Since the first round, The Strangers in Town have had a sudden change in line up, but they are back and stronger than ever for the semi finals of Emergenza Festival Australia. Don’t miss your chance to see these outrageous punk rockers this Thursday, July 31st at The Espy. They’re going to rock every inch of the prestigious stage in The Gershwin Room and show who’s boss. Check out our pre-show interview with the band here.

FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T GET TO SEE YOU IN THE FIRST ROUND, CAN YOU INTRODUCE US TO YOUR BAND THE STRANGERS IN TOWN?
Well, since the first round we've sadly said good bye to Brad, but the rest of the line up is still here with Shannan Vinen on guitar, Lucas Manitta on drums, Daniel Segrave on bass and Joel Prouse on guitar and vocals.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FIRST ROUND FOR YOU?
Well, the turn out was awesome—the best part for us was hearing the encore chant that was pretty sick. But just in general, being able to play our music is always a good time.

OUT OF ALL THE SONGS YOU PLAYED, WHICH ONE GOT THE BIGGEST REACTION OUT OF THE CROWD AND WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?
“Dysfunctional Family”, only because at the time it was a new song and everyone was just jamming on it.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST ROUND AND WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM IT?
Well, not so much what we learned, but more about the awe of the fact that we were privileged enough to play possibly the most iconic venue in Melbourne, if not the country. And then we are overwhelmed at the fact that in three days we play on possibly the most famous stage in Melbourne.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO BETWEEN GIGS AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF THE COMPETITION?
Well, more of the same as last time—practise trial the song for an audience, tweak, and repeat. But also a lot of gigging.

SO HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EMERGENZA FINALS?
It's pretty insane. We're coming leaps and bounds as musicians and everything is moving really fast right now—it's just a dream come true.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR UPCOMING CONCERT AT THE ESPY?
Well, the opportunity to play in the Hi-Fi bar would be an amazing feat. Really hoping that the whole thing goes smoothly and would love to keep climbing the Emergenza ladder.

For more details on the show at The Espy, July 31st, click here.