The band earned $3000 worth of music equipment for their school.
Judge Seth Haapu said Black Wired was immediately recognisable as a class act.
“An exceptional mix of skill, confidence and synergy elevated the band to another level,” he said.
The members of Black Wired are Ethan Lam (vocals and lead guitar), Tama Connelly (bass), Hayden Lam (drums), and Sam McAlister (guitar).
Bass player Tama Connelly said winning the competition was a dream come true.
Guitarist Sam McAlister said it was awesome to win, and he found out in “a really cool way.”
“Our bassist Tama came up to me at lunchtime and said, “we’ve won bandquest!” He showed me the text message from his dad for proof and I went wild. It was an amazing feeling,” he said.
Second place went to Te Reo o Kia Māori Mai from Whangarei Intermediate in Northland and third place was won by Unbreakable Glass from Chisnallwood Intermediate.
Now in its ninth year, Rockshop Bandquest is for bands of three or more members, up to year 8, who play a short set of covers or original songs. There were over 200 entries this year, 12 live events and an online contest for bands from outlying regions.
Music teacher Michael Sumner helped to form the band two years ago with the aim of entering the Smokefreerockquest and Rockshop Bandquest.
“All four members worked extremely hard behind the scenes and turned up to each practice prepared, which allowed us to focus on the performance as well as the song,” he said.
Mr Sumner said it was a great effort as the lead singer and guitarist is only 10-years-old.
Rockshop promotions manager Hamish Jackson said supporting young bands and giving them the opportunity to perform is very much a part of the ethos of the company which sponsors the competition.
“There is a lasting impact for the music community, and the community in a whole, in being apart of a programme like this. A lot of these kids will find a passion for music through Rockshop Bandquest, which can lead to really exciting future possibilities when this is nurtured and developed,” he said.
