Citizen Sunday takes influence from British rock and combines that with fearless experimentation to come up with their totally signature sound. Before they hit the stage this Sunday, June 1st at The Lair for round one of Emergenza Festival Australia, they take time out to talk to us about what binds them together as a band, what makes their sound so unique, and what they’re looking forward to most about the upcoming gig.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME CITIZEN SUNDAY?
What began five years ago as a dual acoustic act playing house parties and small pubs in the Bondi Beach area has become Citizen Sunday. We are an eclectic group of musicians from different backgrounds and citizenships (UK, US, Australia, Wales). To some Sunday is a day set aside for religion, relaxation, or recovery. Since CS's conception Sunday has been the day set aside for music and we have stuck to this ritual for five years. Regardless of where we came from, what God we believe in, or what condition we are in, we will be together on Sundays exploring new sounds and doing what we love. This weekly ritual inspired the name Citizen Sunday.

WHAT'S YOUR LIVE SET UP LIKE?
A four-piece fabrication. An energetic and attractive set of songs from differing genres, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats wondering what is next.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
Colourful, empowering, rock.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR MAJOR MUSICAL INFLUENCES?
Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Stone Temple Pilots, Kasabian, The Kooks, Duran Duran, Klaxons, TV on the Radio, Bloc Party, Biffy Clyro, Local H, Citizen Cope.

WHERE HAVE YOU PLAYED BEFORE AND WHAT WOULD A DREAM GIG BE FOR YOU?
Various Bondi arenas (BB’s, 34 Degrees South, Mojo’s, Queen Street Gallery), Slyfox (Newtown). Dream show is the Great Gig in the Sky with Glastonbury as a close second.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT YOUR SHOW AT THE LAIR?
Sharing our original music and passions with others.

WITH OTHER BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITIONS AROUND, WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE EMERGENZA?
Emergenza was something we knew while in the UK, it's well known. We signed up last year and missed the deadline, so we are excited to be able to showcase this year. 

For more details on the show at The Lair @ The Metro Theatre in Sydney on June 1st, click here.