Mount Aspiring College retained its vice-like grip on Smokefreerockquest's Central Otago regional final when it won the contest for the fourth consecutive year.
Funk-rock five-piece outfit Kairos, comprising Rosie Spearing (17, vocalist), Sam Jenkin (18, lead guitar), Will Cole (17, rhythm guitar), Markus McCraith (17, drums) and Lucan Smith (16, bass) sang and played their way to victory in front of a crowd of about 200 people at the Lake Wanaka Centre on Friday night.
Wakatipu High School band Clone Radio was second and Ceiling, of Mount Aspiring College, was third in the band division.
Verdon College act Park Radio won the solo/duo category and Underage, of James Hargest College, was second.
Rosie, who is also Mount Aspiring College's head girl, said Kairos was only formed about seven weeks ago when its members "got together'' initially to complete a music assessment.
"We all met through the music department,'' she said.
She believed the band's win was down to a combination of on-stage energy and the support of friends in the crowd.
''We played what we love - fun, groovy, funky music and filled our seven-minute time slot with two original songs, Wayward Soldier and Between the Lines.
"The next step is to produce a ... music video over the next two weeks and take it from there.''
Friday's night's event produced the second consecutive victory for Verdon College's solo/duo winners Cameron Longman (vocals/bass/keyboard) and Sam Cullen (vocals/guitar).
"Since winning last year we've been writing and performing around Invercargill,'' Cameron said.
"We have also been working hard to finish our self-funded EP.''
Some Southland acts competed in the Central Otago final after the Southland rockquest final was cancelled because of few entries and budgeting issues.
Smokefreerockquest Central Otago regional final results:
Band: Kairos (Mount Aspiring College) 1, Clone Radio (Wakatipu High School) 2, Ceiling (Mount Aspiring College) 3.
Solo/Duo: Park Radio, (Verdon College) 1, Underage (James Hargest College) 2.
Apra Lyric Award: Earl Grey, by Violet Hirst (Wakatipu High School).
Dominate Style Award: Honeyduck (Wakatipu High School).
Lowdown Best Song: Junior Sound System (Mount Aspiring College).
The Mainz Musicianship Award: Reuben Scott, drummer, Clone Radio (Wakatipu High School).
Smokefree Vocals Award: Kirsty McCorkindale, Clone Radio (Wakatipu High School).
People's Choice, voted by text: Junior Sound System (Mount Aspiring College).
- Cris Johnston
