'Deaf Raccoon' Shine at SmokeFree RockQuest

Wednesday 16th July 2025

Congratulations to Chris, Jamie and Leo, who've won the Otago Regional Final!


Check out photos of Deaf Raccoon's contest-winning performance at the Regent Theatre in the photo gallery below.

We'll now be working with the boys to put together a video for the national phase of the competition. Acts that place 1st or 2nd in the region in either category are invited to submit a three-song video. The videos are then viewed/assessed and judged by a panel of industry professionals. From this, the Top 35 semi-finalists are announced!

The Top 35 semi-finalists are then re-viewed/re-assessed and re-judged by a new panel of industry heavyweights. From this stage, the top 15 acts are chosen as the National Finalists and will travel to Auckland to perform in the national final concert.

So make sure to wish the boys luck with their entry when you see them next! We're looking forward to supporting them to go as far as possible with their amazing music.