Anacrusia performs at the 2023 Smokefree Rockquest. More than 3000 students are taking part in this year's event. Photo: Matt Ealand
The number of bands entered in this year's Rockquest is "ridiculous - in the most positive way", says the competition's general manager.
More than 3000 participants have entered and will perform at 45 regional events this weekend hoping to advance to the national finals.
The Smokefree Rockquest has featured some of New Zealand's most iconic bands and musicians over the years, including Bic Runga, Marlon Williams, Aldous Harding, and L.A.B.
General Manager of Rockquest Promotions Group Matt Ealand told Morning Report that students and rangitahi wanted to be engaged in positive outcomes in their lives, and Rockquest provided a platform for that.
While there were a huge number of participants, there was also a varied musical output from the bands and musicians that took to the stage.
"Once upon a time we would have said that every year there was a 'theme' of music - what was popular on commercial radio.
"But this day and age, with Spotify and access to other platforms like YouTube, it's changed and now there's such diversity that you could not put your finger on one particular genre or style."
But Ealand said genre was not taken into account by the judges.
"It's all about technical ability and at the end of the day how strong the song is, so they are judged on song and performance."
Photo: Matt Ealand
With so many bands and performers, it was essential they all got star treatment so they could sound as good as possible.
Ealand said there were four teams with over 60 crew members who were working hard to ensure the sound quality was up to scratch across the country.
With so many bands and participants, that was no small task for the crews.
"Auckland, for example, will be a 14-hour day of bands, so they'll be pretty tired by the end of it."
