William Beckett had a great ten year writing, recording and touring stint as the frontman of The Academy Is… but has now stepped out on his own built up a very dedicated fan base around the world and had released his debut solo effort Genuine & Counterfeit which is our now in Australia through EVR/UNFD.
You can also catch William Beckett in Australia during September touring with Anberlin and Maine, so we thought we might have a chat with him in regards to some touring type food questions before he hit our shores.
What were your food influences when you were growing up and what kind of food did you eat at home or with your family?
Early on in life my family was of very modest means, so it came down to whatever we could afford at the grocery store. My mom was a single mother raising 2 kids, holding down a job, and finishing College classes at the same time. That being said, we always had well balanced meals. In the later years when money was easier to come by, we began eating predominately organic from local farms. That is how I prefer to eat to this very day.
What are your favourite tour van/plane munchies?
Pistachios! The only issue is finding a place to put the shells…
What type of food do you hate, and what is the most disgusting thing you’ve ever eaten?
My palette is pretty diverse, and I will usually try anything from any cuisine, at least once. I’ve never really been disgusted by any food, aside from fast food. One funny little quirk I have however is that I don’t like jelly. When I was an infant I had a really hard time sleeping so my dad would put jelly on my pacifier. At first it would quell the crying, that is until I sucked off all the jelly, and began to cry again. Then he’d reapply, and I’d be okay again until the jelly was gone, over and over again. I blame my father, dammit!
What type of food do you make sure to avoid before a gig or going on stage?
I completely avoid dairy. Dairy products produce more mucous, which can seriously affect a singer’s vocal capability. I also try not to eat anything at least 3 hours before I perform. No one wants to see a singer belching into the mic… Not a good look.
Imagine for a second you can request anything on your rider for your current tour. What food and drinks would you put on it?
Fresh sushi every day. I love fish, and on tour its not always easy to find places that serve it fresh.
What has been your biggest cooking disaster to date?
Well, I am a huge fan of food. I watch Food Network, Cooking Channel, Top Chef, etc. On the flip side, I don’t really cook anything other than breakfast because my better half is amazing in the kitchen. At one point in time I really wanted to learn how to property poach an egg, and I was dilligent in my attempts. Poaching an egg isn’t the simplest task until you get the hang of it, and eggs aren’t the cheapest ingredient to practice with. When I first tried, I went through an entire dozen eggs and had to go back out the store to get more. I finally got it down by around the 23rd egg. Triumph at last!
If you were throwing a dinner party and could invite any musicians, living or dead, who would they be and why?
I’d invite the Foo Fighters over, because they seem like amazing, down to earth people who’d have a good time and wouldn’t pretentious in the least bit. Plus I saw the Top Chef episode they were on a couple years ago so I’d know what they liked ahead of time.
Where’s your favorite music venue to eat at in your hometown?
House of Blues is always a home run for me. A solid menu with options for my vegetarian friends that no one has any complaints over. There is also a venue called Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago that has killer food. Best veggie burger I’ve ever had.
What music do you like to play when you’re cooking?
I just made this 80s mix that is pretty explosive, so that’s been it lately. I usually put on a show on Netflix or something usually. I’m addicted to film and TV shows.
What is one meal you could not live without?
Eggs Benedict. Best breakfast ever, and I’d eat it at any meal when done properly.
Genuine & Counterfeit out now via EVR/ UNFD
William Beckett supporting Anberlin Tour Dates
Wednesday 4 September – The HiFi, Brisbane – 18+
Thursday 5 September – The Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast – 18+
Friday 6 September – Panthers, Newcastle – Lic AA
Saturday 7 September – The Hifi, Sydney – Lic AA
Sunday 8 September – The Palace, Melbourne – 18+
Tuesday 10 September June – The Gov, Adelaide – Lic AA
Wednesday 11 September – Metro, Fremantle – 18+
