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Mahurangi College band MRMeaneR has won the North Shore regional final of Smokefreerockquest, aiming to get a spot in the national finals, which will be held in September.
As a regional winner, MRMeaneR get to submit a video audition to be selected for the finals in Wellington.
Band members are four Year 11 students – Rose Wildermoth on guitar and vocals, Michelly Liyanage on bass and vocals, Mia Waters on guitar and vocals, and Ruben Pow on drums. Along with the regional title, the group received $600 worth of musical equipment.
Lead guitarist and vocalist, Rose, says competitions such as Smokefreerockquest provide invaluable opportunities for emerging musicians, while encouraging bands to commit to their projects and develop their own original material.
“Winning the Smokefreerockquest regional final means a lot to us,” Rose says. “It feels really rewarding to see all the work and time we’ve put into this band pay off.”
The band was formed early last year, and its musical style has evolved as members started incorporating more original songs into their repertoire.
Their sound has developed from indie rock classics to a distinctive alternative rock style.
Although this is only the second year the group has participated in Smokefreerockquest, reaching the national finals is a significant milestone.
“We are confident in ourselves and our music, and we truly believe we have a chance to win. At the same time, we know we still have more to give, so we’re keen to keep competing until we take out first place.”
The night was particularly special for Rose, who not only celebrated the band’s success but also received an individual musicianship award.
“I was so stoked to receive this award. I’ve always felt a deep passion and connection to music, especially the music I write. It was incredibly exciting to be recognised in this way.”
Smokefreerockquest is an annual music competition for secondary school students from across New Zealand and has been running since 1988. Regional finalists are chosen from the top 12 bands selected from local heats, who perform their original songs live on stage in front of a panel of judges.
