The Children of the New Forest have several side projects going on, not to mention the work they’re doing to release their debut album, but that won’t be getting in the way of their preparations for the big night at The Hi-Fi on December 8th. They’re set to go head to head with thirteen other bands in a battle to get to the national finals in Sydney. It’s going to be epic. In the meantime before the show, check out what the band has to say about what they’ve been doing to get ready.

SO, DO YOU THINK YOU'RE READY FOR THE BIG NIGHT?
Good to go.

WHAT’S THE BAND DOING TO GET READY FOR THE FINALS? REHEARSING MUCH?
We’ve been jamming whenever we can, re-arranging songs, pulling out new ones and drinking some pretty interesting home made cocktails. Brook’s been dabbling with guitar on the new songs. Ben’s been producing a five track EP, which may or may not get released. Anthony’s been creating electro pop in his garage studio under the moniker Altruiste. Dave’s been getting ready to run away for a while. We’re also adding final touches to our debut album, which has fifteen amazing songs performed with a let’s not give a shit attitude and produced with a couldn’t care less type effort. We’re aiming for a low profile release in the next couple of months.

WHAT, IF ANY, CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE TO YOUR STAGE SET-UP OR YOUR LIVE PERFORMANCE WITH THE FINALS IN MIND?
We’ll just try to take on board recent feedback recommending we take less drugs before performing.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE BIG NIGHT?
Hoping not to get hit by any hard objects thrown in our direction.

WHAT EFFECT DO YOU THINK WINNING WOULD HAVE ON THE BAND?
Might keep Dave in the country a little longer.

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE FESTIVAL SO FAR? ANY FUNNY ANECDOTES FROM YOUR PREVIOUS SHOWS OR REHEARSALS LEADING UP TO THE FINALS?
We’ve had massive support from our friends and family. Thank you to all you excellent humans!

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT PLAYING THE HI-FI IN MELBOURNE?
Lifting the ceiling with Horatio’s soaring chorus. If we play it. I don’t want to give too much away.

WHAT IS GOING TO SET YOU APART FROM THE OTHER BANDS AND SECURE A WIN FOR YOUR BAND?
Our songs are supremely wicked. Even if we fuck things up majorly we hope everyone still hears how good the songs are.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO BANDS THAT ARE CONSIDERING SIGNING UP FOR THE FESTIVAL NEXT YEAR?
Give it a crack. Why the hell not.