RockQuest finals: Most diverse year yet

Kimbra, Broods, The Naked and Famous, Brooke Fraser - these are just a few names that have found success both here in New Zealand and overseas. And all of them first made their mark at the annual Smokefreerockquest. Each year SFRQ gets bigger and better and judging by the line-up of the 2014 finalists, this year is no exception.

"This year probably has one of our most diverse ranges of genres that we've had in a long time - there's something in there for everybody," says Matt Ealand, chairman and national final co-ordinator.

Whether it's pop, rock, R&B, grunge, or something a little more off-beat, there is no denying that this year's finalists are full of talent and drive. In fact many of the bands who made it into the finals have grown up through the competition over several years.

"The Joe's Van boys - we've watched those kids from the age of 11 they're now 16, so they've been in the competition right through and every year we just see them progress," says Ealand.

"Vacant City have won their region for the last six years and they've finally made it to this point. They've been strong competitors for a long time.

"And Vivid, I mean, you don't see many all-female bands in the competition, let alone anywhere in New Zealand, so we've been watching them for quite a while. Last year, their singer [Ashleigh Wallace] won our Best Female Musician Award for the country.

"There are a lot of stories with each of them, not only the national finalists, but a lot of bands who just keep continuing and learning."

Smokefreerockquest contender Vivid.

Rockquest has become a huge platform for young New Zealand musicians. The music industry is aware of this pool of talent waiting to be tapped into, so many music labels will be watch the finalists battle it out.

"It's well attended by that sort of industry side of things. They will be seen. Currently we've already got people enquiring about a few of our acts," Ealand explains.

"We're aligning the winning acts with the right people to grow and build their creative process."

Despite contestants coming from a variety of regions and schools of various decile levels, Rockquest is somewhat of a level playing field for students with a passion for music.

"To be honest I don't think it matters if you're a private school or high decile school at all," says Ealand, "It's a combination of lots of things really, the right attitude, the right musical skill and the right support factors in place."

"Every year you just get so excited for these kids. It's just amazing, the amount confidence that they have," says Mai FM radio host K'Lee McNabb when asked about this year's Smokefree contestants.

"They have so much confidence, so much knowledge and their poeticism is just amazing."

McNabb has had a long history with the Smokefree competitions and will be one of the judges for this year's Pacifica Beats contest - the little sister to Rockquest with a cultural twist.

Smokefreerockquest contender Georgia Lines.

Jeff Newton from NZ on Air, Hamish Jackson from NZ Rockshops and Damian Daniels from Four are also among the Rockquest panel of judges this year and will have some tough decisions to make over the weekend.

So, could the next Broods or Kimbra be amongst this year's finalists?

"We see it every year and this year is no exception," says Ealand, "The standard that is there is undeniable. It's just about being noticed by the right people, I think. We can hear what's there, it's then just working alongside the right people."

"It's a stepping stone to getting them in the right place and getting them ready."

Smokefreerockquest national finalists

Bands
The Brandas - Alfriston College
Vacant City - Wairarapa College and Rathkeale College
Soda BOYZ - Palmerston North Boys' High School and Freyberg High
Joe's Van - Mt Maunganui College
HeadChef - Wellington High School
Vivid - Diocesan School for Girls and Marist College

Solo/duos
Cam Dawson - Manurewa High School
ELAE - Garin College
Georgia Lines - Bethlehem College

Smokefree Pacifica Beats finalists
Soulful 7 - Auckland Girls' Grammar
Open Arms - Rotorua Boys' High School
N8V6 (Native Six) - Wairoa College
Jah-Mon Fever - Aotea College
Aryze - Hagley Community College
Nesian Kings - De La Salle College

What: Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats finals
When: Friday (Pacifica Beats) and Saturday (Rockquest)
Where: Q Theatre, Auckland

- TimeOut