Band rocks top spot

Shadowhawke and lead guitarist take awards

Ross Intermediate’s Shadowhawke took first place and a $400 credit with Rockshop for their school.

Shadowhawke’s Jake Cook also won the ‘Killer’ guitarist and best vocalist awards.

“We’re pretty excited,” said Jake.

“People expect us to play pop, but we play rock alternative.”

The three musicians, all aged 12, are Jake, Hayley Atkin on bass and Robbie Sutherland on drums, and have only been playing together this year.

To take the top spot in the nationwide Online Rockshop Bandquest for intermediate and primary students Shadowhawke played covers, Paranoid Android by Radiohead and Run by the Foofighters.

Practice for the band is Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes at school.

The Bandquest is in its eighth year as a talent feeder for Smokefreerockquest and this year attracted 215 bands with the online section attracting five entries.

Event organiser Matt Ealand says the performances from this age group mix sophistication with a lack of self-consciousness, enhanced by the supportive framework of Bandquest.

“They’ve been watching TV and YouTube, they’re aware of what established musicians are doing and they want to emulate them,” he said. “Rockshop Bandquest is a confidence builder that lifts their game musically, and they tend to take that with them to high school, with proven benefits socially and academically.”

Rockshop spokesman Hamish Jackson says for many of the kids Rockshop Bandquest is the biggest musical moment of their lives.

“It’s great for us to be part of that. Bandquest provides a unique opportunity to kids at this age, it’s all about participation and giving it a go. The kids definitely throw themselves into it and the results have been amazing,” he says.

The national winner gets $3000 in Rockshop vouchers for their school and will be announced after online judging of regional winners on September 20.