Guitarist Connor Blackie (18), bass guitarist Callum Fisher (16) and drummer Nick Alexander (17), also known as the Puzzle Puppets, won the Otago final of the competition in June.
On Monday they will learn if they are one of six bands which will perform live in Auckland next month for the title of Smokefreerockquest band of 2013.
There were 654 entries in this year's event, with contenders from 23 regional finals sending in DVDs of their performances for selection to play off at the national final on September 28.
This week, they learned they had made the list of the top 20 bands which will be whittled down to six next week.
''It's pretty exciting - we didn't expect this,'' Connor said.
''I don't remember the last time an Otago Boys' band got this far.
''It's been about 10 years since a Dunedin band won.
''We're rapt to be in the top 20.''
Smokefreerockquest founder and director Pete Rainey said judging the DVDs was a difficult task.
''There is a lot of creativity and effort that goes into making these DVDs of original music.
''It just highlights that there's a lot more to Smokefreerockquest than singing someone else's song on a reality TV talent show.''
Connor believed the Puzzle Puppets had a good chance at making the top six, but he was realistic about it.
''It's a tough competition.
''The finger nails will get worn down by guitar strings and chewing.
''But there's not much we can do now.
''What's done was done over a month ago when we won the Otago final. We've been sitting ducks since then. We've just got to wait now.''
Central Southland College pupil Lily Jackson has made it on to the list of the top 10 solo/duo performers in the Smokefreerockquest which will be whittled down to two for the national final in Auckland.
