Sydney band The Raids are looking forward to giving it everything they’ve got and leaving nothing behind on stage at The Factory Theatre on the 20th. You’re not going to want to miss out on this opportunity to see this incredible local band. Before the show, they take the time to talk about how the first round went and what they’re looking forward to most about the semi-finals in Sydney.

FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T GET TO SEE YOU IN THE FIRST ROUND, CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT WHO THE RAIDS ARE?
We’re a two-piece rock band based in Sydney, trying something different from the norm. We enjoy writing and recording music, more importantly, we mostly enjoy performing on stage and sharing our stories.

WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO YOUR ONSTAGE PERFORMANCES?
Our approach is no different from every other time we play. It’s our last time, leave nothing behind. It’s the nerves leading up to it that kills.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FIRST ROUND FOR YOU?
Meeting a lot of top bands like Domino and Gunk, they were great to watch. Engaging with the crowd was the biggest highlight.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST ROUND AND WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM IT?
It was a good experience for us in the first round as we have had to lift our game from the first time we entered this event. This made for a much more positive experience.

SO HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EMERGENZA FINALS?
Excitement full on. We want to be there just like any other band. This will be a tough one for all of us.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO BETWEEN GIGS AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF THE COMPETITION?
We have mainly been recording and trying to get our debut finished. Not as easy as people think. Not too long now.

HOW ARE YOU PLANNING TO PROMOTE FOR YOUR UPCOMING GIG?
By all means necessary. Amongst the social circuit, we have to get out there, talking to people and explaining why they have to come and see us. Yes there will be shameless promotion, but it will be worth it.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT THIS ROUND IN THE SEMI-FINALS?
We’re looking forward to putting everything into this performance. This is a once in a lifetime shot. Whether we get in or not, we’re definitely going to give it everything we’ve got.