With one EP & two albums and support slots for Disturbed, Nickelback, Karnivool and The Butterfly Effect, These Four Walls have been taking NZ by storm since their inception in 2007. Gray answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:

Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?

I would go with Talons, which is the opening track from our latest record. I'm proud as hell with that song because it's one of the few songs that came together in an instant in my head and translated perfectly when I put it down in my little studio at home. It's so rare to keep so much control of a song, because with 3 other personalities in the band, songs always go on these huge journeys to get from where they start to where they finish. I fought hard to keep Talons the way it is and I'm proud as punch about that!

Where is your favourite place to relax in NZ?

Momo Tea, Birkenhead. Back in the early days, after shows we would all go there at 2am because they still served fresh meals and delicious drinks – top that off with the super comfortable hand chairs and the amazing view of Auckland City, that's the best way to unwind.

What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

I would like to see more in general. Not more in a percentage sense, just more bands getting a chance to have some decent radio and TV exposure. So few bands get that chance, it'd be great to see the media really back a wider range of the local talent. It's remarkable listening to stations like Triple J in Australia, who go out of their way to showcase a huge array of local acts whenever they have things to release – We recently took a drive to Cold Rock and heard the presenter announce 3 different bands by say “New EP out soon”, when was the last time you heard about an EP on a major radio station?

What is the one thing you want NZ to know about These Four Walls?

I don't know if there's anything we want NZ to know... but this does seem to be the best forum to put out an open challenge to all NZ bands – Mario Kart, Nintendo Wii, Mushroom Cup – winner takes all... I guess NZ should know we have hit critical obsession levels on the Mushroom Cup...

What has been your most memorable show to date?

TSB Arena, May 4^th, 2010. We were supporting Disturbed, Trivum and As I Lay Dying. There was something amazing about that show. It was a horrible, wet, cold, winters evening in the Capital, but the energy was amazing, the crowd was amazing. It was just an all around amazing night

Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?

I usually get a rhythm in my head – it can come from anywhere – a piece of machine, someone tapping – anywhere – I'll let that drive me insane for a few weeks as I try and structure notes around it, once I feel I have a song, I'll pick up a guitar and try and interpret it all from there. Usually comes out sounding completely different to what I hear in my head, but usually that's because it sounds better! Ha, my insanity sounds terrible!

What can we expect to see from These Four Walls over the next year?

Lots and lots of gigs both in Australia and hopefully in NZ too... We're going to do our very best to get some live content into the world as well – basically just become more active and try and navigate ourselves around the big world of being an international band!

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

Music is becoming less about what you're producing and more about how you're presenting it – at least to get the name out there and getting recognised. Learn about social media, learn about how youtube channel views work, understand bandcamp and soundcloud – there are so many avenues to have your music thrust in front of new audiences, you're an idiot if you're starting out and you don't have material on all of these outlets (and more)... having said that – don't put shit up. Don't put your iphone in the middle of the jam room and upload that as a “demo” - spend some money – go see the Rock Factory (or their equivalent outside of Auckland) there are amazing people with studios helping out young bands and they'll produce a great product for you to front with

What can you never leave home without?

Pants... If we're touring, still pants, but I always take my little stuffed monkey “Rocko”. My wife got him for me ages ago and he has sat on top of my amp every show since then

What rumour would you like to start about These Four Walls?

Ummmm... Maybe that we're going to be Lorde's touring / backing band for her world tour...

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