Latest news with #Smokefreerockquest
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Smokefreerockquest and Showquest regional finals 2025 – Wellington, Otago, Hamilton, TOI Auckland
We've reached the sixth instalment of Smokefreerockquest and Showquest 2025 webisodes – and what a way to round out the regionals. Wellington lit up with a genre-bending mix of disco, soul and jazz, while Otago brought the southern fire with powerhouse performances and polished stagecraft. In Hamilton, Showquest Waikato wrapped
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Smokefreerockquest and Showquest Regional Finals 2025 – Auckland, Canterbury, Far North, Northland, Wairarapa, Nelson
Week five of the 2025 Smokefreerockquest and Showquest webisodes is packed with power, passion, and pure creative energy. From the storm-defying spirit in Nelson to the musical fire coming out of the Far North and Northland, the stage was owned by rangatahi bringing their all. Wairarapa bands turned up the
NZ Herald
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Smokefreerockquest and Showquest Regional Finals 2025 – Hawke's Bay, Southland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Central Otago and Nelson
Week four of the Smokefreerockquest and Showquest 2025 webisodes is here, and it's full of big sounds, bold performances and unbeatable regional pride. From the buzzing Civic Theatre in Southland to the packed floor in Hawke's Bay, this week's episodes deliver high-energy highlights, standout songwriting and some serious stage presence.
Otago Daily Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Year 11 trio win top title at Rockquest
Deaf Raccoon band members (from left) Christopher Body, 16, Leo Hill, 15, and Jamie Bradfield, 15, after taking the top spot at the Smokefree Rock Quest on Saturday. Photo: Kelsey Frost Dunedin band Deaf Raccoon are crediting lunchtime jam sessions for their success after taking top honours at a regional battle of the bands competition at the weekend. On Saturday, the John McGlashan College three-piece were shocked to hear they had beaten 14 other bands to win the Dunedin regional Smokefreerockquest final. The programme, now in its 37th year, sees bands, soloists and duos from Whangarei to Invercargill fight it out for a spot in the national final. The band is comprised of year 11 students Christopher Body, Leo Hill and Jamie Bradfield. Christopher said the three-piece were "buzzing", but also very surprised. "We were all just really confused as to how we won — all the other bands are so talented ... I just thought we had no chance." Christopher plays bass and provides back-up vocals, Leo does the main vocals and guitar and Jamie is the drummer. Deaf Raccoon band members (from left) Leo Hill, Jamie Bradfield and Christopher Body perform their set for the competition. Photo: supplied "There's always super-high tension, because we know other bands outside of Rockquest, so it seems like friendly competition, but everyone's also super-tense. "When you get on stage of course it's nerve-racking, but afterwards it was fine," Christopher said. He described Deaf Raccoon's genre as "indie-rock ska" and the group performed an original and untitled song, which was written during lunchtime jam sessions in the school music room. This was Christopher's third year playing at Smokefreerockquest, but his first with Dead Raccoon and his first since the competition was shifted from the Mayfair Theatre to the Regent Theatre. The new venue was significantly more intimidating, Christopher said. "It was a lot more terrifying this year — it's so much bigger ... but you can't see anything when the lights are on you, so it's fine once you're up there."
NZ Herald
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Smokefreerockquest and Showquest Regional Finals 2025 - Tīmaru, East Coast/Tairāwhiti, Canterbury, North Shore, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
We're back with the third instalment of Smokefreerockquest and Showquest 2025 webisodes, and this week's episodes are full throttle. From heartfelt songwriting in Timaru to stage-shaking energy in Tairāwhiti and a packed house in Christchurch, the music scene is alive and well across Aotearoa. North Shore brought polish and passion,
