​DOMINIKA WHITE

Alex’s musicianship rock quest

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Alex Wilson was at her school ball when she was announced as the winner of the Smokefree Women’s Musicianship Award at the Smokefreerockquest Manukau Regional Finals.

 

The 16-year-old Pukekohe High School student says she had to change into her ball gown and get to the ball straight after her set.

 

“It was quite hectic,” she admits.

 

Her family, who were still at the Manukau regionals for her brother’s band, told her the good news over the phone.

 

She says her friends had to give her hushed congratulations while the ball organisers were giving out their own awards.

 

As part of the rockquest prize, Alex was awarded $150 and a chance to compete for New Zealand Female Musician 2008.

 

The Year 13 soloist and songwriter played two original songs, Fractured Fairytale on keyboard, and Plastic Cups on guitar, to the crowd at the Manukau TelstraClear Centre.

 

With an ear for music, Alex taught herself to play guitar three years ago, and piano 18 months ago.

 

She has written more than 20 songs and played at different local venues since saving up and buying her own electric guitar.

 

Alex says her music is influenced by her mood and admits her unique style is hard to explain; she says her Mum describes it as a cross between Alanis Morrisette and The Cranberries.

 

“A lot of my music - my keyboard, my piano stuff - tends to be a bit slower, sort of like gothic rock, like Evanescence. My guitar stuff is more upbeat than my piano stuff. I tend to do as many different styles as I can,” she says.

 

Alex hopes to continue her music, but rather than study it when she leaves school, she will keep it as a hobby to retain her passion for it.