On Friday, Otago was represented at Smokefree Rockquest by two Dunedin bands, SEEK HELP! and Deaf Raccoon, at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre after they made it into the top eight student bands nationwide.
SEEK HELP! guitarist and vocalist Lucy Hughes said their placing felt "incredible".
"It’s been such a cool experience, even to get just the chance to go up and do all of it.
"We’re all just, really delighted to have gotten to perform — then to place as well is so cool."
She said they were proud of what they had done, the Dunedin music scene that had helped them get to the level they were at, as well as all the work that had gone into preparing.
Lucy said it was not often Otago was represented at Smokefree Rockquest; to have two Dunedin bands performing was something special.
"I believe the last Dunedin band to win was in maybe 2001 ... but now it has been years since an Otago band has even gotten through to the finals at all, never mind two."
The last band to make it to the finals was "Bark Like a Dog" from Taieri College in 2018.
The group won $3000 to spend on musical equipment from the Rock Shop.
She said the prize would most likely end up "spent on lots of little things".
"Just to up our game a little bit — we might try to get some more equipment for our practice room ... because right now it’s not looking too good."
SEEK HELP! formed over a year ago and
demand to hear them perform had been picking up ever since.
"The journey has just been mind-blowing," she said.
They were inspired by the "riot grrrl" music scene, a sub-genre of punk that focuses on feminism, empowerment for everyone and "tries to fight for equality".
Smokefree Rockquest judge Hamish Jackson said SEEK HELP! really "stood out" to him.
"The whole band was really cool and tight, and the drummer, guitarist and bass player were all really locked in. They have that creative spark."
