Hailing from Southern France, Melanié Pain practiced her English as a lead vocalist with Nouvelle Vague, covering indie anthems with flirtatious irreverence and breathy panache. Lately she’s added programmed beats and vintage synths to her folk-tinged retro-pop.
Melanie is currently in Australia for a string of shows including Sydney Festival, and we had a chat with her about French Baguettes, her favourite types of foods and what she is most looking forward to eating on this trip down under.
You can see Melanie perform this Saturday 20 January at So Frenchy So Chic In The Park in Melbourne – cartellmusic.com.au/sfsc
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’m from Normandy (north west of france, close to the sea) so my main food memories are: fresh milk and butter from the farm / sea food from the port (crabs, mussels & scallops) / apples (there was apples everywhere). My mum was working home so she will cook for us everyday, apple “tarte tatin” with full fat cream was my favorite.
When you tour overseas, what food from home do you miss the most?
I miss my fresh baguette & my salt incrusted butter for breakfast, I’m always very sad in Hotel restaurant with bad bread and eggs & bacon for breakfast.
What type of food do you hate, and what is the most disgusting thing you’ve ever eaten? Tell us the story.
I like all type of food really, even if my favorite is Italian and Thai, I can remenber a really horrible experience in Seoul with a corean barbecue, It was all weird meat & offal with weird sauces. I was invited by the promoters, we were 5 in the band and they were 10 “promoters” or officials so we were forced to eat with a smile and comment on the food.. very tricky I will always remenber this restaurant and the weird ambiance that was with all the members in the band making an effort to swallow every meal of this endless dinner.
What type of food do you make sure to avoid before a gig or going on stage?
Pizza is absolutely forbidden before a show, too long to digest
Imagine for a second you can request anything on your rider at a gig. What food do you put on it?
I’ll ask for a vegetable wok with asian spices and thai rice noodles, all fresh and crispy !
Where’s your favorite music venue to eat at?
It’s in Roma : Circolo degli artisti, you have the best pasta and red wine there
What’s the most outrageous food you’ve ever asked for on your rider?
Pasteurized cheese and non alcoholic beer (when I was pregnant)
If you were throwing a dinner party and could invite any musicians, living or dead, who would they be and why?
I’ll invite David Byrne for his conversation, Frank Sinatra for his stories & gossips, Yves Montant for the good jokes and happy face, Iggy Pop for the rock & roll, Serge Gainsbourg for the French “spirit”, Caetano Veloso for the after dinner live music and jam.
What food are you most looking forward to eating on your upcoming tour in Australia?
Barbecued steak with kumera, a big fresh salad, bottle of shiraz
Australia is where I eat the best beef
This is your last day on earth, what is your final meal?
I’ll go for my baguette with salted butter ! simple but delicious
