Competing in the annual Central Sound Waves competition, run by RockFormation Charitable Trust, the bands beat 13 other groups and solo artists from Queenstown, Cromwell, Wānaka and Alexandra.
Trust treasurer Robynne Williams says it’s amazing to hold the event every year, which supports local talent and gives them more experience performing live.
"Every year we are blown away by the talent of the youth in our district."
She’s particularly grateful to the Whakatipu Youth Trust and sponsors Central Lakes Trust, Rockshop and Yonder, where Central Sound Waves was held.
Atomica, comprising Bethany Graf, Ted Coutts, Alfie Cameron, and Haru Kuroe, formed at the start of this year and recently came first place in the Central Otago Rockquest final.
Along with performing at Queenstown’s waterfront on December 31, they’ve also won a recording session with RockFormation.
Blues revival band 4BLU (Hugh Hodgson, Jan Vavera, Alex Scoles and Emanuel Cardeno) will perform at Wānaka’s lakefront on New Year’s Eve, while Mount Aspiring College’s Dominico Robinson, who won the solo competition, will perform in a paid gig at Yonder.
Meantime, locals are invited to show their support for either Atomica or 4BLU, both of which have made the top-10 in the AJ Hackett Thrashmore competition, in which $10,000 is on offer. To vote, visit bungy.co.nz/thrashmore/
