Musicians battle it out on stage at the Tasmanian Rock Challenge final

A rite of passage for all emerging musicians, the annual Tasmanian Rock Challenge is a chance for young artists to perform and showcase their music. Find out who won>>

Launceston College’s Alien Hate Crime took home the title of best college band at the 2024 Tasmanian Rock Challenge final at the Launceston Conference Centre. Picture: RosellaShoots

Armed with their finely-tuned guitars and singing voices, Tasmania’s best and brightest young musicians battled it out on stage on Friday at the Tasmanian Rock Challenge final.

A rite of passage for all emerging musicians, the annual competition is not only a resume booster for the winning acts but a chance for young artists to perform onstage and showcase their music to new audiences outside of their loyal friend groups.

St Patrick’s College Legacy of Lunatics was named the best high school band at the 2024 Tasmanian Rock Challenge final at the Launceston Conference Centre. Picture: RosellaShoots

A record-breaking 117 acts performed at this year’s competition across four divisions, with Kingston High School’s Willow Nischler taking out the high school acoustic round; Launceston College’s Summer Tatnell won the college acoustic round; St Patrick’s College Legacy of Lunatics was named the best high school band; and Launceston College’s Alien Hate Crime took home the title of best college band.

Tasmanian Rock Challenge co-ordinator Brad Harbeck said the level of talent at this year’s challenge was “unprecedented”.

“This year’s entrants were just exceptional,” Mr Harbeck said.

“I can’t imagine being a teenager and playing at that level, and that’s certainly the feedback I receive a lot. Especially to have the guts to get up there on stage, do that, and share your own material. These musicians really have to be commended for what they’ve done.”

Launceston College’s Summer Tatnell won the college acoustic round at the 2024 Tasmanian Rock Challenge final at the Launceston Conference Centre. Picture: RosellaShoots

Mr Harbeck said that while the competition was not about winning, Launceston metal band Alien Hate Crime wowed audiences with two original tracks.

“The trio from Alien Hate Crime have taken part in the Challenge since they were in high school and have been consistently bloody brilliant,” he said.

“I think if they want to go into music, the sky’s the limit for those three gentlemen.

“We’ll be sorry to see them go. I wish they could come back next year, but they’ve ended on a high.”

Originally published as Musicians battle it out on stage at the Tasmanian Rock Challenge final