Two Whakatāne High School bands are going to the Smokefree Rockquest regional finals after placing among the top 12 acts out of 59 bands across the region.

Why the Face and Four Thirty-Seven earned spots in the finals following last month’s regional heats and will perform at Totara Street Live on June 26.

Why the Face vocalist Phoebe Askew said the competition was a great opportunity to perform and connect with other young musicians.

“Both bands got put in the list of the top 12 bands out of 59 bands,” she said.

The bands played in the regional heats late last month.

“We’re stoked that we got through,” said Harry Martin from Four Thirty-Seven.

The two bands play distinctly different styles of music.

Why the Face describes its sound as a mix of alternative indie rock, alt-metal and pop punk.

Bandmate Noah Vulling said the group’s sound was difficult to define.

“It’s a little bit more lenient towards alt-metal and alt-rock, and then our singing is almost like pop punk.”

Why the Face spans three year levels, with year 13 students Luke Sims and Noah joined by year 12 students Phoebe and Harper Sheedy, and year 11 student Matthew Clark.

Four Thirty-Seven plays hard rock and grunge-inspired music, drawing influence from 1990s and 2000s rock bands.

“Silverchair is one of our main inspirations,” Ben Willoughby said.

Four Thirty-Seven brings together Whakatāne High School students Harry Martin, Ethan Robison and Ben, alongside Trident High School student Elliot Lange.

Outside of Rockquest, both bands perform when opportunities arise. Why the Face has played at Mata Brewery, the Matatā Hotel and Totara Street Live, while Four Thirty-Seven performs at Eastern Bay and Tauranga venues.

Why the Face is recording original music for release online.

“We’re trying to focus more on recording our music instead of playing live,” Askew said.

Both bands are looking forward to performing at Totara Street Live, a venue they say suits their style.

“It’s easier to interact with the audience,” Noah said. “Everyone’s right there.”

The regional finals also give bands more stage time – they have seven minutes and can perform either two songs or one longer piece.

At the heats, Four Thirty-Seven performed its original song Mud, and Why the Face played their song, Melancholy.

Both bands said they were excited to return to the stage later this month.

“I’m hyped,” Phoebe said.