"We both write for expression, we write for release, we write out of frustration and we write out of love. My writing was always bright and Graeme's was darker - simply through life, my writing has a deeper centre and Graeme's has light in the corners. Our combined writing has a sense of determination and drive, which is a reflection of where we are now and what we're trying to achieve."
Into the East landed an opportunity to perform at ToraToraTora in Wairarapa and thought they would slot in a Hawke's Bay gig beforehand.
They play tomorrow night at Rumpy in Otane, where Mary Kippenberger and Peter Charlton-Jones host various events.
"We met Mary and Peter at the Auckland Folk Festival on the way out the gate. We hit it off instantly. They're the kind of people who know what life is about and their property sounds like what paradise wants to be when it grows up."
Having been to Napier last year with Amiria Grenell, they were keen to return, with a visit to Ya Bon French cafe in Havelock North on their must-do list.
The audience can expect to become a large part of the act, with live shows proving "just as relevant" as their album.
"Because of the years of playing together in pubs where you were entertaining or you weren't booked again, we won't settle for a show with boring bits. We love telling the story behind our music and we also love shutting up and letting the music speak for itself."
The pair have already had a big year with nominations for Best Folk album and the Taite Music Prize alongside artists such as Lorde.
"We didn't know what to think, really. I've spent the last 10 years watching the Taite Music Prize and dreaming of 'maybe one day'.
"It's nothing to do with hype, it's to do with the quality of the music and even though we've been knocked out of the running, we will always know that what we did was worth that recognition."
While there will be a New Zealand tour in April-May, an Australian jaunt in August and a few shows dotted in between, the main focus for 2014 will be family.
"Securing management and publishing would be the icing on the cake but until that happens, we're our own machine and we'll keep pushing forward.
"We are both married with children - Graeme has two wee girls and I have two wee boys. To balance work and family life is the goal for this year.
"We were so focused on getting the album out last year, so now we get to ease off the gas pedal a bit and be present at home."
As for a follow up to Fight From the Inside, they've given it some thought but it will be a work in progress.
"We don't want to put out another album just to put out another album. It's [like] that decision to have another baby - you need to make sure you're not stuffing up the first one before bringing another one into the world."
It wasn't easy making a living on the New Zealand music scene but the reaction to their shows and experiences along the way made it all worth while.
"It's painful at times - you feel like a monkey clapping his hands for coins. But it's all part of a bigger plan and shows like this one make the clapping monkey disappear for a while and all that's left is the music."Into the East will perform at Rumpy in Otane tomorrow night; Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 unwaged, available on the door. Pre-booking is recommended; call (06) 856-8367 or email te-rangi@xtra.co.nz
