Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student band Stranger Danger has taken top honours at the Rockshop Bandquest regional final in Dunedin, winning the day-one final on Saturday (August 30).

Year 8 students Tyla Scherger (vocals), Edie Yandall (vocals), and Year 7 students Maika Stephens (lead guitar), Zac Perkins (guitar), and Bruno Blampied (drums) performed two ‘System of a Down’ covers at the live music competition for primary and intermediate aged school students.

The band’s talent also earned individual recognition, with Maika awarded the coveted Killer Guitarist Award.

Edie said she loved the excitement of performing: “I really enjoy the atmosphere the band creates on the stage when we play.” 

“I was quite surprised when we were announced as winners, but I was also relieved because it meant all our hard work and lots of practice had paid off.”

Bruno said he loved playing drums and performing on stage with the band. 

“It’s a lot of fun. I’d do it every day if I could.”

Meanwhile Tyla said her favourite thing about playing in the band was the other band members. 

“My bandmates are great to be around and it always makes me feel confident when I perform with them.”

MAC head of music Mat Doyle said he was incredibly proud of Stranger Danger.

“What has impressed me most is their determination and the way they committed to rehearsing together as a group. That teamwork really shone through on stage.

“I’d also like to acknowledge their guitar teacher Pete Stevenson who has worked with hundreds of young bands over the years. His passion and guidance continue to inspire our students to reach new heights.

“We are so thankful for events such as Rockshop Bandquest that provide our students with opportunities to share and present their craft and also open doors for them.”

Stranger Danger competed against eight other bands from across the region, with the judges praising the band’s super-confident presentation, the energy of their performance, their exceptional vocals, and the tightness of their instrumentals.

The regional final was conducted over two days, with two bands selected to go through to the national final.

All regional winners submit a video entry which is judged online. The Otago regional winners also get the opportunity to have one track recorded in the studio at South Link Productions.

PHOTO: Supplied