They Set Fire is just getting warmed up for his performance at The Gov in Adelaide where he’ll be showcasing songs off his minimalist, ambient electro EP Hawthorne Avenue and going head to head with five other local bands in round one of Emergenza Festival Australia this Wednesday, October 29th. But before he goes on he takes time out to sit down and chat with us. Check it out here:

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME THEY SET FIRE?
They Set Fire has a lot to do with legacy and having a story that you can be proud of. Being that person who was on fire about things that you believe in. When somebody talks about you to others I wanna be the person that people say; “they set fire” to things. Not like arson! I'm more about defying the pop culture and exemplifying the counter culture just by the way you live. I want my music to encourage people to be the counter culture and stand up for things that are important to them.

WHAT’S YOUR LIVE SET UP LIKE?
It's complicated. I play guitar, I sing and I perform, for the most part, in the traditional singer songwriter way. I combine that with an electronic setup where I cue samples and backing tracks, start up jams and play some R&B style electronic music. I've tried to create a blend of live instrumentation and live beat making.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
Easy! One-man band. Alternatively, electro meets rock band.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR MAJOR MUSICAL INFLUENCES?
I love some solo artists who do similar things or try to blend different styles together. Producers like SHIGETO, Robert DeLong and Chet Faker, as well as some electronic artists like Flume or James Blake. I love some prolific musicians too like Jojo Mayer and Andy McKee. My favourite music for listening, which often comes out into my song writing, are bands like: The Cast of Cheers, Foals, Northeast Party House, Bloc Party; the dark and jangly indie crowd.

WHAT'S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU'VE DONE TOGETHER AS A BAND?
I got to write and record a song where the profits all went to world vision! That was a great time. A youth group, which I am a mentor for, put in all the effort to raise heaps of money with the album. Heaps of artists contributed and I learned so much about working with a producer and having an ethical component to your art.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT YOUR SHOW AT THE GOV?
This is the first time I get to perform as TSF and without any other musicians. It's a great opportunity to experiment, showcase my music and get some instant feedback from people that I haven't met yet. It's great to play to friends and family, but I'm keen to meet some new people as well!

WITH OTHER BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITIONS AROUND, WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE EMERGENZA?
I took the opportunity to give it a try when I was sent an invitation. I didn't think the competition was open to solo artists and I initially didn't think I'd be able to have a chance. However, the opportunity arose and I feel like Emergenza is going to be a perfect opportunity to just knuckle down and start getting myself out there and performing. I love my music, and I feel like this is the perfect way to start playing. I guess, it's an opportunity that I have to jump at—it's perfect timing after all! I'm ready to do this!

For more details on the show at The Gov in Adelaide on October 29th, click here.