Music Industry News

Auckland’s Ding Dong Lounge has wrapped up the Grand Final of its 2025 Band Competition, held on Saturday, November 29, with a packed house, a fiercely engaged crowd, and four standout finalists delivering some of the strongest performances the event has seen, with more than a decade into its run.

After two nights of semi-finals earlier this month, the final lineup brought together a diverse mix of emerging Aotearoa talent: Earthscraper, Master Frank Fu, Noah Nite, and Blossom. Each act arrived with real momentum, but by the end of the night, one name rose to the top.

Noah Nite has been crowned the 2025 champion, securing first place with a set that balanced intensity, sharp musicianship, and undeniable crowd connection. Master Frank Fu claimed second place with their signature kung fu–infused metal theatrics, while Earthscraper took third with their expansive, progressive-driven heavy sound.

Continuing tradition, the 2025 Grand Final was completely sold out, reinforcing the competition’s place as a staple event within Auckland’s alternative and underground music communities.

As winners, Noah Nite will now head into the studio to record their debut single, followed by a full music video production and official release, a process fans and industry alike are already eager to see and hear unfold.

“The bar rises every year, but this final was pretty special,” says organiser Andrew Treeby. “From the energy in the room, the level of performance and the support from the crowd all show how alive and ambitious our local scene is. We can’t wait to get Noah Nite into the studio and help bring their next chapter to life.”

The Ding Dong Lounge Band Competition continues to champion emerging artists by providing performance opportunities, professional development pathways, and a platform that connects musicians with audiences and industry. Over more than a decade, it has become one of Auckland’s defining spaces for new talent to grow, evolve, and step onto bigger stages.

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Since 2013, Ding Dong Lounge has supported Aotearoa’s diverse musical landscape by hosting artists across rock, metal, indie, punk, alternative, and experimental genres. The venue fosters an inclusive space for creative risk-taking, collaboration, and growth, helping new talent build lasting careers on stages across New Zealand and beyond.