As they’re getting ready for round one of Emergenza Festival Australia, Melbourne based band Mantis and the Prayer take a moment to talk to us about how they got together from different parts of the world and what makes their music so ethereal and wonderful. They hit the stage at The Espy Basement this Saturday, March 29th—it’s going to be one memorable show, so don’t miss it!

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CROSS-CONTINENT ADVENTURES THAT LEAD MANTIS AND THE PRAYER TO MELBOURNE?
I was born and raised in the suburbs of NYC. This is where it all started. Playing around the City and Long Island. Got featured in local press and radio. When opportunity opened to move to London I went for it! Signed a contract with Matchbox Recordings, got some ad time on MTV2 and distributed electronically worldwide. Then fate played a hand… fell in love and moved to Melbourne! Here I have assembled the best line up ever!

WHAT'S THE CURRENT LINE UP OF THE BAND?
Mantis (that's me)- vocals and acoustic guitar, Jimi- electric guitar, Oj- bass guitar, Jay- drums, Katrina-keys and vocals, Diem- vocals, Elaine- vocals, and that's it… whoo!

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION FOR THE NAME?
I have been using the stage name Mantis from the beginning as a solo artist. That name came from a female alien from another galaxy… long story… then I chose the backing band "The Prayer" as a play on words… Praying Mantis. By the way mantis means prophet in Greek.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
Sultry, evocative and supernatural.

WHAT’S YOUR PRACTICE SPACE LIKE?
We rehearse at Three Phase Studios in Brunswick… they are great and they are not paying me to say that… hmmm, but maybe.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE SHOW AT THE ESPY?
Besides victory, reaching people with our unique sound… making people feel elated!

WITH OTHER BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITIONS AROUND, WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE EMERGENZA?
After winning the Melbourne Fresh grand prize in July 2013 we needed to move to the next level! With Emergenza the possibility to end up in Sydney or Europe was on the table. And we are ready to succeed!

For more details on the show at The Espy March 29th, click here.