Article: Back For Seconds
Back For Seconds
"I just hope that [the album] goes well so that I don't have a cry!"
The dreaded sophomore release. There are few things that strike fear into the hearts of musicians as much as the phrase 'second album syndrome.' Patience Hodgson, singer from Brisbane outfit THE GRATES, laughs nervously as I probe deep to uncover the difficulties the band encountered on their way to completing recently released second album Teeth Lost, Hearts Won.
"I definitely had a bit of second album syndrome myself," she admits. "I found it hard at times to be able to write lyrics and do something that I was really happy with. There were definitely periods like that," she agrees. "There were also times that we just got sick of each other and had to be like 'You know what? Let's just have a month off.'"
Fear not, Grates fans, for tensions were always short-lived. "The good thing is that all the arguments we had were born out of passion or frustration for not being able to write a song," Hodgson clarifies. "I wasn't fighting with John [Patterson, guitars] or Alana [Skyring, drums] because I didn't like them - it was all purely based around the music."
Teeth Lost, Hearts Won has been described in some critical circles as 'angsty, but fun,' which is a sentiment Hodgson agrees with. She is quick to point out, however, that the angst level on the finished product is nowhere near that of the album's early incarnations. "When I listen back to the demos we had for this album it was possibly even more angsty before we went and recorded it," she recollects.
Better known for her onstage hyperactivity and quirky attire rather than for her serious side, it wasn't long before the fun started creeping back into the recording process for Hodgson. "When we went into the studio we had a chance to take a step back and put in little bits of flare here and there that were more fun. We were able to add in little bits of instruments, like we stuck in a bit of glock, and it's so funny that even having a small amount of glockenspiel in a song can all of a sudden change some bits that may be heading towards something a little bit angsty into something that's a little bit sentimental," she reveals. "It's about that balance of putting these two separate types of sound or two different types of emotions and letting them play with each other."
Though traditionally a formidable obstacle for most bands to overcome, the Grates' second album seems only to have empowered the band. Teeth Lost, Hearts Won walks a fine line between old and new. It maintains the same light-hearted fun and catchiness that the band has made their name on, while at the same time maturing and exploring new territory. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal satisfaction for Hodgson.
"Everyone wanted to make something that they could be proud of. I'm very proud of it because I've invested that emotional interest," she beams. "I just hope that it goes well so that I don't have a cry!" Somehow I don't think Ms Hodgson or her bandmates will need to reach for the tissue box anytime soon.
JOSH BROWN
"I just hope that [the album] goes well so that I don't have a cry!"
The dreaded sophomore release. There are few things that strike fear into the hearts of musicians as much as the phrase 'second album syndrome.' Patience Hodgson, singer from Brisbane outfit THE GRATES, laughs nervously as I probe deep to uncover the difficulties the band encountered on their way to completing recently released second album Teeth Lost, Hearts Won.
"I definitely had a bit of second album syndrome myself," she admits. "I found it hard at times to be able to write lyrics and do something that I was really happy with. There were definitely periods like that," she agrees. "There were also times that we just got sick of each other and had to be like 'You know what? Let's just have a month off.'"
Fear not, Grates fans, for tensions were always short-lived. "The good thing is that all the arguments we had were born out of passion or frustration for not being able to write a song," Hodgson clarifies. "I wasn't fighting with John [Patterson, guitars] or Alana [Skyring, drums] because I didn't like them - it was all purely based around the music."
Teeth Lost, Hearts Won has been described in some critical circles as 'angsty, but fun,' which is a sentiment Hodgson agrees with. She is quick to point out, however, that the angst level on the finished product is nowhere near that of the album's early incarnations. "When I listen back to the demos we had for this album it was possibly even more angsty before we went and recorded it," she recollects.
Better known for her onstage hyperactivity and quirky attire rather than for her serious side, it wasn't long before the fun started creeping back into the recording process for Hodgson. "When we went into the studio we had a chance to take a step back and put in little bits of flare here and there that were more fun. We were able to add in little bits of instruments, like we stuck in a bit of glock, and it's so funny that even having a small amount of glockenspiel in a song can all of a sudden change some bits that may be heading towards something a little bit angsty into something that's a little bit sentimental," she reveals. "It's about that balance of putting these two separate types of sound or two different types of emotions and letting them play with each other."
Though traditionally a formidable obstacle for most bands to overcome, the Grates' second album seems only to have empowered the band. Teeth Lost, Hearts Won walks a fine line between old and new. It maintains the same light-hearted fun and catchiness that the band has made their name on, while at the same time maturing and exploring new territory. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal satisfaction for Hodgson.
"Everyone wanted to make something that they could be proud of. I'm very proud of it because I've invested that emotional interest," she beams. "I just hope that it goes well so that I don't have a cry!" Somehow I don't think Ms Hodgson or her bandmates will need to reach for the tissue box anytime soon.
JOSH BROWN