The band, whose atmospheric punk rock has been compared to Nirvana and Sonic Youth, have been wowing audiences on the live circuit since the latter half of last year.
Just before the deal was clinched, the band spoke to us, describing their hopes for the new deal, and the influences for their mesmerising sound.
"I was quite pissed off when some magazines said that we were obviously influenced by Hole, simply because there are shouty female vocals. I listen to a lot of Nirvana, and people will think I'm ripping off things. But Hole have their moments, so in a way it's quite flattering."
What makes Cay different, to, say Solar Race. What makes Cay different from other post-grunge bands?
"It's difficult to answer. There's neither one of us into one type of music or one set thing. There is a broad range of influences from Jazz to Metal to Contemporary Classical. You get Cay when you mix them together. We're not aiming to sound like anybody."
Why Cay?
"We sent some tapes off including one for Mute, but we didn't have a name for ages, and then Mute wrote back saying "What's the name of the band?" and I panicked. We found out that a cay is part of an island, but it's actually after a song - Cool As You."
Has the buzz surrounding your band surprised you?
"It's surprising how much time you have to put in. Gig after gig. It's been a manic, manic, manic year."
Do you worry about Sleeper phenomenon?
"It's just lazy journalism. Sleeper are more of a pop band - when you're poppy it's easier to have a Token Female Vocalist. We're very different because we're doing a different thing."
What are you looking for in a label?
"Lots of creative control. >>giggle<< lots of money. We want to quit our dayjobs and know that we are embarking upon a career. We want something to see us through for a while."
The band have had jobs as gardeners, shelf
stackers... Still, having garnered that elusive deal, Cay can now
concentrate on part one of their current wish list - that "difficult" first
album...