These guys joke that they’re in it just for the experience… of winning. So younger bands, you better look out for these experienced rockers. They’ve got musical chops and licks from 4 generations of rocking non-stop. Made up of all ex-Sharpies, they’ve decided to share their backstory with Emergenza, and let us in on where they find their continuous inspiration.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN, FOR ANYONE WHO MIGHT NOT KNOW, WHAT EXACTLY IS, OR WAS, A SHARPY?
Sharpie or sharp, S=skin H=heads A=against R-racial P= prejudice is one explanation.

WHAT ROLE DID THE SHARPIES HAVE IN THE HISTORY OF AUSSIE ROCK MUSIC?
Sharps, or Sharpies, were a working-class youth movement that spread across Melbourne’s suburbs and – to a lesser extent – other cities from late 60's till 1980. Parental and societal neglect honed into territorial ultra-violence. Part Clockwork Orange, part Puberty Blues-with-knuckledusters, they caused havoc across the trains, met in public arenas like Flinders Street Station steps and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Booze was the drug of choice. Their uniform of cropped hair with wispy trim, tattoos, jeans with the top button un-popped and Connies cardigans – for both men and women – was a point of pride. They supported the local music scene & bands with fanatical devotion. They were the last 'wild ones' before Punk kicked off.

IN WHAT WAY DO YOU GUYS CONSIDER YOURSELF A REVIVAL BAND?
Not at all. We’re experienced with 60's 70's 80's & 90's music & can recreate any sound but put this into new songs & keep pushing the boundaries, & won't play smoke on the water!

HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH YOUR ORIGINAL MATERIAL?
Like a groove/rhythm, find a topic I care about, sit down with guitarist & work it out is one way, but we've written 28 songs 20 different ways.

HOW EXACTLY DID YOU GUYS GET TOGETHER TO FORM THE BAND?
We’re all painters & ex-Sharps.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN EMERGENZA FESTIVAL?
If you’re in music you can never pass up an opportunity.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE?
Just the experience... of winning. haha.