Shot at the big time shows band's spirit

Tequila Lips

The Potteries-based band hold their first CD launch night at The Underground next week. Lead singer Gary Clay and guitarist Tom Crompton talk to Zita Collinson about what the future holds

TEQUILA Lips are certainly not afraid to put in the hard work.

They've already played the Love Music, Hate Racism festival at the Britannia Stadium in May.

And in the past 12 months since they formed the as yet unsigned Stoke-based five-piece have been working steadily to develop a half-hour set of music which will help them stand out from the crowd.

Now they're in the middle of preparations for their first CD launch and will unleash single, Crystal Ball, with a gig at The Underground on Saturday, November 21.

It follows a support slot for North London band The Holloways, at the same Hanley venue last month.

"The Holloways gig was really good," says lead vocalist Gary Clay, aged 23, of James Street, Stoke. "It was something to aim for and we had a lot of people there to support us.

The Stoke City season ticket holder adds: "We really enjoyed playing at the Britannia Stadium this year and headlined the Unsigned stage. It was a different experience and a good cause to get involved in."

Gary is joined by guitarists Tom Crompton and Dave Wheat, bass player Arron Darlington and Sam Aspinall, on drums.

"We came together from two directions really," explains Gary. "Me and Arron have known each other since we were about three years old but had never been in a proper band before.

"Sam and Tom were in various bands together over the years.

"We got together about 15 months ago and then Dave joined us about a year ago. With this line-up we've pushed ourselves on a little bit. But everyone has got full-time jobs, or as near as damn it, so it's just trying to fit it in."

"It's what we all want to do," says 22-year-old Tom, a former member of Kamikaze Pilots. "We're all a really good, close-knit group of friends.

"The Holloways gig was a step up for us all and I think everyone there appreciated what we did. I believe that people are starting to sit up and take notice of us and not just brush us off."

One date in the near future they are all looking forward to is an early December set at Liverpool's iconic Cavern Club.

And next year promises still more. They hope to produce a longer CD and secure a record label showcase.

"We've pushed ourselves on a little bit now just so we can get more experience," says Gary. "We've always gigged locally but we're trying to branch out a little bit.

"The CD launch is to give us a bit more of a platform. From the minute we played Crystal Ball it seemed to go down well at gigs so it made sense to use the songs to promote us a little bit further. We've got a good following now and we will be looking to record a longer EP next year."

"We're striving to get better," agrees Tom. "We've put together a set that sets us apart and make people realise about us. I think we're getting close to it now.

"We've tried to work hard and develop ourselves so we can headline as ourselves because it's what we all want to do. You get out what you put in. If we try hard at least we could never look back and regret things."

Tequila Lips' first CD launch takes place on Saturday, November 21, at The Underground, Morley Street, Hanley, from 8pm. Limited edition hard copy CDs, priced £2, will be available on the night. Further copies will be available via the band's website. The digital release, available on almost all download sites including iTunes is from Monday, November 23.