Before we have national pride we have state pride. Melbourne, representing Victoria is all set to rock the state final at Billboard. Only one band will be chosen to go to the Australian National final in Sydney on the 15th of december where NSW, Queensland and Victoria will be represented.

The last 3 years Victoria has proved that the best talent comes from here as bands from this state played In Germany and shared bills with such artists as The Hives, Pendulum and Iggy Pop. In the 5 year Emergenza history in this country, the state talent did reach the ultimate stage more times than any other.

So we are one step closer to practicing «Wie geht's Deutschland!» as the pinnacle is near us and we are looking forward to display the skills that so many have shown before. A panel of judges will be present to select the act based on criteria that range from arrangements to visual impact. The experts will decide who to send to Sydney, all expenses paid, to the big one.....The one that sends you to Europe.


As well as prizes of all sorts (read the other news regarding the national final) bands will have an opportunity to play a big stage. The Émergenza festival gives unsigned talent the opportunity to play such stages and then get to Europe to display their skills along side the «big boys».

It is now all up to the bands! As we said, prove that the talent is in Victoria and let's see if we can send a group first to Sydney then off to Germany next year drinking back stage with the rock stars.

Go support your local state representative. Go support the best unsigned talent. Remember: you the public must vote the bands! Get them in the top 5 and they'll go straight to the judges.

Here's the list of the bands (in no particular order) playing the final at the Hi-Fi on the 9th of December:

YOUR LOCAL HERO
SUNDAY CHAIRS
ORANGE
ST. JIMMY
MIDRIFF EXPLOSION
BLAC MAYDAY
POETICK KAOS
VIRTUE
OPTICAL SCREW
KILLS COLLAPSE
PRETTY DULCIE
FENIAN
THE UGLY KINGS
BLANSKO DISTRICT