Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Skipping Girl Vinegar are childhood friends Chris Helm, Mark Lang, Sare Lang, Amanthi Lynch & Kelly Lane. They launched as a band in 2008, with their debut album ‘Sift the Noise’, and released their following up album ‘Keep Calm, Carry the Monkey’ in 2012. SGV have just delivered their brand new single ‘Making Our Way’ ahead of their appearances at Bluesfest 2013 on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th March in Byron Bay.
We caught up with the bands keyboardist Amanthi to chat about the foods she eats on the tour, what she would like on her Bluesfest rider and who she would most like to cook for at Bluesfest….
What were your food influences when you were growing up and what kind of food did you eat at home or with your family?
My country of birth is Sri Lanka so it was pretty much rice and curry twice a day, everyday at home. I have never gotten tired of eating this Sri Lankan staple. For me it’s the ultimate comfort food.
What dish or cuisine do you most like to eat on tour and why?
Skipping Girl Vinegar are big on seafood when touring coastal regions. We often ask the locals for the best fish and chip shop or seafood restaurant. We found this incredible one in Woolgoolga (Northern NSW) called White Salt which was unbelievably good. Even their salad was amazing!
What type of food do you hate, and what is the most disgusting thing you’ve ever eaten?
I hate under-salted meat, over-cooked vegetables, poor attempts at vanilla slice and Clinkers. The most disgusting thing I’ve ever eaten was something I chose for myself cos it was on my bucket list- snails in Strasbourg. When in Europe, you should try them, right? They weren’t in garlic butter which is supposed to be better. These were just steamed with a pink creamy sauce that really didn’t mask the snail vibe of the whole dish. I got through 3 snails out of 12.
What type of food do you make sure to avoid before a gig or going on stage?
I try my best to avoid Thai food before a show but somehow for Skipping Girl Vinegar it’s the second option when seafood isn’t around. Don’t get me wrong, Thai food is awesome but I recommend post show consumption.
Imagine for a second you can request anything on your rider at Blues Fest. What food do you put on it?
Fromage d’Affinois, chocolate brownies, grilled salmon, Hoboken Crunch Ice-cream and a barista.
What’s your favourite music venue to eat at?
The Wesley Anne in Melbourne is doing some pretty amazing home-style food at the moment. It also has ambient lighting which is important when eating.
What’s your favourite tour van munchies?
We love lollies, pistachios, peanuts, licorice and carrots. These snacks are also surprisingly good for keeping you awake on late-night highway drives.
If you had to cook a meal for another artist on the Bluesfest 2013 bill, who would it be and what would you cook them?
Without a doubt, we would definitely cook for Wilco. We are huge fans of their records and love giving them a spin in the tour van. They look like a pretty fit and healthy band so we’d probably serve them up some grilled seafood but for dessert we might make them compromise their healthy regime by hitting them with my Fudgy Rocky Road. Wilco, what are you doing this Sunday night? I’m also going to be whipping up a few trays of Rocky Road for punters at our shows during Bluesfest so make sure you come down and get a piece.
