National prize beckons for musos

 

Following the heats of Smokefreerockquest Northland a fortnight ago, local schools have emerged with a good chance of making it to the nationals and even possibly beyond.

One of the top two solo/duos for Northland, selected for the Northland regional final is Emma Scott Rankin of Mangawhai representing Otamatea High School. Emma is one of just two finalists in the solo section so both will advance into the judging pool for the national finals.

Of the top ten bands lining up in the regional finals , two (The Monkey Assassins and The Unemployed) are representing Rodney College and The Vybes and Mile Zero will have loud support from Otamatea High School. Heavy metallers Alien Weaponry are pupils at both Bream Bay College and Otamatea High School.

Several of these musicians are former Mangawhai Beach School pupils and should prove a good example of dedication and musicianship that can be achieved even from a small school. For Mile Zero, Cameron Gill is up front on vocals with George Goddard on bass. For The Vybes, trying hard to improve their splendid performance of last year, James Finlay on lead guitar and vocals, Elias Giles counting the beat and Matthew McRae on bass, with Jacob Young keeping the Mangawhai flag flying for The Monkey Assassins.

The Northland regional final will be held at Forum North on Friday July 4, 7pm. Tickets are $10 school students and $15 adults from Ticketek or at the door. When all regional heats and finals are complete, the top regional bands and solo/duos are judged on video footage they have submitted for selection as national finalists to play off at Q Theatre in Auckland in September

The Vybes