A lot has happened since we last talked to They Set Fire. He flew through the first round and is now up against a daunting 13 local bands in the Emergenza Festival semifinal at The Gov in Adelaide. Check out our pre-show interview here, where we find out what They Set Fire is so psyched about and what may be in store for the big night at The Gov this Sunday, November 23rd.

FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T GET TO SEE YOU IN THE FIRST ROUND, CAN YOU INTRODUCE US TO YOUR BAND THEY SET FIRE?
They Set Fire is my solo project. The result of a few years work/research/practise and effort to create a sound that is a mix of electronic music, as well as live performance and song writing.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FIRST ROUND FOR YOU?
Being able to showcase all of my new songs for the first time and getting the crowd reaction. Also, bringing lots of people to the show was great! I got to see so many people that had come to support me.

OUT OF ALL THE SONGS YOU PLAYED, WHICH ONE GOT THE BIGGEST REACTION OUT OF THE CROWD AND WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?
“Roles to Play” is probably my loudest song. It has a nice groove to it and some soaring vocals. I think everybody really dug that one.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST ROUND AND WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM IT?
I learned a little more about how much stage production works. Not just how it sounds, but also the design and infrastructure of my rig. Minimising the time between setup and starting is going to be the next thing to work on for me.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO BETWEEN GIGS AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF THE COMPETITION?
Nothing strictly musically orientated, but lots! I got engaged, started a new job I love and I'm moving into a new house as well! Life has been happening!

SO HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EMERGENZA FINALS?
A little surreal, but I know I'm ready for it as well. Really keen to get up and play, but looking forward to having a rest on the other end. Emergenza has been an awesome learning experience so far.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR UPCOMING CONCERT AT THE GOV?
More fans. Meeting more people. Just having fun from playing my music! I love it, and I love that all of my hard work is going to be worth it in the end!

For more details on the show at The Gov in Adelaide on November 23rd, click here.