Two talented bands from St Paul’s Collegiate School have made it to the Finals of RockQuest. At the Clarence Street Theatre on 12 May, each band had to perform an original song, with only 12 out of many talented groups being selected for the Finals. We caught up with the band members to learn more about the competition.
Orange and Lime
Band members: Brooklyn Snelgrove (bass guitar) Nick Jones (lyrics, vocalists and drums) Jack Walch (vocals and rhythm guitar), Sam Fletcher (lead guitar and backing vocals).
Orange and Lime, friends since Year 9, began writing music together in 2022. Now in their final year, they are ready to make their mark. The band’s name was inspired by a citrus-themed t-shirt worn by a member on naming day, leading to the fresh and vibrant name, Orange and Lime.
Their original song performed at the heats, "TBC" (literally), was a collaborative effort with lyrics by Nick. They are no strangers to the RockQuest stage, having made it to the finals in 2023. Check out their performance leading up to RockQuest here.
Lo Carb
Band members: Asher Downing (bass guitar), Jackson Norris (vocals and guitar), Finlay Bayne (Drums), Liam Fairweather (saxophone, keyboard and rhythm, the “Swiss Army Knife” of the band).
Lo Carb is a new and dynamic band formed by Year 13 students poised to make an impact on the music scene. They describe their musical style as "experimental and ambitious,"
At the Heats, Lo Carb performed their original song titled ‘Running’ which fuses elements of Kiwi rock and reggae.
For Finlay Bayne and Liam Fairweather, participating in RockQuest is a novel experience, yet they are just as enthusiastic and committed as their seasoned bandmates.
The next step is to write a brand-new song by 22 June for the Finals. Lo Carb’s performance at RockQuest Heats can be seen here.
The Finals are held on 22 June at Clarence Street Theatre.
