Smokefree Rockquest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats are back in business for 2016, giving 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 Smokefree Rockquest format this year.
“Worldwide, there’s a renewed emphasis on live performance in the music scene, with all the excitement that streamed music alone cannot deliver.
For young people, Smokefree Rockquest 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 being part of a band. The competition are also providing another NZQA curriculum assessment for music students.
The winner of the solo/duo section will be announced at the regional heats, except in Auckland.
Common says, “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.”
Smokefree Rockquest retains its position as the country’s only live original music youth event, accessible to students right across New Zealand.
This year entrants in Smokefree Pacifica Beats can perform at the Smokefree Rockquest gig in their region or submit performance video; with the exception of Auckland where Smokefree Pacifica Beats heats will be held on June 18 and finals on July 2.
The regional events for both contests run from May 13 until July 2. The top regional bands and solo/duos will then 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 Smokefree Rockquest national on Saturday September 24.
Smokefree Rockquest, 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 Smokefree Rockquest national final.
