bing part of a band.

“We actually encourage them to do this,” Common said. “They can get the experience of performing alone or in a duo, as well as gaining the benefits of working together as a band, and we’re providing another NZQA curriculum assessment opportunity for music students.”

The winner of the solo/duo section will be announced at the regional heats, except in Auckland.

“Auckland now has its own separate solo/duo event, which also means we can accommodate the band entrants, including those from West Auckland, in the three gigs in North Shore, Central Auckland and Manukau.”

Common said Smokefreerockquest retains its position as the country’s only live original music youth event, accessible to students right across New Zealand.

Smokefree Pacifica Beats

Smokefree Pacifica Beats provides a creative platform for youth to express themselves through music and performance featuring Maori and Pacific language and culture, while mixing and blending it with contemporary Kiwi flavours. The emphasis is on particpation, with mentoring workshops supported by the New Zealand Music Commission in Whangarei, Gisborne, Wellington and Christchurch.

This year entrants in Smokefree Pacifica Beats can perform at the Smokefreerockquest gig in their region or submit performance video; with the exception of Auckland where Smokefree Pacifica Beats heats will be held onJune 18 and finals on July 2.

The regional events for both contests run from May 13 until July 2, then the top regional bands and solo/duos submit video footage for selection to play off at the Smokefree Pacifica Beats national final on Friday September 23 at the Raye Freedman Centre in Auckland, followed by the Smokefreerockquest national on Saturday September 24.

This is the 26th year that Smokefree has held the naming rights for Smokefreerockquest. Health Promotion Agency (HPA) tobacco control spokesperson Kath Blair says this longstanding partnership has been mutually beneficial.

“Smokefreerockquest plays a significant part in helping creating a sense of belonging for students to their schools, other students and their communities, as well as helping them to develop new skills and aspirations for their futures. HPA is very pleased to continue supporting these iconic New Zealand music events.”

Smokefreerockquest, powered by Rockshop, has national winners’ prize packages for bands and solo/duo winners that includes $22,000 in Rockshop vouchers, a $20,000 NZ On Air recording, video and promo package’ a ‘Decent Exposure’ campaign on FOUR, a photo shoot and branding package from Imaginary Friends.

There is also the MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand) Scholarship for Outstanding Musicianship, the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Lyric Award, the Lowdown Best Song Award, the Smokefree Women’s Musicianship Award, the Dominate Hair Style Award and the People’s Choice voted by text with the opportunity to open the Smokefreerockquest national final.

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