Last week, Sydney lads the Deer Republic lead the charge in the righteous path of 'riffage' as they emerged victorious in the first round of the Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED Grand Final. With a spot on the bill at Splendor In The Grass and an artist development package worth $25,000 in their back pocket, the trio are pretty chuffed with the leg-up they've received.

Still reeling from their win, Nick and Mike Andrijic get in touch to talk Splendor, Benjamin Franklin and skinny jeans.

Q: Congratulations on winning the Tooheys Extra Dry uncharTED competition 1, 2009! Describe in three words how you feel about your win?

A: Serendipitous. Mettlesome. Splendid.

Q: What does this win mean to you as an artist and as a band?

A: Whilst we firmly believe you cannot validate art, it’s hard to escape a sense of vindication.

Q: How does it feel to know you’re on the bill for Splendour In The Grass?

A: Pretty stoked – probably the same way Benjamin Franklin feels.

Who has been your rock? Who has been your support?

A: Our rock is in the way we roll, but our main support are the skinny jeans.

Q: What will you take home from this experience?

A: A chance to showcase our main stage rock antics, sweaty socks, broken drum skins, a handful of digits and hopefully an invitation to play again next year!

Q: What did you like about the other finalists – Hot Little Hands and Foxx On Fire?

A: Strong melodic minded bands with the ability to communicate their infectious sounds on stage as showcased on the final night.

Q: What are you plans beyond uncharTED? Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

A: If we’ve learned one thing from this comp, it’s that you can’t predict the future! Nor would we want to…

Toohey’s Extra Dry uncharTED competition 2, 2009 is now open. If you’re a solo artist or in a band looking to make it big, head to www.uncharted.com.au to register. You could be on your way to becoming Australia’s next big thing!

For more information visit www.uncharted.com.au, or mobile site http://uncharted.mobi http://uncharted.mobi.

Copyright : MTV Australia