Hymns & Her one step closer to rockquest final
A Tararua band is taking a swing at world domination, and moving up through the ranks of national Smokefree Rockquest.
Pop group Hymns & Her from Dannevirke High School formed last year, and came second in the Manawatu regional finals in July.
The placing meant they could submit a video to national judges to compete for a spot in the finals.
On Thursday, it was announced they were the only regional group to make it through the first selections round, and were among the top 30 bands from an original entry pool of 700.
‘‘It was a shock. We were stoked, we couldn’t believe it,’’ singer Lauren Carr said.
Playing to a large crowd, and hearing their own music with top sound quality during the regional finals was amazing, she said.
Afterward they recorded a video of three original songs.
‘‘Our principal had a lot of faith in us and paid for ... the studio.
Before forming Hymns & Her, Carr and Elijah Graham, the keyboardist, were arch-nemesis.
‘‘We had a huge rivalry through junior school, because only one of us could come out on top in school talent quests.’’
‘‘Then we realised instead of working against each other, we should work together.’’
Carr has scooped awards in rockquest’s songwriting section for the past two years, but said the bands songs were more complete because she worked with Graham and drummer Dylan Morgans.
‘‘I’m a lyricist, but I always sucked at the music - my chords were really basic. But if I hand it to Elijah, he’s a really good song writer musically, and he makes it really sound awesome.
‘‘And then Dylan adds really cool drums. Everyone has different strengths.’’
The group are now waiting for the next selection of final five bands, and a people’s choice act, to be announced August 1.