One Movement Music Festival 2010 Artist: Hungry Kids Of Hungary
Although the mere mention of their name often invokes raised eyebrows and amused smiles among the uninitiated Brisbane four-piece Hungry Kids of Hungary [pictured right] produce music that inspires equal measures of curiosity and joy. Dressing their immaculate indie tunes with a healthy dose of 60 pop sensitivity and attachment of soul, HKoH have wasted no time in carving out a name for himself on the Australian music scene with an outbreak of radio singles.
National tours with the likes of Little Birdy and Bertie Blackman in November 2009 coincided with the launch of their single ‘Let You Down‘, which gave a first taste of the new material. The song is the sound of four hungry children do what they do best - delivering a pure pop goodness in one neat package of their trademark dual harmony brilliance.
The monumentally busy year was limited by the fixed-festival appearances at the Australian summer circuit with an overseas assault to the UK and the U.S. under their belt, the boys have recently been busy preparing to deliver a much-anticipated debut album, Escapades, in late 2010.
Ahead of their appearance at the One Movement Music Festival in October 2010, One Movement Word caught up with Hungry Kids Of Hungary’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Dean McGrath.
What’s your favourite song of all time, Dean?
‘God Only Knows‘ by the Beach Boys. [audio embedded below] It’s flawless.
Favourite musical moment of 2010 so far, and why?
For us, playing at Sunset Sounds at the start of the year was a mind-blower. Hometown festival crowd. We never anticipated to see so many faces staring up at us…it was quite incredible. Ryan was really ill that day…he was deathly pale for the whole set, but he still punished the drums…what a trooper!
You’re a musician. Why? What compels you?
I think I’ve known almost forever that this is what I wanted to do. I can’t put my finger on one single thing that makes me so determined to make some kind of life outta this, but of all the things I’ve tried this it’s what I love the most and what I seem to be the most ok at.
Favourite song of 2010 so far, and why?
For some reason I haven’t been able to stop listening to ‘Out Go The Lights‘ off Spoon’s record Transference. [audio embedded below] There’s just something about it that tugs at the ol’ heartstrings. [Singer/guitarist] Britt Daniel is a personal hero of mine.
What’s more important to you: living comfortably from your art (financially), or artistic integrity? Is it possible to have both?
I think it’s definitely possible. I don’t think you have to sacrifice your integrity to make money though obviously some choose to. I have no aspirations to be super rich or famous or anything like that, but i’d like to think, if things keep going the way they have been, that i’ll be able to make my songs and enough people will like them so much that they help me put food in my mouth.
Social media for musicians: friend or foe?
I think you’ve got to strike the right balance. There’s nothing wrong with interacting with Fans who are supportive of your music, i think it’s nice to have some kind of communication there. But I guess there’s an appropriate level and then there’s overindulging people. The fact is you can’t be 100% available to everyone 100% of the time.
Favourite music video of all time and why?
I’ve got a pretty huge soft spot for the clip for ‘Coffee & TV‘ by Blur. [music video embedded below] It’s friggin’ adorable.
Potentially controversial statement: your recorded music is an advertisement for your live show. You should not expect that people will buy your music. Agree/disagree?
I don’t think you should ever expect people to buy your music lest you set yourself up for massive disappointment if they don’t, but I don’t agree that records exist to sell concert tickets. If you make a great record and thousands of people buy it then that’s great. If you make a great record and tens of thousands of people download it then that’s great. If you get thousands of people along to a tour, then that’s great also. Live music and recorded music are two sides of the same coin. If I love a band I’ll happily fork out money for both.
What do you hope to achieve as a result of playing at One Movement?
I’m just looking forward to hanging out in sunny Perth. We don’t get there often enough and we’re very fond of the place. Last year was a great experience, I have no doubt this year will be as good if not better.
Finally, please recommend our readers an amazing band/artist from your hometown, and tell us why you love their music.
If you haven’t already you really should check out Ball Park Music. They’re amazing and are really starting to hit their stride which is wonderful to watch. [music video for the Ball Park Music song 'iFly' embedded below] Skinny Jean are another favourite of mine who really deserve your attention.
Thanks for your time, Dean.
Hungry Kids Of Hungary are appearing in Perth at the One Movement Music Festival in October 2010. For more details on the festival, including artist and ticketing details, click here.
Visit Hungry Kids Of Hungary on MySpace here. The band are also offering the track ‘Wristwatch’ from their forthcoming debut album for free, exclusively to One Movement Word readers. Download it from their website here, in change for your email address.The music video for ‘Wristwatch‘ is embedded below.
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