Quantcast
Dinosaur Jr. @ First Avenue
November 20, 2009 – 10:59 am | No Comment

The Amherst trio had towers of amps stacked up all over the stage, including one that was pointed directly towards front man J Mascis, in case his monitors weren’t providing him enough of his own guitar sound. And not having enough sound has never really been a problem for the group, and it certainly wasn’t on this evening as the band tore through a fiery 90 minute set that spanned the band’s entire career.

Read the full story »
Album Reviews

Unique perspectives and opinions on new and recent releases

Concert Coverage

Photos, videos and reviews from a variety of live events.

Interviews

Engaging discussions with artists from around the world.

Spotlight

Highlighting songs and bands, old and new

Video

Music videos & performance footage

Home » Interviews, Video

And Ribbon Tricks Too! A Few Words With Patience Hodgson of The Grates

Submitted by Chris DeLine on September 19, 2006 – 2:26 pm3 Comments

Patience Hodgkins.jpg

Building a lively reputation for the band in its native Australia, The Grates found great success including nods from Australia’s national radio station Triple J and the Australian Recording Industry Awards (ARIA). The band is completing the North American leg of its current tour which corresponds with its album’s recent release in the States. Singer, and all around ball of fire, Patience Hodgson checks in after a late night international flight to discuss the band’s reception in its native Australia, what can be expected when heading out to the band’s live show and The Grates’ ultimate swan song.

CB: Growing up in Canada has given me a tremendous appreciation for a variety of Canadian bands. What Australian groups have had the most influence on you and your music?

PH: There are so many great Australian bands that never get the chance to tour overseas & being Canadian, you guys would probably know exactly what I’m talking about. Some Australian bands that we have admired in the past are Regurgitator, Grinspoon & Spiderbait. There are some really great new Aussie indie bands too like I Heart Hirroshima, Violent Soho, Operator Please, New Rules For Boats, Little Birdy, Faker, Expatriate, Sarah Blasko (not a band but amazing…) and we also love The Vines!

CB: How did the release of your EP help prepare it for the full blown release of “Gravity Wont Get You High?”

PH: Well it definitely meant that people could hear our music & gave them some insight as to what we do. It’s a much dirtier more lo-fi sound but between the two you can still hear everything that makes us us. The release of the EP just helped us gain a small audience & presence & also help us get on some great tours like Go! Team & We Are Scientist.

CB: How has touring and the band’s reception in your native country compared to touring and playing abroad?

PH: Every country’s different & things in Australia are going awesome! They love it when we tour overseas ‘cause we’re representing! Things are obviously not on the same scale everywhere ‘cause our album’s come out at different times. For example our album’s only been released in north america for 2 weeks or something now. I definitely think our biggest asset is live shows though!

CB: You left a lasting impression on my sister when she saw you when you opened for The Go! Team in Minneapolis. What can someone expect to see when coming to see The Grates live?

PH: A bunch of nerds & girl next door types rocking out to their own sounds & having a great time! Plus maybe some jokes & ribbon tricks!

CB: As summer is slowly fading away and fall approaches, what can be expected from the band in the coming months?

PH: Hopefully a sweet tour filled with fall romance near a pot belly wood fire! If only! No fires on the bus! Maybe a tour of our own!

CB: If the band had one final show to play, who would you most like to share the stage with?

PH: Giant Drag! Fiona Apple! Flaming Lips! The Vines! I Heart Hirroshima! Best swan song ever!

The Grates “19 20 20 (live)”
The Grates “Sukkafish”

The Grates “Feels Like Pain”

Additional Audio From The Grates Here

The Grates – Official Site
The Grates – MySpace Site

The Grates1.jpg

3 Comments »

  • benny says:

    i reackon this band is awsome and its good that three mates made it work so well im so rapped up with this brizzy band i love em

  • Micky C says:

    Couldn’t agree with benny more. Trust me, if you get a chance to see these guys live, do it. The most fun you’ll ever have with your pants on (although I’m not entirely sure of their pants wearing policy at live gigs).

  • Chris DeLine says:

    Thanks for the feedback on this! Since the band really broke here in America there’s been a lack of updates and they’ve fallen off the map a bit in terms of staying power – real good to hear that there’s still a strong following out there!

Leave a comment!

Add your comment below, or trackback from your own site. You can also subscribe to these comments via RSS.

Be nice. Keep it clean. Stay on topic. No spam.