Hugh McGinlay is a singer songwriter and author based in Australia.

As a musician, he is known for his poetic lyrics and varied styles. A reputation that has increased with his long term collaboration with the Recessive Genes, made up of Adam Chiodo (Laughing Sam’s Dice), Phil Cadman (Fine Motor Skills, Desperately Not Yoko) and Ryan Vermeulen (Fine Motor Skills, Desperately Not Yoko).

Hugh has four albums out: Skeleton Leaves (2019 - with the Recessive Genes), Bliss (2015 - with the Recessive Genes) Elsewhere (2009) and Second Guess (2006) available on itunes (see link at the bottom of the page). Over the years he has toured extensively around the globe and has performed with the likes of Robyn Hitchcock, the Proclaimers, Billy Bragg and Badly Drawn Boy.

The single, I'll be fine was released by Hugh McGinlay and the Recessive Genes in October 2017.

As an author, Hugh is known for the novels Jinx and Pachyderm, the first two in a series about a hard living milliner called Catherine, who lives in Brunswick and solves crimes in her spare time. With 

Pachyderm was long listed for the Ned Kelly awards 2018. Which in Australian crime fiction terms means he was nominated for an Oscar. 

These books are currently out of print, as Threekookaburras Publishing house are no longer in business. Fear not folks, in August 2020 Hugh signed with Clan Destine Publishing house and both books, as well as a third novel Bodysurfing will be available in 2021.

Hugh is often erroneously credited with works of theology, which were written by his father, who was called Hugh McGinlay long before he was.

Hugh is the brother of Australian TV personality and comedian Danny McGinlay.