Rocking on

KELLY SCHICKER/Waikato Times

ROCK CHICKS: Hauraki Plains College students Corinna van Eyk, left, and Laura Peacock, both 16, have their song Illusion on the school's CD.

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It might not be London or Los Angeles, but Ngatea has one thing many bigger towns don't - a thriving record label.

Students from Hauraki Plains College set up HPC Records four years ago and have recorded and sold hundreds of CDs - mainly to local people. All the music is composed and produced by students.

"Students are involved with the whole thing, from the music to the album covers and the promotion," arts co-ordinator Tricia Smith said.

The Best Yet is HPC Records' latest release, with a selection of tracks taken from previous albums. The compilation coincides with the launch of the label's website.

The school bought recording equipment with a grant of $17,000 from the Ngatea Lions Club. The label's ongoing costs are covered by CD sales and fundraising concerts.

Jasmine Taituha, 17, played bass guitar for the all-girl six-piece Prevail, whose song Stand Up appears on the CD. At the time of recording, she was in Year 11.

She said the song was written about two sisters who lost a brother. "The message of the song is there's still help out there, be strong, you can make it through," she said.

Her favourite part of the whole process was "having the opportunity to listen to all of the talent coming out of Hauraki Plains".

The label's next CD will be out next month, at the end of the current school term.