There’s something about Patience Hodgson that just brings out the bubbly, enthusiastic side in everyone.
Having just come back from a jog, the hyperactive frontwoman of The Grates tells FL about the new album and why streaking is a rite of passage. “It’s just something every final year/graduating student should do,” Patience exclaims as I entertain her with the most current news of the moment – there was a streaker in a law class literally five minutes ago. “I’m so proud of that streaker…and to do it in a law class – that takes guts.” Of course, there’s little to no chance of that ever happening at one of the Grates gigs. “Well, I can speak for the band, when I say no. I can’t speak for anyone else though,” Patience giggles.
Speaking of gigs, at the time of the interview The Grates are preparing themselves for their third appearance at the annual Splendour in the Grass Festival in Byron Bay. “We feel like Splendour veterans now, with our third performance there on the way. It’s funny; between the three of us we’ve only ever missed one Splendour, either as patrons or performers,” Patience explains. “I must admit, we’re so excited about seeing Devo though. I’m going to try get my hands on an energy dome hat. Failing that, I’m going to make one of out of cardboard.”
2006 was the last appearance at Splendour for the band, where they were riding high on the success of the debut album Gravity Won’t Get You High. The single 19-20-20 was on high rotation, and was illustrated by a massive balloon drop in the Supertop. “That was awesome, yet it also made us feel like we’ve given away the first gag. Seriously, what can we do to top that?” I for one, have no answer to that question. “We have something planned. I have a special outfit that we’ll unveil at Splendour. We’re also looking into getting some special lighting effects.” Now that we have the benefit of hindsight, you can check out the photos of the Grates raising the roof at Splendour HERE.
Apart from a secret outfit, the three-piece outfit has also unveiled their new album Teeth Lost, Hearts Won. Cited as the darker older sibling to Gravity, certainly the raw, deeper vibe may draw out an emotive response from fans, but the fun is still there. ” Teeth Lost, Hearts Won refers to the struggle that you overcome. This wasn’t the easiest album to write, in that we all had our own ideas on what we wanted, and it was constant debate,” Patience agrees. “We have a pretty organic writing process, so there’s a great sense of sincerity with our songs.”
“I’m really excited about performing Two Kinds Of Right. It’s our favourite track on the album, and brings a huge sense of satisfaction to us,” Patience exclaims excitedly as I mention that it’s also my favourite track on the new offering. “It’s our baby…and the fact that we got behind the desk for this album as well makes it extra special. Yes, it was a huge learning phase for us, but now we have that experience [co-producing] under our belts, it’s more than likely we’ll take that on board for the next album.”
The rumoured third album should be a while away yet, as the trio is touring in October, as well as potentially taking the new album overseas again. “Well, it’s something we’d love to do again. We had so much fun when we were there last time, so I don’t see why we won’t. Of course, we’re going to concentrate on Australia first.”
Of course they will, and FasterLouder will be with them every step of the way -bouncing in time to spunky new tracks and dancing to old favourites, hopefully keeping up (barely) with the boundless energy of one of the happiest bands in Australia.
Teeth Lost, Hearts Won is out now through Dew Process/Universal Music. The band hits the road for a national tour in October – proudly presented by FasterLouder. Tickets go on sale today!
Thursday October 2nd – Sands Tavern, Sunshine Coast
Friday October 3rd – The Arena, Brisbane
Saturday October 4th – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast
Sunday October 5th – The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
Wednesday October 8th – 21 Arms, Ballarat
Thursday October 9th – Peninsula Lounge, Moorooduc
Friday October 10th – Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne
Sunday October 12th – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
Wednesday October 15th – Wollongong Uni Bar, Wollongong
Friday October 17th – Metro Theatre, Sydney
Saturday October 18th – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Thursday October 23rd – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
Friday October 24th – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
Saturday October 25th – Capitol Bar, Perth
The Grates were just one of the many amazing acts who painted with FasterLouder backstage at Splendour In The Grass. Check out the photos here.
