Stars in waiting: Pre Sleep Monologue

The band will enjoy a slot at #ShropshireUnsigned as part of the launch celebrations for their debut EP.

Pre Sleep Monologue will line up at The Quarry, in Shrewsbury, for an open air gig that is part of the Shrewsbury Food Festival. The gig will coincide with the release of their debut EP.

New York-born band member Tosh Murase, who moved to Newport seven years ago, said the band was excited about its release.

"It's been a long journey, but I'm happy to say that we've finally got there."

The band have blues influences though they draw inspiration from a variety of sources. The distinctive blues is underpinned by subtle folk undertones. The band also use a selection of handmade custom guitars, homemade pedals, self modified amps and road beaten drum shells.

Pre Sleep Monologues' chief singers and songwriters, Katy and Toby started out as an acoustic duo where they created a rich and distinctive sound with their acoustic guitars and intricate vocal harmonies.

Later on they added a hard hitting Japanese American drummer, Tosh, who brought a heavier influence to the band, which contrasted with the folksy acoustic stylings.

The band have played garden parties, folk festivals, tattoo conventions and everything and everywhere inbetween.

Tosh, who also runs a local pub in Newport, said: "At the moment we are just doing hit and run gigs, we don't drag our friends along. We have created our own audience, and so far the reception has been fantastic."

The American drummer added: "While we are bluesy and quite grungy, some people have also described us as very soulful, but with a folky twist. I understand that there are a million other blues bands out there, but the two vocalists Katy and Toby have contrasting voices, the intricate harmonies and acoustic guitars create something quite distinctive.'"

The band are thrilled to be releasing a debut EP. Tosh said: "It's compiled of six songs, but all are completely different we didn't want any to sound the same. At the same time they mesh into a creation which is uniquely ours. We write all of our own songs, we jot down whatever is going on in our heads, whatever we are feeling, our songs just generally follow the journey from hope to despair and everything in between."

The Shropshire group's EP was recorded deep in the heart of the Brecon Beacons at the hands of producer Adam Fuest, whose eclectic credits include Baby Shambles, The Who, The Cure, and UB40.

Tosh said: "When we first enetered the studio, I couldn't believe we were having coffee in the same room that Babyshambles recorded an album."

For more information on the band and upcoming events visitwww.presleepmonologue.com

Tickets to see them at Shrewsbury Food Festival, as part of #ShropshireUnsigned, are available at www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk