This week, I was able to catch-up with Sydney band, U:CODIA, before they enter the opening rounds of Emergenza competition at The Metro on April 13th. These four guys have managed to throw a band together and produce an impressive EP in only a year’s time. Aside from producing solid alternative rock tunes that can be heard online, U:CODIA captivates audiences at their live performances. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness U:CODIA rattle the competition on April 13th. These guys do not disappoint.

SO GUYS, TELL ME, WHY EMERGENZA? WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION?
We love the focus on helping unsigned bands, offering them an opportunity to showcase their music in a professional environment. When we were invited to apply for Emergenza, we could see straight away from their attention to detail, that they care about fostering young bands/artists and supporting great live music. The experience alone is worth it, but we saw it as an incredible opportunity to gain the exposure we have been needing.

YOU GUYS TRULY EXEMPLIFY ALTERNATIVE ROCK. WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE MOST INSPIRATION FROM WHEN CREATING YOUR MUSIC?
We have a varied list of influences between the 4 of us that have shaped our style. So, when coming up with new material, we aim to produce a sound that our fans can identify and connect with by drawing on our influences, while focusing on crafting something original that they haven't heard before. Creating imagery through lyrics and melody is also a big focus. For us, music is about delivering moments and a connection with our fans that stay with them long after they have listened to our songs or walk away from a show. In many ways, that is our greatest inspiration.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS U:CODIA’S GREATEST STRENGTH WHEN IT COMES TO LIVE PERFORMANCES?
We all love music and have a great sense of unity, as we spend a lot of time together outside the band as good mates. When playing live, we aim to create an atmosphere that engages the crowd throughout the entire show, with an energy that they can't help but be drawn to. We have also worked really hard at being tight in our performances.

HOW ARE YOU GUYS PREPARING FOR THE 30-MINUTE SET LIMIT?
We have discussed our set list at length and already decided on which songs we are playing. We time the length of the set with each run through during our weekly rehearsals, to make sure we stay within the limit. Focusing on perfecting our song-to-song transitions and stage presence is also a top priority. We want to maximise the time with our audience and build an energy filled set-list to really pump up the crowd.

YOU GUYS REALLY HAVE A KNACK FOR PROMOTING YOUR BAND ONLINE. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE KEY TO MARKETING YOUR MUSIC?
Doing the best you can, with what you have. Start with the best quality recording you can afford. One of the most common statements people made about some earlier demos we had online, was that they would be much better if the recording quality didn't suck. So, when we recorded our EP we decided not to compromise on quality. We wanted to deliver a result both us and our fans could be proud of now and in the future.
Secondly, create personal connections with your fans, whether you have only a few or many! Consistently update your fans on what's happening with your band, through a number of social mediums. Spend a lot of time getting your name out there and creating a strong identity both online and offline, but try to keep it targeted and avoid a scattergun approach. Be professional and show that you care about how your band is doing.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST AS YOU PROGRESS THROUGH THE COMPETITION?
Being able to share our love for music with larger audiences and fellow musicians. Building a bigger, stronger fan base. Having the opportunity to play in amazing venues with a quality stage set up. Also, a sense of achievement in getting however far we do and putting in 100% while doing it.