Three-piece South Taranaki band named Smokefreerockquest winners

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Rhythm guitarist Robbie Saywell, left, Izzy Logan on drums and Orlando Davidson, lead guitarist and singer, make up Ungoliant, who took out top band at the Smokefreerockquest Taranaki finals on Friday night.

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Rhythm guitarist Robbie Saywell, left, Izzy Logan on drums and Orlando Davidson, lead guitarist and singer, make up Ungoliant, who took out top band at the Smokefreerockquest Taranaki finals on Friday night.

A team effort took out the best band spot at this year’s Taranaki Smokefreerockquest regional finals.

Ungoliant, which has a mix of members from Hāwera’s Te Paepae o Aotea and Pātea Area School, were crowned winners on Friday.

Rhythm guitarist Robbie Saywell, drummer Izzy Logan and Orlando Davidson, who is the lead guitarist and singer, make up the band.

Logan also won an award for her musicianship, along with members of Coronation 7’s horn section – Tyler Williams, Mason Bailey and Harris Brayshaw, from New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

The Smokefreerockquest, which had been running for 36 years, was held nationwide across 21 regions, giving young musicians a stage to showcase their talents.

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Founder Pete Rainey said being able to participate in the arts had a positive impact on rangatahi.

“The arts in education play a huge role in helping our young people to face the future with a set of skills that give them flexibility, creativity, ability to co-operate and work in groups.”

The full list of Taranaki winners:

1st place: Ungoliant, Te Paepae o Aotea and Pātea Area School.

2nd place: Pointless Dream, New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

3rd place: PaperScissors, Sacred Heart Girls’ College and Inglewood High School.

1st place solo/duo: Kohen Hareb-Hine, New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

2nd place solo/duo: Hannah Theunissen, New Plymouth Girls’ High School.

Rockshop Electronic Performance: Ihaka, New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

Best Vocals: Crystallizers, Te Paepae o Aotea and Brain Damage, New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

Musicianship: Izzy Logan, on drums for Ungoliant and Tyler Willams, Mason Bailey, Harris Brayshaw from the horn section of Coronation 7, New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

ZM Best Song: Woller Minions, New Plymouth Girls’ High School.

APRA Lyric Writers Award: Llunic, New Plymouth Girls’ High School.