An "afterthought" has found rising star Sam Egli a place at the finals of a national music competition.

The vocalist and guitarist was named one of three to make it to the final heat of the country's Smokefree Rockquest event, due to take place on September 2.

"It was kind of an afterthought to this year chuck myself in and just randomly it worked out," the 18-year-old said.

ANDY JACKSON/STUFF Taranaki musician Sam Egli has made the final three in the solo section of the 2017 Smokefree Rockquest.

But it was more than just a random result: natural talent, hard work and persistence have also had a hand in his success.

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Two years in a row the New Plymouth lad and his band, Suburban Goons, have taken out Taranaki's top spot at the regional leg of the competition.

ANDY JACKSON/STUFF Sam Egli has plans to move to Switzerland at the end of the year to work and pursue music.

Both years the group made it to the Top 20 but never the finals.

"However Rockquest created this thing called the Online Solo/Duo entry which just allows you, if you're playing in a band, to also perform as a solo act.

"They did it last year too but I didn't get anywhere with it."

Up against about 60 other solo musicians from bands who had also submitted an online entry, he was selected to then move into the "regular" pool of about 200 solo/duo acts, who had entered and weren't part of a band.

The three finalists from the category were announced this week and also include Sonatane Kaufusi, of Manurewa and Nelson duo Laura Koleff and Ellie Huxtable.

In his submission, Egli put forward a folk-sounding original titled, Heart of our Scars.

"It's a very heavy name," he said.

"But I'm not sure what it's about. I usually write songs with words that I like and they have a meaning that comes on later."

Egli was coy on whether the song had since revealed its meaning, saying only "maybe" when asked.

The Year 13's body of work is so far pretty extensive, having penned close to 100 full songs.

He's headed to Switzerland at the complete of his schooling at New Plymouth Boys' High in December, where he plans to work, write and record music.

"And try and make my name."

But for now he's focussed on the upcoming competition and how he's going to spend the $3000 Rockshop voucher if he wins - which will likely go on a new microphone, travel cases, studio monitors, an amp and bass guitar.

"I don't mind if I don't win, it's been an awesome journey."

Suburban Goons are in the running for a second chance to compete at the finals with the National Peoples Choice. Vote by texting the band's name to 5678.