This week I had the chance to catch up with the up-and-coming Sydney band, Auribus. This talented group of friends used their original lyrics and catchy tunes to enrapt the crowds at the Australian national final this past December. Band members Robbie, Anthony, and Antony took the time to answer a few questions and share their journey through the different stages of Emergenza festival with me. Keep an eye out for their debut album that is in the works; these guys are definitely worth listening to!

SO YOU GUYS MADE IT TO THE NATIONAL FINAL IN SYDNEY, WHICH IS QUITE THE ACCOMPLISHMENT CONSIDERING HOW LARGE AND DIVERSE THE AUSTRALIAN PORTION OF EMERGENZA FESTIVAL IS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY SET YOU APART FROM YOUR FELLOW COMPETITORS?
Anthony: We have a very different and original sound. No other bands had our mixture of instruments. Our songs are catchy and captivating to the audience. Most of all, we put on a show, and have fun doing it!

MANY MUSICIANS CAN ONLY DREAM OF PREFORMING AT THE LEGENDARY METRO THEATRE. WHAT WAS IT LIKE PLAYING ON THAT RENOWNED STAGE?
Antony: It was a fantastic experience. It definitely helped the band get amped up to perform for the night. There is nothing better than seeing the world from the point of view favourite musicians would have seen it.

IN THE FINAL YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED A THIRTY-MINUTE SET TO “WOW” THE CROWD. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT KIND OF PRESSURE?
Antony: We made sure to prepare ourselves for the time limit by organizing our set so that we could make the most of our strongest songs. The practice we put in and the discussions we had regarding what to do really helped ease any pressure. I think the best way a musician can deal with pressure like that is to love the music you play and want to bring that to the audience so they can experience it to.

HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY WITH EMERGENZA?
Robbie: The journey was incredible. We met a lot of influential people, made new friends and we had the opportunity to play on some of the best stages in Sydney. The emotional ride was the intense. I would just like to give a shout out to the sound, lighting and roadie crew.

MANY UP-AND-COMING ARTISTS EXPERIENCE SETBACKS AND OBSTACLES THAT STAND IN THE WAY OF THEIR DREAM. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW BANDS ON HOW TO OVERCOME THESE UNAVOIDABLE DIFFICULTIES?
Anthony: Never sway from the path you set out for yourself. It’s very easy to lose sight of the ultimate goal along the way. The beauty of music and “making the big time” is that the journey doesn’t stop there. Obstacles arise even then, so you must stay focused and never lose sight of that goal!

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2013? ANY GIGS IN THE FUTURE?
Robbie: Our near future is focused on writing and recording for our debut album now that we have just acquired our 5th member Franco on bass. But, we can’t wait to get on the road and play for our fans.