Avora Records from Aizawl in Mizoram were declared the winner of the Hornbill International Rock Contest for 2017 beating 22 bands and going home richer with prize money of Rs. 10 lac.
The Prophets, also from Aizawl, was declared the first runner-up; they are going home with Rs. 5 lac. Perfect Stick Figure Illustrations from Gangtok was adjudged the second runner-up and pocketed a prize money of Rs. 3.5 lac. The three winners won sound gear gift hampers from Artist Aloud too.
The grand finale saw top-nine bands out of 22 bands performing to a capacity crowd at the Agri Expo site at 4th Mile in Dimapur on Friday.
Avora Records was no doubt the crowd’s favourite not to mention the local musicians’ favourite too.
Prior to the Avora Records taking the final stage for their performance, they had a quick chitchat with Eastern Mirror. They expressed thrill to be performing in Nagaland—their first time—and first visit.
“Everything is so exciting here…the people, food, crowd, beautiful girls and especially the organisers who have been taking good care of us,” said Stephen, the vocalist of Avora Records. ‘If given an opportunity I would definitely love to come back to Nagaland and the music scene here is very talented.’
Vineet of Fluff Paradox band from Delhi, who is on his first visit to Nagaland, was also in awe of the quality of the music festival and the participating bands. ‘I have never seen such professionalism displayed by any organisers and given an opportunity I will definitely love to be back,’ said Vineet.
Winner of the HIRC in 2016 winner SNF’s vocalist Albert Jinger observed that the 2017 contest version was much stronger and competitive and his favourite competing band was undoubtedly Avora Records.
Also, Atsung of Live Now informed that till Friday the event could draw around 10, 000 crowd and with a pleasant crowd, the show has been more entertaining both for the bands and the crowd.
Project Director of Music Task Force Gugs Chishi was positive that the winner will be from the eastern region as many bands from northeast had made it to top nine and this he said has proved that music lovers are taking music seriously and not just a hobby. “Our musicians are able to rub shoulder with the best competitors and I’m glad that through this festival we are able to share happy music and happy memories with the rest of the world”, conveyed Chishi.
Prizes for the individual categories carried a cash reward of Rs. 25, 000 sponsored by Hero MotoCorp in addition to music gears from Marshall Amplifications.
The winners in the individual categories are:
Best Vocalist - Ronnie,The Prophets (Aizawl)
Best Guitarist- Ruata Renthlei, Avora Records (Aizawl)
Best Bassist- Gordon, The Prophets (Aizawl)
Best Drummer- John Raj Swami, Highway 69 (Ranchi)
Yellow Beacon won the best band in the local category and pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 1 lac sponsored by Case Construction.
Eastern Mirror Desk
