Five Minutes With... Patience Hodgson From The Grates

The Age

Friday January 9, 2009

Tell us something about the place where you grew up?

I kinda did two lots of growing up. In the primary school years, I lived in a housing commission estate in Wynnum. Wynnum has a very unfriendly reputation but our mum did an amazing job of sheltering us from the area's sinister side, so I only have really joyful memories of rollerblading and exploring in the bush. Stage two was in grade eight when we moved to Macleay Island. The island became a totally different way of life for us. More space, less traffic, less neighbours. On the island during my teens I enjoyed the luxury of secluded beaches (for skinny-dipping) and easy bikes rides (to the shops for hot chips or to my best friend's house).

Most embarrassing moment on stage?

In Chicago I pulled up my skirt and let a girl kiss me on the butt, no ... more like right in the middle of my butt. My butt-crack to be exact. I wasn't expecting it to be that intimate and I think we both felt violated afterwards.

Dream festival line-up?

Weezer (Pinkerton era), Tim Fite, She&Him, Ben Lee, Giant Drag, Nirvana, Buddy Holly, Eat Laser Scumbag, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Goldfrapp, Modest Mouse.

Who do you prefer: the Stones or The Beatles?

Nirvana.

What was the best pop song of 2008?

Katy Perry's Hot N Cold.

Which artist wouldn't you like to be stuck with on a desert island?

Lemmy from Motorhead. Ew, could you imagine that? It would just be me and him and I bet after a few days he'd try to do it with me cos I'd be the only female around. That would be gross! Or Axl Rose for the same reason. However, I'd love be stuck on a deserted island with Dave Grohl for two reasons. 1) People would actually look for him; and 2) maybe we'd do it.

Who is the best band or act to socialise with after-hours?

Youth Group - they party well. Lots of dancing, drinking and music talks. They're all great guys.

What's on the horizon for you?

More touring, more writing and more skinny-dipping.

The Grates play the Big Day Out on January 26 at Flemington Racecourse. Details bigdayout.com

© 2009 The Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home