Metalcore mavericks The Devil Wears Prada are currently in Australia to tour their latest release Dead Throne. The album shows their evolution towards the progressive, adding new sonic dimensions and lyrical depths to their sound, while preserving their reliable core. Their fourth full-length album also translates to a visceral live show, which you can catch this week as they hit the road supporting A Day To Remember!
We caught up with Mike Hranica to find out what his favourite tour van munchies are, his biggest cooking disaster, and what he would cook for A Day To Remember…
What were your food influences when you were growing up and what kind of food did you eat at home or with your family?
I had a very standard, average diet. My Mom was an excellent cook, so I never ate out very often. I’ve been vegetarian for a few years now and I was for a year when I was a kid, but otherwise it was simple pasta, chicken, and dishes like that.
What are your favourite tour van/plane munchies?
When on tour, I tend to snack way more than I’d like to admit. Though, if we have organic granola bars around I never feel too bad eating those. Otherwise it’s total, shameful junk.
What type of food do you hate, and what is the most disgusting thing you’ve ever eaten?
If it’s not meat, then I probably won’t mind. I’ve really trained myself into liking the things that I know I should like and disliking the things that I shouldn’t. For me the disgusting stuff is fast food, I do my best to keep away from than that. I’m not sure the most disgusting thing I’ve ever had. I know there’s definitely been some shady things I’ve unknowingly ingested on tour though.
What type of food do you make sure to avoid before a gig or going on stage?
It’s a lot about timing, and just making sure not to eat too soon before playing. Spicy food takes a serious, horrible toll for doing vocals, though. Even if I have a curry dish way before set time, I’ll probably regret it while I’m burning alive on stage.
Imagine for a second you can request anything on your rider for your upcoming shows in Australia supporting A Day To Remember. What food and drinks would you put on it?
Again, if it’s vegetarian, then I’ll more than likely enjoy it. For me the important thing is the freshness of the ingredients. Since starting to cook so often on my own, I’ve learned to truly appreciate how important the attention to ingredients is in preparing a meal. For drinks, I maintain a simple diet of water, tea, coffee, and beer.
What has been your biggest cooking disaster to date?
A bit over a year ago, I made a meal for a girl I was dating at the time. What I attempted was mashed potatoes, blackened tofu, and a mushroom masala sauce. I’ve had it at my favorite restaurant in Portland, Oregon, but I definitely butchered it. Displeasing consistencies, the sauce couldn’t be more wrong, etc etc. If it earns me any credibility, I will say that I would do a much better job of doing it these days.
What food are you most looking forward to trying in Australia?
I’m not sure if there’s anything so specific. Although last time we were in Australia, I had more luck finding the right spots in Sydney and Melbourne. I’m looking forward to continuing to explore and find some great veg dishes.
Where’s your favorite music venue to eat at in your hometown of Dayton?
Within immediate thought, I can only think of one place I’d like to eat in Dayton; which is a Thai place that does an excellent job. Otherwise I don’t know of much food in Dayton. Columbus, Ohio has some good places coming up, but otherwise I like to stay in Chicago, where incredible food is unlimited.
What music do you like to play when you’re cooking?
Within the past year, I really like to turn on [radio station] NPR. I never spend much time listening to the news/radio, but it’s really comforting when cooking. My record collection has been rapidly expanding, so if it’s not the news, I have an extensive amount of vinyl to choose from too.
If you were to cook a meal for all of the members of A Day To Remember what would it be?
I’m not entirely sure. I know they don’t have a vegetarian and I’ve never actually cooked meat, so that might be an issue. I think they like simple American stuff, so I could do black bean burgers with chilled pasta sides or maybe some baked mac and cheese. My fried rice is pretty tasty, too, and usually enjoyed by the average American eater, so I could always try that, too.
The Devil Wears Prada Australian Tour Dates Supporting A Day To Remember
FRIDAY 12 JULY – BRISBANE, THE RIVERSTAGE – LIC A/A
SATURDAY 13 JULY – SYDNEY, HORDERN PAVILION – LIC A/A
SUNDAY 14 JULY – MELBOURNE, FESTIVAL HALL – Licensed and Unlicensed Areas
TUESDAY 16 JULY – ADELAIDE, THEBARTON THEATRE – LIC A/A
THURSDAY 18 JULY – PERTH, METRO CITY – 18+
