Young musicians in the Bay of Plenty area have taken the spotlight this week as they showcased their incredible talent at the 13th annual Rockshop Bandquest competition.

Powered by Rockshop, the programme is run by RQP (Rockquest Promotions), who are also known for their successful music and performing arts youth events - Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Tangata Beats, and Showquest.

For the first time in 2023, Rockshop Bandquest was presented by The Wright Family Foundation.

This year, the Bay of Plenty saw an impressive turnout of fifteen talented bands, who performed on the prestigious stage of Baycourt. Nationwide there are 289 bands entered this year, making it the biggest year yet for the platform. 

Joel Shadbolt (LAB), a mentor at the event, says he's absolutely taken back by the talent here in the BOP.

“Each [band] had such a unique and stylish sound. It was super impressive and promising for things to come. I can happily say that New Zealand music is in good hands moving forward.”

The coveted first-place spot was claimed by Sold Out, representing Otumoetai Intermediate School, who delivered an outstanding performance that captivated both judges and audience alike.

About the event, ‘Sold Out’ guitar player Adam Bayliss (year 8 at Otumoetai Intermediate School) says, “[it] was heaps of fun and I enjoyed playing together in a band with others. I like being in a band because music is best played with friends.”

The full-line up for Sold Out is Alafair Korohina, Scarlett Waterhouse, and Jaime Rivers all on vocals, Dane Wheatcroft and Vincent Scott on keys, Adam Bayliss and Leo Hickey on guitar, Charlie Downard on bass, and Toby Bryson on drums.

Co-founder and Director Glenn Common says that the benefit of participating goes far beyond just the event day.

"Rockshop Bandquest is a fantastic opportunity for these young musicians. The bands must work together, each playing their part to achieve a shared goal, developing not only their musical and performance skills but also their teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities.”

The Bay of Plenty results are as follows:

First place, winning $400 credit with The Rockshop for their school:Sold Out -  Otumoetai Intermediate School

Second place, winning $200 credit with The Rockshop for their school: GrieVous - Greerton Village School

Third place, winning $100 credit with The Rockshop for their school: Nonagon - Mokoia Intermediate School

Wright The Best Original Song, winning $100 cash for their school: The Hammerheads - Bethlehem College

Best Song-Wrighter Award: The Hammerheads - Bethlehem College

Best Keyboard player Award: Band One - Mount Maunganui Intermediate

Rocking Drummer Award: Tahatai Tribe - Tahatai Coast School

Rock-Solid Bassist Award: INDIGO - Papamoa College

"Killer Guitarist" Award: Lead guitarist, Undisturbed - Otumoetai Intermediate School

Rockstar Styles Award: Singer from Looney Tunes - Mokoia Intermediate School

Musicianship Award: Slick - Tauranga Intermediate School

Best Vocalist Award (jointly awarded to): Vocalists, GreVous - Greerton Village School

Best Vocalist Award (jointly awarded to): Lead vocalist, "Soundscape" - Rotorua Intermediate School

Rockshop Bandquest has been a resounding success this year, with just shy of 300 bands participating in events held across the country from August 22 to September 3.

The event tour included five events in Auckland, one each in Hamilton, Tauranga, Hastings, Wellington, Palmerston North, Gisborne, Nelson and Dunedin, three events in Christchurch, and an online region for student bands based outside of a location holding an event.

The excitement will culminate with the online national final, and the results will be announced on September 21.