Bream Bay band makes final

Bream Bay College band Fork has been announced as a finalist for this year’s Smokefreerockquest.

The alternative rock band, comprising sisters Kacie and Phoebe Cookson and friend Nerissa Barton, is one of eight acts to reach the national final in the band category of the longstanding competition that celebrates the best emerging musical talent across New Zealand.

Fork earned their place in the final, to be held at The Great Hall in Wellington on September 18, after winning the Northland regional final in June. The band was then tasked with submitting three performance videos, with around 100 acts assessed by a judging panel of musicians, artists and industry professionals.

“It’s really awesome to be selected into the top eight bands in Rockquest; it’s always been a goal of ours, so it felt pretty unreal when we got the news. We are beyond ecstatic to have this opportunity to travel to Wellington, it’s going to be the furthest from Waipū we have been with the band,” the band said.

Smokefreerockquest judge and alum Riiki Reid said she was amazed by the level of talent this year.

“I was very inspired, in awe and left feeling so hopeful for the future of Aotearoa music after witnessing the incredibly strong talent of this year’s competition. Each year we see students move from strength to strength, but to be spoilt by this year’s calibre was something else.”

All of the finalists will compete for a prize pool valued at more than $60,000. Acts will also have the opportunity to record a song in a professional recording studio thanks to the Ministry of Education.

Fork said they are grateful for the opportunity to compete in the national final.

“We would like to give a huge thank you to the Rockquest team for giving us a platform for our music to be promoted and heard around Aotearoa, and for inspiring so many youth to get involved in creating original music.”

Since its start in 1988, Smokefreerockquest has hosted some of New Zealand’s most talented artists on its stage, including Marlon Williams, Bic Runga, Six60, and The Black Seeds.