Smokefreerockquest 2011

The Waikato Smokefreerockquest is being held on Sunday 17 July at Founders' Theatre.  The calibre of competition is always very high, and HBHS often features heavily in the prize lists.   If you're at a loose end on Sunday - get on down to Founders' for a rocking good time.

The play off will begin at noon, with the top eight bands being called back for the final at 8pm.  The Good Fun and The Jury and the Saints will be the guest bands to perform while the judging is done.  Tickets are $20 from Ticketek or at the door and are valid for both the afternoon and the evening. 

The event will include the Smokefreerockquest Circus, an expo-style addition to the main stage with workshops, hands-on displays and giveaways.

The Smokefreerockquest is made up of many parts in order to find a National Champion. In 2011 the following are the stages you will have to go through to be Number 1:

 Stage 1

Enter - easy really, enter online, you have to be in to win! Make sure you do this before the 17^th May.

 Stage 2

Regional Final - Every region will hold a Final. Where there are 20 or more bands in a region, each band will perform 1 song during the afternoon sessions. From this performance, the judges will decide which 8 bands go through to the callback session, which will start at 8pm. In the evening session, bands will have 7 minutes (we will be counting, sorry!) to dazzle and amaze their audience and panel of judges. From here the prizewinners are selected. The Top 2 bands and the Peoples’ Choice get the chance to move on to the next stage.

 In regions where there are less than 20 bands, you will be required to check in at 5:45pm, and the event will start at 7pm. Bands will have 7 minutes (we will be counting, sorry!) to dazzle and amaze their audience and panel of judges. From here the prizewinners are selected. The Top 2 bands and the Peoples’ Choice get the chance to move on to the next stage.

 Stage 3

Video Submission - Bands that place 1st, or 2nd have the chance to put together a 15 minute performance video. This video is then viewed/assessed and judged by a panel of industry professionals. From this the Top 20 are announced.

 Stage 4

Video Submission - The top 20 from Stage 3 are then re-viewed/re-assessed and re-judged by a new panel of industry big-wigs. From this the National Finalists are chosen (between 6 to 10 bands). See some highlights of these past videos here

 Stage 5

National Final - The bands chosen to perform at the National Final will have 8 minutes (two songs). This is the time to really give it your all. Along with the wicked prizes up for grabs, the pride of being crowned the National Champion is within reach.

 Stage 6

Winner! - well it’s not really a stage, but there are a few things to do if you win - like make a music video, record your song, have a professional photo-shoot, be managed/mentored by New Zealand's best, play BIG shows.