Lots of strangeness has been brewing in this eclectic bunch since the last time we saw them rock out on stage at The Metro. Now Citizen of the World is getting ready to take their epic-folk tunes to the stage at The Factory Theatre for the semi-finals. Don’t miss your chance to see them then, and in the meantime, hear the adventurous tales they have to tell.

FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T GET TO SEE YOU IN THE FIRST ROUND, CAN YOU INTRODUCE US TO YOUR BAND CITIZEN OF THE WORLD?
Yeah, so we’re a five-piece epic-folk band inspired by the likes of Mumford and Sons and Dave Matthews Band. We’re an eclectic bunch of guys from different walks of life, and true to our name, our origins trace back to overseas—Switzerland in fact. Not that any of us are actually Swiss (except maybe our lead singer, but then again he doesn’t quite know where he’s from).

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FIRST ROUND FOR YOU?
Well it would have to be a combination of seeing the great turn out of our amazing supporters (thank you all!), checking out the other upcoming talent (including our namesake, The Citizens) and getting to experience the awesomeness that is The Metro.

OUT OF ALL THE SONGS YOU PLAYED, WHICH ONE GOT THE BIGGEST REACTION OUT OF THE CROWD AND WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?
“City of Million Lives”. It’s certainly a crowd pleaser and one of our most unique sounds. It captures the true essence of what we’re about—foot stomping fun! It’s the title song for our EP and one of our most popular music videos on YouTube, having racked up over 50,000 views (check it out!).

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST ROUND AND WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM IT?
As with any gig, the more packed out it is the more fun it is for everyone. So come one, come all—if you’re reading this then no excuses!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO BETWEEN GIGS AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF THE COMPETITION?
Where to start… Well firstly one of our sax players decided to stay true to our name and take to the seven seas, travelling the world while gigging on a cruise ship. As another true Citizen, our bass player Ooda is off to work in London and will join us for the last time at for Emergenza at The Factory Theatre. And for the last few weeks we’ve been on a brief hiatus while the lead singer decided to head back to Europe to do some mad scientist work and poke around with human brains. I’m not even kidding (remember how I said we’re an eclectic bunch?). In amongst all of that we managed to do some busking by sea, The Pyrmont Festival, a corporate gig, the opening night of the newly renovated Sly Fox and more!

SO HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EMERGENZA FINALS?
Amazing. We’re really hoping to nail it at The Factory Theatre and so we can get to play back at The Metro again, but this time on the big stage!

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR UPCOMING CONCERT AT THE FACTORY THEATRE?
Hopefully some new supporters and of course a place in the grand final.

For more details on the show at The Factory Theatre in Sydney on November 13th, click here.