That’s why the 12-year-old was more than a little shocked when he learned he had been named the best male vocalist at the national primary and intermediate schools Rockshop Bandquest.
"I’m a self-taught bathroom singer," he said with disbelief.
"It’s awesome. I was really surprised when I found out. I told my mum and dad and we went out for tea."
Archer won the award for singing Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey, with the Tahuna Intermediate School band 7YearS.
The band recorded two tracks after winning the Otago final of Rockshop Bandquest, and sent them to judges Chris Mac from Six60 and Lani Purkis from Elemeno P and Delete Delete.
Now he is thinking about taking professional singing lessons.
"Music is my life and I couldn’t live without it."
The best band award went to Class Disruption from Chisnallwood Intermediate (Christchurch). The Elements, from Avondale Intermediate (Auckland), were runners-up and The Nanas, from Murray’s Bay Intermediate (North Shore), were third.Now in its seventh year, Bandquest is the younger sibling of Smokefreerockquest.Other Bandquest awards.—
Best original song, Skiing in Tauranga, Nelson Intermediate; female vocalist, Nofo Ulutoa, Avondale Intermediate (Auckland); styles, Hannah Clausen, Murray’s Bay Intermediate (North Shore); guitarist, James McIver, Templeton School (Christchurch); bassist, CJ Mahe, Koru Primary (Manukau); drummer, Finn Hughes, Otumoetai Intermediate (Tauranga); keyboardist, Hiromu Crosado, Chisnallwood Intermediate (Christchurch); musicianship, Saufoi Saia (bass) and Tulei Tuavao (drums), Avondale Intermediate (Auckland).
