Central Otago's top young musicians will play off in the regional final of Smokefreerockquest for 2021 at the Lake Wānaka Centre this Saturday (June 19).

The top bands and solo/duos from across the region, including many from Mount Aspiring College (MAC), have been crafting their performances over recent months.

MAC music teacher Matt Doyle said the school has six bands and three solo/duo acts entered this year.

“The bands have been working very hard and have some great compositions to present to the crowd,” he said.

The MAC solo/duo acts are Daisy Ann (Daisy Orbell), Aria and Matilda (Aria Thor-Poet and Matilda Metcalfe), and Paige and Ella (Paige Gawn and Ella Miles); and the MAC bands are 21 Intentions (Anataia White, Laura Watkins, Melia Brett, Tobi Fraser, Saffron Millar), Feed the System (Toby Mills, Domenico Robinson, Tommy Cotter, Archie Bruce), Better Than Nothing (Henry McConnell, Clarke West, Otis Murphy, Archie Orbell), The Catalysts (Hugo Smith, Will Collins, Cullen Meyer, Harry Gilbertson, Jack Lanigan), Unknown (Eve Paddon, Lauren Rimmer, Mihi McLachlan, Nikita Mayen, Oliver Prince), and Salty Vision (Max Byrne, Rowan Rosie, Tay Simpson, Tawa Wolfe).

At the regional final there are awards for the top three bands: the Rockshop Electronic Performance Award, the Musicianship Award, the APRA Lyrics Award, Smokefree Best Vocal, and the ZM People’s Choice voted by text.

MAC band Salty Vision. PHOTO: Supplied

The region's solo-duo category winners for Smokefreerockquest will also be named at the Central Otago final.

They will join the top two bands from Saturday night and the region's Smokefree Tangata Beats winners in submitting footage for selection as finalists to play at the Smokefreerockquest national final in Auckland on September 18, with the Smokefree Tangata Beats national final taking place the night before (Friday September 17).

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Smokefree Promotions chairperson Matt Ealand said the relationship with Smokefree has become a meaningful part of the programme.

“We are proud that the Smokefree message has been able to instigate social change in New Zealand within our work with young people.

"Statistics show the rates of young people taking up smoking has dropped dramatically over the last 20 years, that is a great thing to be part of."

Smokefreerockquest, powered by Rockshop, has national winners' prize packages for bands and solo/duo winners that includes $22,000 in Rockshop vouchers, $16,000 NZ On Air recording, video and promo package, a photo shoot and branding package from Imaginary Friends.

There is also the Musicianship Award, the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Lyric Award, Rockshop Electronic Performance Award, ZM Best Song Award, and Vocals Award.

Musical successes from Smokefreerockquest include Broods, Marlon Williams, Fazerdaze, Aldous Harding, Nadia Reid, Drax Project, Six60, Leisure, Opshop, Evermore, Ladyhawke, Joel Little, Tiny Ruins, Brooke Fraser, Anika Moa, Chelsea Jade, Die!Die!Die!, Leroy Clampitt, Robinson, Steriogram, Phoenix Foundation, Skinny Hobos, Kimbra, Aaradhna, The Black Seeds, Bic Runga, and Balu Brigada.

Smokefree Tangata Beats standout successes include Alien Weaponry, Strangely Arousing, and Nesian Mystik, the only New Zealand band to ever have ten singles all certified gold or platinum.

The regional final will take place at the Lake Wānaka Centre this Saturday from 7 pm. Tickets $20 adults and $10 students at the door or from Eventfinda.