Band names to set the world rocking

THEY say a band name says a lot about its musicians.

With names such as Fourandahalf Men, Rose and Three Thorns, Radical Racoons, and The Apple Crumbles, the Smokefreerockquest Otago heats could have audiences nodding with understanding as well as appreciation.

They are among 27 bands and 16 solo/duos gearing up to perform in the competition at Kavanagh College this Saturday, starting at noon.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the nationwide competition this year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern officially launched the 2018 event at a function at Parliament on Monday.

This year, about 3000 pupils are expected to compete in regional heats and finals, in 24 towns from Invercargill to Whangarei.

Founder and director Glenn Common said during the past 30 years, there had been tremendous support from schools who valued the framework the event created for their pupils to strive for success, express themselves and gain NCEA credits.

‘‘This is often mentioned as the motivator that keeps kids engaged in the school system.

‘‘Teachers can see the benefits that being in a band bring. Kids learn to cooperate, to negotiate around their differences, to express their thoughts and emotions in words, to front up on time, to promote themselves and their ideals.

‘‘And performing live on stage is a great boost in confidence — it requires a lot of skills that are not just musical.’’

First and second place in the solo/duo competition, and the winner of the Tangata Beats award would be announced at the heats, he said.

However, the winning band would not be named until next month, when the top 12 bands from the heats perform in the Otago final on June 23.

The top regional bands and solo/duos would then submit video footage of their performances, in a bid to be selected as a finalist in the Smokefreerockquest national final on September 22.

Musical successes from the competition over the past 30 years include Broods, Opshop, Evermore, Ladyhawke, Brooke Fraser, Anika Moa, Nadia Reid, Aldous Harding, The Black Seeds, Bic Runga, and The Naked and Famous.