The interview with  The Swingin Old Fellas  from Sydney, live @The Lair @ Metro Theatre on Wednesday, June 17th for Emergenza Festival Australia:  

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF YOUR BAND: WHEN WAS IT BORN AND HOW?
The band was effectively born in a large chicken shed in Camden in the south west area of Sydney. Really to begin with it was a group of middle aged blokes and one young fella looking for a way to blow off some steam and relax during the working week.

WHAT ARE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES?
Our musical influences cover a pretty broad time frame. Traditionally we would sit somewhere between blues and rock but we love all types of music. Artists like Muddy Waters through to Australian rock icons like the Angels, Sunnyboys and Aussie Crawl all get a look in.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? TALK US ABOUT THE PECULIARITIES OF YOUR MUSIC!
Our style is definitely blues rock fusion in essence, however a particular peculiarity is the broad variety of music we play. One minute we might be playing some knee slapping hillbilly tune and the next thing you'll hear some thumping grinding distorted assault more akin to heavy metal.

IS THERE A SONG THAT IS SPECIAL FOR YOU? IF SO, WHICH ONE AND WHY?
In terms of originals there's no one particular song, however we often have a theme of unrequited love or relationships gone wrong, touched with a hint of revenge finding its way into our songs.

ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND  PLAYING AND HOW CAN YOU BALANCE THIS WITH YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE?
Each band member spends their own private time playing or writing dependent on time available. We make sure we play together at least 4 hours a week and of course whatever gigs happen to pop up.

HOW DID YOU KNOW ABOUT EMERGENZA FESTIVAL AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO TAKE PART IN IT?
We found out about the Emergenza Festival when someone Face Booked us about it. As a band we are always looking for good venues to play particularly when there's the promise of a good sound set up. We've had a couple of experiences where we've been able to play with good systems and sound guys and there's really nothing like it. I think that's probably what we look forward to most.

DOES THE COMPETITION WITH OTHER BANDS WORRY YOU OR GIVE YOU ENERGY?
There's always a little nervous energy when you're playing in front of crowd but I don't think it's anything to do with competing against other bands. For us the music is all about having a great time and trying to get our audience to do the same.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM EMERGENZA AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR FIRST EMERGENZA CONCERT?
We are all hoping to have a positive time musically. Get a few pics in front of a crowd that is having a cracking time listening to our originals. Emergenza has prompted us to focus a little more on our own work rather than covers and this is something that we are particularly looking forward to with Emergenza.

Wanna enrol your band in  Emergenza Festival Australia? Click here!