Rockquest finalist first in 27 years

Verdon College pupil Sam Cullen has made it to the Smokefreerockquest national final next month. Photo: Sharon Reece
Verdon College pupil Sam Cullen has made it to the Smokefreerockquest national final next month. Photo: Sharon Reece
For the first time in 27 years, a Southland pupil has made the Smokefreerockquest national final.

Verdon College pupil Sam Cullen (17), of Invercargill, said he was ''chuffed'' to be named one of three solo/duo performers to compete in the national final next month.

''I totally wasn't expecting it. It was awesome to be in the top 30 alone, and then two days later to be named for the top 10 was pretty cool,'' he said.

More than 800 acts entered this year's Smokefreerockquest. They were reduced to nine finalists after a series of regional finals, followed by individual assessments from a panel of industry professional judges.

Sam said placing in the national finals could go a long way towards advancing his musical career, as it had done for many New Zealand artists over the past 30 years.

It's pretty cool to be alongside the likes of The Black Seeds, OpShop, Kimbra, those sorts of acts that have made the final.

''I'm not worried about what happens; it's just cool to be alongside those guys.''

Verdon College student Gabriel Lal (17) is also vying for a spot in the final, as the ZM People's Choice act has yet to be decided through text votes.

''Southlanders get behind Southlanders. The support here is pretty crazy for both me and Sam alike. It's just cool to already have someone in the final, especially from such a small part of New Zealand,'' Gabriel said.

Sam will represent the South at the national final in Auckland on September 22.

sharon.reece@odt.co.nz


 

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