Five-piece indie-rock band Murphy’s Law from Wakatipu High School won the band category, beating schoolmates and last year’s winner, Haven.
Their energetic performance boomed through the Lake Wanaka Centre and had the crowd dancing. It was the band’s second year competing at Rockquest and lead guitarist Tyrone Henderson said this made them feel more confident.
"There were such a lot of really amazing entrants we didn’t think we had a chance," he said.
"We’ve been experimenting more with our songs and trying out new things ... it was a risk that paid off."
The solo/duo winner was Cromwell College R and B-soul duo Power of the Pen, made up of vocalist and guitarist Siobhan Cruthers and Cameron Miller on keyboard.
They performed an impressive folk ballad.Second place went to singer and keyboard player Greta Balfour, who attends Wakatipu High School.
The four acts have the opportunity to gain selection for the national final in September.
Third-placed band Better than Nothing from Mount Aspiring College also won the people’s choice award, and its guitarist. Clarke West, won the MAINZ musicianship award.
The top regional bands and solo/duos submit 15 minutes’ footage of their original material for selection as finalists to play off at the Smokefreerockquest national final on September 22 in Auckland.
