In the run-up to two of their most important gigs to date, we spoke with Josh and Kane of Anola Gray about poverty and long distance relationships.

You first came to our attention through the Musician's Centre Battle of the Bands competition.  How have things gone since then?

Josh: Things have been going really well. We have had a summer or two of locking ourselves away writing new material and raising funds to record the new E.P. And have since managed to secure a couple of great gigs with The Twang at The Derby Academy and with Pure Reason Revolution at The Cockpit Leeds.

Was it worth entering?

Kane: Yeah it was a good experience and a learning curve for us. Much fun.

Josh: I gave away my ticket to see Muse at Wembley as it clashed with the final and we didn’t win, so no ha ha ha.

What's going on for Anola Gray in 2009?

Kane: Busy, busy, busy. Have big plans for the New E.P. and being poor uni students it means not much eating and less alcohol drinking to fund the postage costs ha ha ha. We have plans for a summer U.K. tour, hopefully a couple of festivals and gigs gigs gigs.

What are the scenes like in Derby and Halifax?

Josh: Its been quite difficult to gig in Derby as Rob our singer is based in West Yorkshire and can’t get the time off work poor lad. So unfortunately we haven't seen much of the Derbyshire music scene yet. There is a couple of good venues we have found on our student nights out! Halifax is our home ground so its always fun to play there but we often make the short hop over to Leeds as the scene in Leeds is great at the moment.

Being based in two different towns must be challenging. How do you find it?

Kane: A bugger!!!!!!!

Josh: Difficult!!!!! But we make the best of and its not gonna stop us.... degree hear we come ha ha ha.

Are they easy places to play?

Josh: Halifax is good as we can pull a crowd but as I say we tend to make the hop over to Leeds as there is a lot more variety and some awesome bands around.
 
You worked with MTV mash up producer Tim G on your self titled EP. What was the experience like?

Kane: Well I put a lot of research into finding a studio and producer that would suit our style and Tim was great! Special thanks to Bigtone Recordings. The studio was a really nice environment, great gear and a fun week was had by all!

Josh: The bed and breakfast we stayed in was dire though!!!!!! And I had to share a room with Kane and looking forward to breakfast that consisted of 1 egg and 1 sausage.... Joys.