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When you hear that a Slipknot-inspired, metal band has won the 14th annual Rockshop Bandquest, you don’t expect to discover they are year 8 students at local Whangaparāoa College.
Charlie (Vocals), Russel (Guitar), Nathan (Bass) and Zhene (Drums) are “Chaotic Blaze”. The band of talented students have taken out the top accolade winning the 2024 competition and picking up a second gong for Killer Guitarist (Russel).
Ever since Whangaparāoa College Head of Music, Sonya Shone encouraged them to enter the competition, the students have had a village of support behind them. Shone attributes the band’s success to a collaborative effort between the young musicians, their parents, music teachers, and itinerant music staff. All with one thing in common – a passion for music.
Chaotic Blaze picked up $300 for their music department, winning the regional competition at the Bruce Mason Centre before advancing into the national final. There they won first place, scooping up another $2000 for their music department. Though the most meaningful part of the win is that Chaotic Blaze get to record their own music video in a professional studio with expert industry level help and guidance.
Run by the team behind Smokefree RockQuest, Bandquest was launched in response to demand for a live music programme focussed on younger students. And this has been the programme’s biggest year yet, with over 300 Primary and Intermediate school bands competing across Aotearoa.
With a love for metal music, the band took inspiration from the genre for their name and stage personas. It paid off, with one judge sharing, “The masks are genius, love your whole vibe. I can tell you are locked in as a unit, have put hours into your instrument and it shows in your confidence. You took us into your world.”
The winning band was crowned at the RockQuest National finals at Auckland’s Sky City Theatre. Chaotic Blaze’s support crew was there in full force. “We are so excited for Chaotic Blaze and very proud of their achievement,” says Shone. “We have a thriving music department and it has now become part of the school culture to enter music competitions.”
Being a part of the BandQuest competition and community has given the students a strong sense of belonging, commitment and musical fulfilment. Bandquest says the kaupapa is to encourage Primary and Intermediate aged musicians onto the stage; learning through experience and developing their performance skills alongside their teamwork, communication, goal-setting and leadership skills.
The win has certainly motivated Chaotic Blaze to follow their passion in the New Zealand music industry – they’re already talking about playing gigs in the future.From the judges’ comments, it sounds like they’re certainly worth watching out for – “Wow what an electrifying performance. You brought your uniqueness to the stage and took us on your journey. What a privilege to witness such an exceptional young band with an amazing future. Can’t wait to see where you go!”
There’s no better review from a competition judge than them saying they didn’t make notes because they couldn’t stop watching the performance. The young musicians have worked hard to earn the accolades with a strong commitment to regular band practices as well as hours of individual practice. Their dedication showed in their phenomenal musicianship and instrumental technique.
With a proud community of supporters behind them, Chaotic Blaze is already preparing for the next competition – Smokefree RockQuest in 2025.
