An Intervew on getting started...
This interview is taken from the xtrasmokefreerockquest site, which includes the interview as encouragement to young performers to enter the event as an opportunity to develop their talents as musicians.
Bic Runga's debut album Drive went triple platinum shortly after its release - she's set for international stardom, with the release of Drive in international markets this year. She gives her thoughts on how the xtrasmokefreerockquest has contributed to her success.
"Let me share my story with you. I first entered the xtrasmokefreerockquest
when I was a third former in 1989. Every year it became more and more serious,
even for the kids just looking forward to seeing the show.
By the seventh form, I entered with a duo called Love Soup, and all our friends got themselves from Christchurch to Wellington where the National Final was being held. That year, Love Soup was 'discovered' by one of the judges (Trevor Reekie of Pagan records) and we went on to record an EP with that label.
Only two years out of high school, I went on to signing a five year deal with Sony Music which I have to credit to xtrasmokefreerockquest.
xtrasmokefreerockquest held me in good stead for when I entered the "adult world of professional music".
Sounds silly, but take a look at the judging schedule. All the points that groups are judged on are points that still apply in any professional group situation. You can think of the xtrasmokefreerockquest as any other lesson you take from your high school years. Just like your English lessons may help you become a journalist or a teacher, the xtrasmokefreerockquest can be an introduction to a huge range of jobs that the regular high school curriculum wouldn't normally offer.
And if music isn't really your thing, then there's still a lot to get out of entering the xtrasmokefreerockquest. It's great for your confidence, not to mention team work skills.
And getting up in front of an audience and playing music gives that same feeling and practice for people who want to get up in front of audiences and give speeches, or act or make people laugh.
All performing is related, and the more you do it, the better you get".
Original content can be found at http://www.smokefreerockquest.xtra.co.nz/booklet/20bic.html
and is copyright to The Rockquest Trust.
Note: This link is no longer available!