THEY’RE just one step away from appearing at a popular Canadian jazz and blues festival.

But the band Paint It Blue are taking the excitement of the national music competition in their stride as they prepare for the nerve-wracking final in March.

Comprising of singer Hannah Robinson, 22, harmonica player Ed Fish, also 22, guitarist Pete Quintin, 23, bass player Ian Walker, 52 and drummer Marcin Dyba, 42, the five-piece from Burton, Sopley and Southbourne regularly play at different venues around the area.

But it is their desire to win this year’s New Brunswick Battle of the Blues contest that they are throwing their efforts behind at present.

After beating five other acts in the South West heat recently, the group will compete in London on March 27 for the chance to play at the renowned Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in the Canadian Province later this year.

Hannah said: “We aim to give it our best shot.

“We were in it last year and want to learn from that and up our game this time.

“It’s great to get to the final and now we’re working on our songs to make them the best that they can be while taking a look at trying to be objective and see what we do well.

“Ultimately we’re just having a good time.”

The group formed in 2008 and the current line-up became established in 2009.

Their sound is mainly blues with their original songs revealing gospel, funk and British blues influences as well.

“It took a while to get established but it does just work now. We’re always aiming for bigger and better though,” Hannah added.

To find out more about the band, go to facebook.com/paintit blue or reverbnation.com/ paintitblue.

You can watch the band via youtube.com/paintitbluemusic as well.