Rabbit Interview with Rolls Bayce

Jumping from group to group, Dean McGrath has finally found solace with his latest group Rolls Bayce. Employing old members from Millions and his former band Hungry Kids of Hungary, Rolls Bayce is McGrath’s most inspired work in his career. While not showcasing at this year’s BIGSOUND, Rabbit Radio still tracked Dean down to get to know the man a little better.

Dream collaboration?

Dean [McGrath (vocals / guitar)]: I’d love to do something with an artist who’s completely removed from what we do and outside the sphere of music that we make. Flying Lotus! I’d love to do something with Flying Lotus.

Favourite cartoon character?

Dean: I’m a big Rick & Morty fan. It has to be Rick. Everybody loves Rick. Some of these cartoons – like Adventure Time and Rick & Morty – I feel like I can really appreciate these on a highbrow status. These cartoon operate on two different levels and I don’t know what kids are getting out of them.

Dream merch table item?

Dean: I just want to press some vinyl! It’s always been either the labels saying no or us never being able to afford it. With this band, though, I feel like it would be something that could work.

I don’t want to do CD’s anymore. Like for the recent EP, I tried to convince the label to only do digital and maybe a limited vinyl pressing but they didn’t go for it.

Your go to karaoke jam?

Dean: ‘What A Fool Believes’ by the Doobie Brothers featuring Michael McDonald.

Easiest money you’ve ever made?

Dean: Last night! We DJ’d the I OH YOU after party which we weren’t expecting to get paid.

Favourite video clip?

Dean: I really love the film clip for ‘Bombay’ by El Guincho. The directors behind the video have also made stuff for Battles and Phoenix. They’ve got this real distinct visual style that you so many people try to replicate. I love this clip because it’s not telling a linear story and it’s not tack onto the music

I’ve always found music videos really difficult for my music. I think it’s really hard to find a way to visualise music in this kind of way.

Currently reading at the moment?

Dean: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. It’s the first time I’ve read the book but the film is one of my favourites and has been for over a decade. It’s such a spinout when you read the book because it’s from Chief’s perspective and I never knew that! It’s given me another angle to look at the film.

Era of history you would like to live in?

Dean: I’ve always though I should have been born in the ‘60s. I’ve got a real connection with the music in that era.

First record you bought for yourself?

Dean: I remember it being in ’95, ’96 so it was probably something grungy. Actually I think it was a Zeppelin album; “Coda” their last album. I listened to it while reading and you’d start to have weird associations with the book and the music you’re listening to. I had really daggy, old man taste when I was kid because I was obsessed with my parents’ old record collection.

Rolls Bayce’s latest single ‘Lost’ is currently on high rotation on Rabbit Radio.