Divisive and different by design, Geppetto are out to break the mould.

Taking the name of Pinocchio's creator 'Mr Geppetto' was somewhat of a statement of intent for the Brisbane-based duet of Jake Diefenbach and Emma Dean. Jake explains.

“The whole feel of the music is very fantastical and quite theatrical. Emma and I got together and we wanted to establish a permanent band. We wanted a name that really summarised the feel of what we do and our direction.”

Jake is not shy about his unique vocal quality.

“My voice is really androgynous and the way our voices mix is something that I think makes our music pretty special.”

The duo decided to head to New York for a string of shows only six months after getting together. This baptism of fire was not lost on them.

“It was one of the most challenging experiences I've ever had … There is a stark contrast between the pace of life in New York and Brisbane, it was quite overwhelming. We got a really strong reaction in the sense that we polarised the critics. Some of them loved it and some vehemently hated it! I suppose getting any reaction is better than getting no reaction.
“It was an incredible experience being over there. It's great how big the artistic scene is, it's mindblowing!”

So mindblowing that New York's bright lights pull at the pair even now.

“We're thinking at the moment about how to get the right visa to actually get over there. We'd really like to go back. I grew up in Gladstone population 25,000, then I came to Brisbane and that was OK. When I got to New York though it took a week to stop feeling like I was having a permanent heart attack! … Wow it's big!”

Back on home soil Geppetto are not resting on their laurels, with an EP release just around the corner.

“I'm really excited about the launch at the Judith, it's one of my favourite venues in Brisbane … We're obviously doing the five tracks from the EP, but we're also unleashing a bunch of new music. At the moment we're adapting that to the fantastical sound that we're aiming at.”

The ‘Into The Woods’ EP launch takes place at the Judith Wright Centre Friday October 5.