Media Release: Smokefreerockquest– Hawke’s Bay solo- duo winners and band heats results.
Live music, original songs, selfies and first time nerves – it was all part of the mix at Napier Boys’ High School on
Sunday in this year’s Smokefreerockquest Hawke’s Bay heats.
Over 700 bands and solo/duos are going through regional heats and finals in over 20 venues from Invercargill to
Whangarei between May 5 and July 6.
Founder and Director Glenn Common says while Smokefreerockquest is a competition, the environment at the heats is very
supportive and the emphasis is on participation.
“The competition is merely the framework on which we hang the opportunity to perform and for entrants to learn from each
other. They pick up skills such as stage presence from watching their peers, in a way that can’t be replicated in the
classroom.”
The top two Hawke’s Bay solo/duos selected at the heats are Izzy Lorch from Taradale High School (first) and Tomairangi
Henare from Napier Boys’ High School (second).
15 year-old singer songwriter and guitarist, Izzy Lorch, puts her second Smokefreerockquest regional final win down to
the energy in her song, as well as its
relatable story and ‘good hook’.
“I kind of blanked out as soon as the lights hit me and felt as if I became the music and my instrument, not noticing
the people around me and I really let my vocals shine in parts of the song,” the year-11 student said. “I was really
shocked and surprised when I found out that I won. I was full of energy and had a big grin on my face. Everyone who
performed today did an amazing job.”
First & second placed both go into the judging pool for the national final, and will be joined by the top two bands selected at
the Hawke’s Bay finals in two weeks time.
These are the top 10 bands to play off at the Hawke’s Bay regional final at the Municipal Theatre, on Sat May 26 start
time 7pm, tickets $20 adults and $10 students, at the door or from Ticketek.
Antares Napier Boys' High School
Those Daze Havelock North High School
Clouded Lens Napier Boys' High School
Elephant Room Napier Boys' High School
Figure Eight Napier Girls' High School
Te Paki'z Tamatea High School
The Bingo Boys Flaxmere Primary School, Flaxmere College
Drive West Napier Girls' High School, Havelock North High School
Pheonix Rising Napier Boys' High School, Taradale Intermediate
The Vivid'z Tamatea High School
At the Hawke’s Bay final there are awards for the top three bands, the MAINZ Musicianship Award, Smokefree Award For
Women’s Musicianship, Lowdown Best Song, the APRA Lyrics Award, the Fatboy Style Award and the ZM People’s Choice voted
by text.
The top regional bands and solo/duos submit footage for selection as finalists to play at the Smokefree Tangata Beats
national final on Friday September 21 at the Dorothy Winstone Centre in Auckland, followed by the Smokefreerockquest
national final on Saturday September 22.
The live events run from May 5 until July 6, and most regions will also be filmed for the hugely popular SFRQ webisodes,
fronted this year by NZ’s ‘First Bloke’ Clarke Gayford.
Smokefreerockquest, powered by Rockshop, 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 from Imaginary Friends. There is also the Musicianship Award, the APRA (Australasian Performing Right
Association) Lyric Award, Best Song Award, Smokefree Vocals Award, Fatboy Style Award, and the ZM People’s Choice.
Musical successes from Smokefreerockquest over its 30-year history include Broods, Leroy Clampitt, Kimbra, Aaradhna,
Opshop, Evermore, Ladyhawke, Kids of 88, Die!Die!Die!, Joel Little, Tiny Ruins, Marlon Williams, Brooke Fraser, Anika
Moa, Chelsea Jade, Nadia Reid, Aldous Harding, Steriogram, Phoenix Foundation, Devilskin, The Black Seeds, Bic Runga,
and The Naked and Famous. Smokefree Tangata Beats standout successes include Alien Weaponry, Strangely Arousing Nesian
Mystik, the only New Zealand band to ever have ten singles all certified gold or platinum.
Ends