Winning a regional Bandquest, and with their lead singer claiming the national title of best rock star, Out of Line are quickly establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the Eastern Bay music community.

Maika Stephens, 11, on lead guitar, Zayn Topperwien, 10, on drums and Huckleberry (Huckles) Boyes, 9, on vocals make up the young band playing around the Eastern Bay this summer.

Maika and Zayn have been playing together for about three years, with Huckles joining them for the Bandquest competition in August last year.

Since then, the boys have formed a tight unit, jumping at any opportunity to entertain a crowd.

The band play mostly rock covers but have a good knowledge of lots of music genres.

In fact, they are already shaping up an original track inspired by elements of their favourite songs.  

The band have played at several private events, including the 40th birthday parties of family friends and at competitive surfer Tai Murphy’s fundraising movie night and are keen for more paid gigs in the area.

Their set is up to 12 songs, and they usually play a set from 35 minutes to an hour.

Maika said playing for the audience at a 40th can be a different vibe to an open mic event.

“It’s just the same, but people are more into it because of the type of songs we play,” he said – referring to the popularity of 90s rock music.

Zayn’s mum, Keri Topperwien, said the boys were “up for most things” in terms of gigs, be it private, public, opening for other artists and other local events.

They have already made a name for themselves as a crowd favourite at the Ōhope Wharfside Open Mics each Sunday night over January, and plan on continuing to attend local open mics at Mata and The Sound Project this year.

The boys love performing and are proud to be acknowledged as “best in the bay” from Bandquest and to be receiving praise and encouragement from the local community.

The boys have enjoyed ending their sets in Ōhope by jumping off the wharf into the water.

Maika’s mum, Andrea Stephens, said Mata and The Sound Project gave the band lots of encouragement and a platform to shine.

The group tries to practice once a week in the Topperwien’s garage for about an hour at a time.

They are careful not to practice too late into the evening, and their parents want to thank the neighbours for their support and understanding of the noise.

Ms Stephens said all the parents were proud of the boys and their work ethic.

“For kids so young to go away and learn these songs, it’s impressive,” she said.

Zayn’s dad Ryan Topperwien said the boys were professional performers.

“If any of them miss anything, they work out how to sync back pretty fast,” he said.

“They really like performing and like playing together.”  

“At Bandquest, they played in front of 500 people – I don’t think I could do that,” Huckle’s dad, Clint, said.

Anyone wanting to keep up to date with Out of Line can do so via their Instagram @outoflineband. To book them for an event, contact Keri Topperwien at [email protected] or 027 323 0167.