You have participated in the Emergenza festival edition 2013/2014. What made you decide to take part in it?

In all honesty, the initial thought was to get a summer gig. We had barely played a few shows at that time and when I came across the Emergenza site, I said "why not!?". I opened up for Massimo Borsellino with a solo acoustic set in February of 2013 at O Patro Vys, and I really wanted a chance to play there again. It's funny how the motivation quickly changed after that.

As you approach the world final, What is your state of mind?

Despite the overwhelming craziness since the Montreal Final, our state of mind is amazingly focused. We're feeling very confident, and are looking forward to rocking the festival. We talk about it all the time.

Where specifically have you improved the most since your very first Emergenza concert?

Our growth as a band, as a unit. Christine was always a great drummer. The same goes for Yann on the bass. Ive always been able to sing, but understanding tendencies, accepting each others flaws, and learning how to make it all work together for the benefit of the music; that was the biggest improvement from the first show. That includes the addition of Jason on guitar. His arrival really allowed the songs to bloom. His skills translated incredibly well to our vision for the songs.

What's behind your band's name? Any specific meaning?

When signing up for Emergenza, we were called the "Gin Soda Trio". The prospect of adding other members along the way, and having to be locked in with the same name for the whole competition spurred the decision to change the name. Yann suggested we go with "the Carlos Candido band", Christine and I agreed, et voila.

If you had to choose a famous song that represents your band...which one would it be?

Bohemian Rhapsody, minus the piano ( I should learn to play the piano )

What is that makes your sound signature?

I don't know what that really means. It's all been done before. We're not trying to reinvent anything. I just want to tell my story. My voice and my words are the only things that haven't been heard before. If that makes it a signature, so be it. 

What can audiences expect from one of your live performances?

We love to play live. It's not only fun for us, its our passion. If we have fun, the energy and passion transfers to the crowd. They can expect to feel that passion & hopefully they'll feel a lasting connection with us.

Can you tell us a funny story or anecdote about your experience on stage?

During the final at L'Olympia, I got a little excited, was jumping around and my glasses fell on the floor. The stage was dark and I couldn't find them. I played the rest of the set without them as if nothing happened but I wanted to laugh.

Before you go on stage, do you have a ritual or a good luck charm that goes everywhere with you?

No. Should we have a ritual? I'm worried now.

What’s your rehearsal and recording space like?

We share a room with 2 other bands at a place called The Mothership. It's a local for musicians and a great place to rehearse. Each room is soundproofed and protected, and we're close to many friends who are in other bands there as well.

We've been recording at "The Freq Shop" ( as in "frequency shop" ). It's actually 2 doors down the hall from our room. It's owned by Derek Orsi, and Dave Traina ( drummer of "The Damn Truth"). I worked with Derek  and Dave for the first time on my single Angels, and we've built a great working relationship in the studio. It was an easy decision to keep going back there.

Yann and I have been friends since highschool. We've hung out many times together over the years. Yann and Jason met in college, and play together in an instrumental progressive trio called Senzafine. We all have jobs, and rehearse regularly, but in truth, the only time we've really "hung out" as a band was after the Montreal Final at L'Olympia. We're all busy, but still make time to make music. I think that's what makes our thing special.

TAUBERTAL Open Air has now become a reality for us. That's a dream come true. Other than that, I'd love to be on tour and open up for City and Colour. Also, playing at Glastonbury would be an incredible experience.

After Taubertal, we're planning to play a few local-ish gigs until the autumn, and then we'll hit the studio as a band and lock down what should be a full albums worth of songs.

What question did I forget? Can you suggest a question you would want me to ask?

"Do you wear socks to bed?"You can learn a lot about a person by what, if anything, they wear to bed. Also, "Would you prefer doing the interviews in person?" Yes. ;)

Why do you think you deserve to win the 2014 Festival edition?

I think the word "deserve" is touchy. A lot of people believe they deserve this or that without putting in the work. In our case, we worked really hard, and earned our spot in these Finals. We deserve to be there. I think the same can be said for all the other finalists. In the end, I believe we have all the tools to win the 2014 Festival Finals. Our performance will show that. If we do win it, we will have earned it.