Past Emergenza entrants Mercury White say they’re coming back and this time have something to prove. Since they last joined the festival, they have grown enormously as a band, and are what you might proudly refer to as ‘professionals’ in the music industry. They’ve already released an EP to great success and are working toward getting a full-length album out very soon. Before round one at the Epsy, Mercury White sits down and lets us in on what’s changed since the last time we saw them.

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES YOUR SOUND SIGNATURE?
We like to combine both male and female vocals in unique ways. I think our signature is that we don’t have a signature sound... we like to be a little diverse among genres but still keep a uniform feeling within the album.

CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH YOUR SONG WRITING PROCESS?
Usually it’s sporadic.... an idea will emerge and slowly grow over time.... some of the songs on the album are 5 years old. Although there are moments where we have written tracks in the studio. We always try and make songs that sound as good live as they do recorded.

WHERE HAVE YOU GUYS PLAYED IN THE PAST AND WHAT IS YOUR DREAM GIG?
We have played a lot of venues amongst Melbourne, and have toured the East Coast in 2010. Some favourites include, Hi Fi Bar, Pier Live, Republic Bar, Espy Front Bar, Oxford Arts Factory and Shark Bar. Our dream gig would be anywhere abroad.

WHAT PERSUADED YOU TO JOIN EMERGENZA FESTIVAL?
Our 2nd ever gig was with Emergenza and we didn't make it past the first round... we have something to prove.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING TO MOST ABOUT THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE?
Meeting new bands and hopefully new fans... I guess the exposure is unbeatable at festivals. Also the chance at playing at some great venues.

WHAT IS A LIVE MERCURY WHITE SHOW LIKE?
Very energetic, we are always striving to get an epic sound live and I think we are getting very close to our goal.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR LATEST ALBUM?
10 songs that really represent our history and evolution. There are a lot of older songs on this album but also some brand new ones. It’s a great collection and I believe very accessible to many different fans. This is a great introduction into what Mercury White are setting out to achieve in the next 10 years.