Taranaki’s bands battle it out
Teenage rock band Hungry Violets proved they were no shrinking violets when they took the top spot in an annual music competition.
The Year 13 alternative/indie band from New Plymouth Girls’ High School, Francis Douglas Memorial College and Spotswood College, clinched first place at the Taranaki Smokefreerockquest regional final at the TSB Showplace on Saturday night.
The quartet – Sian Fenwick (guitarist), Jess Hockey (vocals, bass), Dylan Bines (drums), and Yoon Seo Shin (keys) say their sound is derived from the 80s bands their dads listen to.
‘‘We have so much camaraderie and friendship as a band, and I think that really came across on stage,’’ Sian said.
The solo-duo winner for Taranaki was Laura Griffiths, from Sacred Heart Girls’ College.
The singer-songwriter said that her second win at Smokefreerockquest was exciting. Second place went to Naya Dial from New Plymouth Girls’ High School.
These four acts win musical gear from associate sponsors NZ Rockshops, and have the opportunity to gain selection for the national final in September.
The Tangata Beats Award went to Ellie Rose from New Plymouth Girls’ High School, who now goes into the selection process for the national finals. She also won the ZM People’s Choice Award. The top regional bands and solo/duos can submit footage for selection as finalists to play off at the Smokefreerockquest national final on September 22 in Auckland. The full list of awards for Taranaki:
Band 1: Hungry Violets, New Plymouth Girls’ High School, Francis Douglas Memorial College, Spotswood College Band 2: Don’t Be A Menace, New Plymouth Boys’ High School Band 3: The Slates, New Plymouth Girls’ High School Solo/Duo 1: Laura Griffiths, Sacred Heart Girls’ College Solo/Duo 2: Naya Dial, New Plymouth Girls’ High School Smokefree Tangata Beats Award: Ellie Rose, New Plymouth Girls’ High School ZM People’s Choice: Ellie Rose, New Plymouth Girls’ High School Smokefree Best Vocals: The Six, Stratford High School MAINZ Musicianship: Sian Fenwick (Hungry Violets), Spotswood College Best Song: Mamas Boyz, Hawera High School Fatboy Style Award: The Zak, Stratford High School APRA Lyric Writers’ Award: HannahLeigh, New Plymouth Girls’ High School