James Caddy has tons of great things to say about the festival experience so far. Great venues, great technicians, and great performances, and he’s not to be left out of that latter category. He’s got a few original songs up his sleeves that allow him to really connect with his crowd and put on moving performances in his genre of acoustic roots rock. He’s looking forward to his next chance to win you over on the 17th at The Espy, where he’ll play the semi-finals of the festival. In the meantime, he sits down to chat with Emergenza

CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE SOUND OF JAMES CADDY?
James Caddy is an acoustic/roots/rock singer songwriter. With his truly Australian rock sound he has been described as a perfect blend of John Butler Trio meets Powderfinger.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FIRST ROUND FOR YOU?
The energy from the crowd was so positive, they gave so much and were very supportive!

WHAT DOES PERFORMING LIVE MEAN TO YOU?
Performing to me is about giving the audience an experience, taking them on a journey and playing songs they can relate to. It provides such a thrill as a muso to know you've played a great gig!

OUT OF ALL THE SONGS YOU PLAYED, WHICH ONE GOT THE BIGGEST REACTION OUT OF THE CROWD AND WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?
“This Old Fool” seemed to have really reached the crowd. I think because it's a very pure, honest song about making mistakes and losing something special. It leaves me very open and vulnerable. Once you offer that vulnerability people tend to be able to relate to what I'm singing about... everyone can relate to heartbreak!

SO HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EMERGENZA FINALS?
It's very exciting to be a step closer to the finals, very much looking forward to the next rounds.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES FOR YOUR BAND SO FAR?
The biggest obstacles are gaining the right exposure and growing our fan-base as well as financing all our endeavours.

HOW ARE YOU PLANNING TO PROMOTE FOR YOUR UPCOMING GIG?
I'm promoting the upcoming gig through my website, Facebook, posters and flyers.

WITH OTHER BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITIONS AROUND, WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE EMERGENZA?
Emergenza isn't like other band competitions. It provides better opportunities and support to the unsigned bands. The staff is very helpful and friendly through the whole process. Their venues are some of the best to play at and the tech crew know what they're doing!