We’re looking forward to introducing you to Francis McGrath. Check out our conversation below.
Francis, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
One of my favorite parts of each day is that each day is different. I have gigs some days, rehearsals others. On Mondays I teach music and whenever I can, I’m working in my studio. I might end up swimming laps, playing disc golf, or driving to Houston or Dallas to perform. No two days are alike and I find that incredibly energizing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Francis McGrath. I’m a pianist, bassist, composer, poet, paper modeler, and two time world champion of the O Henry Punoff. I have recorded three albums, one of which is a soundtrack to a full-length film (available on all streaming platforms under my name.) I have been performing music in Austin for over thirty years, both in bands and as a solo pianist. As a toy collector, I have all the original Star Wars action figures manufactured between 1978 and 1985, hundreds of R2-D2 collectibles, and lots of other amazing toys. As a paper modeler, I have designed and built replicas of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood of Make Believe (which you can download and build for yourself, just go to francismcgrath.com.) Finally, as a poet, I have been published in several journals.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The first time I listened to the Alan Parsons Project album “The Eye in the Sky,” I knew that I had to make albums.
The album starts with an instrumental called “Sirius” that most people know as the entrance music for the Chicago Bulls: “AND NOW, YOUR CHICAGO BULLLLLLLSS!”
On the album, most of the instruments fade out, leaving just the guitar playing eighth notes. And then then band joins back in and starts the song “The Eye in the Sky.” That moment of excitement has always stuck with me.
Since then, amazing albums have influenced and directed me, most notably “Quadrophenia” by The Who and “Foxtrot” by Genesis.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My parents both grew up during the Great Depression, and thus I was raised to be very frugal and cautious with money. In retrospect, I did not take as many risks as I could have. For much of my adult life, I had to balance working a day job with being a husband, being a father, and trying to be a creative. Now that my child is grown and I’ve retired from my job, I have the time and energy to be the person I’ve always dreamed of being.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am in the process of creating my first rock opera. The opera is based on historical events, so I did a lot of research. I decided to write all the lyrics first, and then write the music to go with them. Now I’m finally recording it. When I decide to do a project, I commit to it. I have no idea how long it will take to finish, but every day I do a little more.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I find great inspiration from movies. In the movie The Rookie, Dennis Quaid’s character says “You know what we get to do today, Brooks? We get to play baseball.” Every performance, no matter if it doesn’t pay well, if it’s in 100 degree weather, if I have to drive hours to get there, I always try to say “You know what I get to do today? I get to play music.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://francismcgrath.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francis.mcgrath/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.f.mcgrath.5
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@francismcgrathaustin
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KkY3tEOnXq2YyG9lc1Dp7?si=BWTxsNcmT8eldXf7SV0TcA
Image Credits
I own the rights to the images I shared
