We were ably and proudly represented by six bands at the Smokefree Rockquest (SFRQ) Otago Regional Heats last Saturday. There were 44 bands competing for 12 spots at Taieri College in their Performing Arts Centre.

First up was CRASH, a heavy rock trio consisting of Nikos Stamou (Guitar/Vocals), James Dibble-Bell (Lead Guitar) and Marlee Silva (Guitar). CRASH made a great impression as the first band of the day, their driving, high-energy rhythms certainly woke up the audience and demanded their attention. Their song twisted and turned through many different riffs, experimenting with interesting rhythms and time signatures. James Dibble-Bell's Lead Guitar playing was confident and stylish - he certainly stunned a few people with his ripping Guitar solo.

Next up for King's was The Moondogs. Many from King's will remember The Moondogs from their performances from Junior Prizegiving over the past few years. This year they return with a new line up of Connor Todd (Vocals/Guitar), Oliver Grubb (Guitar), Aidan Blakie (Bass) and Mac Rawat (Drums). At SFRQ they performed their song "Losing Everything" which they wrote collaboratively in the Year 10 Rock Academy last year. Their performance was well rehearsed and held together by the smooth baritone of Connor Todd. Great to see such a young band performing convincingly already.

Halcyon were next up from the King's roster and they arrived on stage with a shroud of mystery. Each member had donned a full-face mask of sacking so it was only their inner circle (and Music Teacher) who knew their true identities. Eli Tuiavii (Guitar) Richie Helliwell (Guitar) Te Araki McKay (Bass) and Ethan Shaw-Wood (Drums) presented a tight and powerful performance of their instrumental metal piece. Their performance theatrics and musical prowess more than filled the void left by vocals and they were met with thunderous applause.

Sunspot were next from the King's cohort and they arrived to the stage suited and booted, ready to put on a show. The quintet of Ethan Kuriger (Vocals/Guitar), Riley Cooper (Guitar), Seth Souquet (Bass), Ezra Solomon (Keys), Thilina Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage (Drums) had spent months preparing and had a confident swagger. Their chilled out indie rock sound was a hit with the audience and was elevated with stage antics including a behind-the-head guitar solo. Whilst they are looking like strong contenders to make it through to the finals, it was walking off stage to a gig offer that cements their performance as a success.

Roadkill is a legendary name in High School Music circles at the moment. Their SFRQ performances in 2023 are fondly remembered across the city (evidence by the eruption from the audience when they were announced as the next act to the stage) and their performances at King's Junior Assemblies are the stuff of legend. The new line up of Ashane De Silva (Vocals), Luca Macnee (Guitar), Aidan Blair (Guitar), Logan Scarf-Miller (Bass) and Blake Hughes (Drums) took to the stage with an understated confidence and delivered the loudest performance of the day so far. Raw-throated vocals and searing harmonized guitars soared over the thunderous rhythm section. While this was a new line up, it was the Roadkill we all know and love - out in full force.

The last performance of the section was King's own Holy Fire, bringing their brand of christian metal to the SFRQ stage for the first time. The power-trio of Amos Bethel (Vocals/Guitar), Caleb McGuire (Bass) and Kohl Goodfellow (Vocals/Drums) took to the stage and delivered a blistering performance. The showmanship was in full effect across the stages with each member giving 100% commitment to putting on a show for the audience and earning every bit of the thunderous applause they received. Key highlights of their set were the powerhouse vocals and drumming from Kohl Goodfellow, searing Guitar solo from Amos Bethel and the synchronised breakdowns showing the hours of rehearsal poured in by all three members.

A proud showing by all six bands. With this year representing a new high water mark for participation in Smokefree Rockquest (at King's and nationwide) it is fantastic to have such talent on display by all of our groups. Mr Harington and Ms Dryden were both in attendance and agreed the quality of King's bands was a real source of pride.

The results came through midday Monday and we are incredibly proud to announce that three of our bands have been selected to compete in the Smokefree Rockquest Otago Regional Final on the 15th of June at the Mayfair.

Sunspot - Ethan Kuriger (Vocals/Guitar), Riley Cooper (Guitar) , Seth Souquet (Bass), Ezra Solomon (Keys) and Thilina Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage (Drums)

Roadkill - Ashane De Silva (Vocals), Aidan Blair (Guitar), Luca Macnee (Guitar), Logan Scarf-Miller (Bass) and Blake Hughes (Drums)

Holy Fire - Amos Bethel (Vocals/Guitar), Caleb McGuire (Bass) and Kohl Goodfellow (Vocals/Drums)

If you see any of these boys around give them a pat on the back, they have well and truly earned it.

Raiona