Dean McGrath, Vocalist and guitarist, Hungry Kids of Hungary
Good music on the record player and good beer on the deck ...
As vocalist and guitarist with Brisbane indie-pop favourite Hungry Kids of Hungary, Dean McGrath’s reality can sometimes seem like a blur of tour vans and festival stages. When the frontman gets the chance to take a break in his hometown of Brisbane, he likes nothing more than to kick back with a brew and spend time with his mates. After releasing their debut album Escapades in 2010 and following it up with the critically lauded sophomore You’re A Shadow this year, the boys have wooed audiences with hits like ‘Sharp Shooter’ and ‘Set It Right’. Sharing songwriting duties with bandmate Kane Mazlin, Dean says his style and approach has matured over the past few years, drawing on personal challenges and experiences to give the songs depth. The four-piece will round off an incredible year of touring when it brings its catchy hooks and boundless energy to Brisbane Festival in September. The Weekend Edition caught up with Dean to chat weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
I consider myself pretty handy around the kitchen and breakfast is my speciality. Huevos Rancheros or just some smashed avocado, haloumi, eggs and bacon are my go-to weekend starters. Oh and coffee. Plenty of coffee.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Apart from making breakfast, as little as possible … I find it’s best to just slowly ease into the weekend (read: I’m lazy).
How do you like to unwind?
There’s nothing quite like some good music on the record player and good beer on the back deck.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
I’m lucky to live with and live close to friends and I work in a bottleshop, so good company and good drink are always at hand. Add good music and food to the mix and I’m quite content. I always enjoy weekends when we’re playing shows too. Touring is fun.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Every time the Brisbane Record Fair rolls around I seem to miss it. Next time I swear! There are a few new places open around town I’ve been meaning to check out, namely Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall and Shady Palms Cafe & Bar.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
I’m a big fan of the old Sunday Session – often at Yard Bird Ale House or Tippler’s Tap.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
It’s Queensland Beer Week, so … beer!
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m revisiting Hunter S. Thompson’s autobiography, Kingdom of Fear.
What inspires you?
Travel. The band’s been lucky enough to visit some amazing places and I always seem to come back with song ideas.
What was your childhood dream?
To be in a band. Worked out rather well.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Fulfilling that dream I suppose. Hungry Kids of Hungary has been very fortunate and I’m forever grateful.
What is success to you?
Just being able to do what you love doing.
What are your words of wisdom?
I’m not sure I’m wise enough to offer anything original or meaningful!
Only a local would know that … you should never – I repeat, never – use the public bathrooms in the Fortitude Valley Mall.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Coffee at Campos or some cold-press from Ltd Espresso + Brew Bar.
Relax … At home in bed is pretty hard to beat.
Dine … Ortiga, Fortitude Valley and Super Whatnot, Brisbane City.
Indulge … A double-choc milkshake at Southside Tea Room in Morningside is about as indulgent as it gets.
Shop … Jet Black Cat Music and Egg Records in West End, Dirtbox, Fortitude Valley and Spiros Bottleshop, Paddington.
Catch-up … I can usually find some mates at Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley. The Brisbane German Club is great for getting a big bunch of friends together too.
Be inspired … A trip to GOMA is always good for some inspiration.