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Smokefree Rockquest winners Smoked Paprika from Hamilton.
‘Smoked Paprika’ from Hillcrest High School in Hamilton put Waikato on the map after taking the top title at the Smokefree Rockquest National Finals in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland.
With that came a $10,000 cash prize for music equipment, as well as a recording, video, and promo grant.
The five-piece group consists of students, Ephraim Frame (lead guitar), Ollie Neil (rhythm guitar, saxophone, vocals), Arlo Oliver (keyboard, synthesizer), Josh Hogarty (drums) and Sage Garrett (bass).
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The five piece group consisting of Ephraim Frame (lead guitar), Ollie Neil (rhythm guitar, saxophone, vocals), Arlo Oliver (Keyboard, Synthesizer), Josh Hogarty (drums) and Sage Garrett (bass) had “an absolute” stunner.
“We had a blast at the @rockquest final and are so honored to finish first,” the band said on Facebook.
“The talent of the acts was incredible and the Rockquest team was such a blast to work with. Thanks to everyone involved who made this trip so special.”
Smokefree Rockquest has been capturing new talent and live New Zealand music for the past thirty years.
The nationwide competition hosts heats from Whāngarei to Invercargill in search of the next up-and-coming talent and “aims to motivate young musicians to strive for success, realize the opportunities available in a music career and encourage their peers to explore original New -Support Zeeland music”.
With other successful names such as Drax Project, Teeks, Anika Moa, Troy Kingi, The Black Seeds and Nesian Mystik all having left their mark on past events, the competition has become a springboard for young artists to jump-start their careers.
Competition judge Hamish Jackson (NZ Rockshop) commented on the quality of the ‘Smoked Paprika’ performance, saying they mastered the stage and brought energy.
“To make it to the final, you have to be in control of what you do. Smoked Paprika resonated well with the crowd and they created a great vibe. It’ll be great to see them take what they’ve discovered here and see where they go next.”
Updates from the band can be found on their Instagram smokedpaprikaofficial and Facebook – Smoked Paprika.
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Smoked Paprika from Hillcrest High School in Waikato won the Smokefree Rockquest at Q Theater in Auckland.