Last month the band made their way into the Grand Final of what is arguably NSW largest unsigned band competition YouthRock, alongside only eight other bands.

The competition, judged by music and recording industry representatives, has uncovered the talents of past winners Silverchair, Alex Lloyd and 2009 Australian Idol runner up Hayley Warner.

Lead singer and guitarist Aden Spencer, is one of four year 10 students who make up Octave High.

“When we get together and play it sounds like us, it’s got a unique sound,” he said.

“There was really professional gear, the amps were supplied, and it was professionally recorded. 

“To me it didn’t feel like a competition, when we were performing, it felt like a fun thing to do with really good gear.”

The state wide talent search culminated in an event featuring 40 bands over four nights of competition at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre.

Bass player Matthew Roach, said the experience gave them a lot of confidence.

“We did Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival and we’ve just performed around school,” he said.

“It was very different, very overwhelming, nerves were bigger and it was very interesting and I guess humbling seeing all those other musicians out there who are so talented, it kind of makes you open your eyes.

“They were very encouraging as well, it definitely builds up your confidence.”

As part of their winnings, the band were awarded the opportunity to record a song of theirs in a professional studio.

“We were told it was really big and the guy who was organising it had dealt with a lot of big bands before, it was really professional,” Drummer Cody Rodriguez said.

“We recorded one of our songs here and then sir sent it in and then we got picked to go into the semi finals.

“Then amazingly we made it to the Grand Final with eight other groups.”

Music teacher Josh Hamilton said the next step was recording an EP with the band. 

“We’ve been trying to build on the pool of talent at Nowra High, and one thing I was really surprised by when I came here was the level of talent at the school,” he said.

“The other music teacher and I have been trying to promote the school and give these guys every opportunity to perform, as musicians ourselves we know how hard it is.

Mr Hamilton recorded the the band, mixed it at his home studio, edited the recording in iMovie and entered it into the competition.

“We got into the competition and then the guys made the final which was amazing,” he said.

“These guys were competing against a lot of year 12 students and actually people up to the age of 25 can enter the competition.

“They always blow me away, they are an amazing talent, and more importantly, talent will only take you so far, but the work ethic of these four, they really deserve what they achieved, I was extremely proud of them.”