"It is so amazing, we are quite surprised."
He said the whole X Factor experience was amazing.
"It's pretty hectic I must say, it is really full on. We have all come from different areas of the country and congregated in Auckland for the show. We have put our lives on hold.
"It is such a cool experience because I get to share it with my siblings and get to really bond with them in that way.
"The experience behind the scenes, it's been really cool being on this side of the X Factor rather than watching it through your TV."
He said his life in Auckland was different to his life as a teacher in Kaitaia.
"The whole school has been really supportive of me, having a teacher on the X Factor is quite a big deal. I had to go up on the stage at assembly and sing them a song and there were people wanting autographs."
He said contestants needed more than talent to be successful.
"The nature of this competition is you have to be strategic, so we are trying to be a bit strategic on how we go.
"Working with Willy Moon is fantastic ... he gives us the keys for creative license. He lets us be who we are and says 'you know what you are doing, I'm just here to give you ideas'.
"When you are surrounded by incredible singers you've got to bring your A game each time and be unique and have your own niche."
Fare Thee Well fans could expect different things from the live show performances, he said.
"Just expect that we will be trying new things, involving other instruments to get more of a whole band vibe, and there will be electronic elements."
The next episode screens on Sunday at 7pm on TV3.
