Brisbane indie pop four-piece Hungry Kids Of Hungary have announced that they will be splitting up, effective immediately.
“After six amazing years, two albums, and countless shows together, Hungry Kids Of Hungary are calling it a day,” reads a statement posted to the band’s Facebook page this afternoon, written by frontman Dean McGrath.
The singer/guitarist explains that it is the sudden departure of fellow “friend and bandmate” Kane Mazlin as the reason behind the break up, who recently revealed to the group that he “no longer wished to led the life of touring and band commitments we’ve become accustomed to,” writes McGrath.
“We entertained the idea of continuing without him, but have come to the conclusion that it’s just not possible,” adds the frontman.
The sad news also extends to the band’s appearances at Aussie music festivals over New Year’s, namely the three legs of the Falls Festival and Southbound WA lineup.
“Apologies to anyone who was hoping to see us,” states McGrath, “we were hoping those shows would be a fitting last hurrah but it’s just not meant to be.”
Hungry Kids Of Hungary first formed in 2007 before gaining buzz and attention thanks to support from Triple J, including taking out their Triple J Unearthed competition the following year and landing a slot on the Big Day Out lineup.
Their first headline tour came in 2009 while the Brisbane four-piece began work on their debut album, Escapades, which was eventually released to wide acclaim in 2010 and leading to worldwide tours and international recognition.
The release of their second album, this year’s You’re A Shadow (which featured some of the year’s best album artwork) was met with more praise and touring, including The Great Escape festival in the UK and dates with regional festival Groovin’ The Moo.
In an interview with Tone Deaf following the album’s release, McGrath discussed how the band was more creatively unified while making You’re A Shadow.
“With Escapades, it was more of a compilation than something we sat down and had a specific vision for,” he explains. “Kane [Mazlin] and I, being the songwriters of the band, we usually write quite separately from each other. But we seem to be on the same wavelength this time, so the album sounds really cohesive, like a whole piece of work.”
In today’s break-up statement, that good will continues, concluding with Hungry Kids Of Hungary thanking their management, crew, and industry folks, as well as their fans. “To anyone who ever bought a record, came to a show and sang along in the crowd… we hope this band has meant something to you.”
McGrath’s post concludes with a teaser for more new music from the band members, “rest assured, we’re not all done making music yet. There’s more to come, see you soon.” (Most likely McGrath’s ‘vanity’ side-project)
Read Hungry Kids Of Hungary’s full statement below.
Dear fans and followers, we’ve some sad news to tell you.
After six amazing years, two albums and countless shows together, Hungry Kids of Hungary are calling it a day.
Earlier this year our friend and bandmate Kane informed us that he no longer wished to lead the life of touring and band commitments that we’ve become accustomed to. While obviously saddened by the news, we knew ultimately that we couldn’t change his mind and had to respect his decision. We entertained the idea of continuing without him, but have come to the conclusion that it’s just not possible. Hungry Kids has always been a collaborative effort between its four founding members and if you take one piece of the puzzle away the resulting picture is just incomplete. It doesn’t work.
Apologies to anyone who was hoping to see us at Falls and Southbound over New Years…we were hoping those shows would be a fitting last hurrah but it’s just not meant to be.
Thanks to all the people who’ve helped make the last six years so incredible for us. Our amazing manager Ben Preece, Ange Kohler and all who’ve worked with us at Mucho Bravado, our beautiful sound guy Andy Troy, our touring guitarist and total legend Alex Bennison, Rob G and the team at Select, Andy Bryan and all at Stop Start, the amazing people at Alberts Music, our ever patient partners, friends and families….the list goes on. If you’ve played a part in the life of the band we sincerely thank you and hope our friendships are far from over.
To anyone who ever bought a record, came to a show and sang along in the crowd…we hope this band has meant something to you. It’s been a privilege sharing our music with you and we’re forever thankful for your support, without which these past six years just wouldn’t have happened. And rest assured, we’re not all done making music yet. There’s more to come, see you soon.
xo
Dean.
