Being on edge about their performance didn’t hinder a Thames High School band from landing a top 12 spot in a music contest.
Hazy & the Jays told The Profile they were nervous as they performed their song, History, at the Smokefree Rockquest Waikato Regional Heats in Hamilton on May 12.
“But as soon as we got on stage we felt great,” they said.
“We’ve all had a fair bit of performing experience, so we were just happy to be there.”
Hazy & the Jays consists of year 12 Arts & Culture student leader Izzy Fitzsimons on lead vocals, year 12 Manukura student leader Harris Elliot-Hogg on guitar, year 13 student Jacob Rush on bass and year 13 student Jacob Wenhold on drums.
The students were in different classes and “quite surprised” when they found out they’d be advancing to the next round at the Waikato Regional Finals on June 28.
“Our band text group chat went crazy when we found out,” the band said.
Hazy & the Jays said they watched the remaining acts and were “blown away” with their talent.
“To be honest, we weren’t that confident – but we are very glad to make it through.
“We are excited to show what we can do.”
The group started working together last year during some school music performances and became interested in entering Rockquest.
“So this year we formed our own band with that focus.”
While they said they loved the idea of a musical career, it was “just the love for music itself that makes it all worthwhile”.
The band said they were working on a second song for the next leg of the competition, and if time permitted, they would write another one to perform instead of History.
Otherwise, they were focussing on “practicing, practicing and more practicing” to prepare. If that wasn’t enough, the band were also currently working on an EP based on the five stages of grief.
“History represented the anger stage and we are currently working on Lavender, which represents bargaining,” they said.
Even though Hazy & the Jays were unsure about which genre or sound they fit into – “we take inspiration from a range of groups and make it our own”.
For others interested in starting a band and getting involved with Rockquest, Hazy & the Jays’ advice was “just do it”.
“Find like minded people and give it a go,” they said.
“It would be great to see a bit more Thames representation out there.
“Performing isn’t for everyone but the more you do it the easier it becomes.”
DETAILS: To keep up with Hazy & the Jays and find out about upcoming gigs – find them on Facebook and Instagram: @hazyandthejays.
