If there’s one band out there who know how to pair their music with some of the finest beverages on offer, it’s Brisbane’s Columbus.
Having recently released their latest single – ‘Can’t Hide From What Hurts’ – Columbus are set to hit the road for a run of shows pretty soon. Of course, as with any tour, there will likely be a few drinks sunk in between shows.
However, you can be certain that the band will be in good hands, all thanks to drummer Daniel Seymour. When he’s not hitting the skins, you can often find him slinging the suds at the Nota Bistro, sharing his passion of cocktails with anyone who’ll listen.
Now, we’re the ones listening, as Daniel has offered up a list of ten songs and their perfect cocktail pairings. Read more about Daniel’s list below, and keep on scrolling for more info about Columbus’ upcoming tour dates.
10 songs & cocktails with Columbus
The past six years, I’ve been lucky enough to tour Australia & the UK with Columbus. When not on the road I’ve paid the bills by slingin’ bevs at whatever bar would hire me. From dirty pubs to fine dining, I’ve had a crack at everything and learnt so much along the way.
Here’s my 10 favourite songs and their ideal cocktail pairings.
1. ‘Can’t Hide From What Hurts’ – Columbus
Our most recent single. ‘Can’t Hide From What Hurts’ is about facing the pain and hurdles in your life head on, finding the strength and courage to move past it.
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Paired with: An “Old Fashioned”. I love whiskey and this traditional stirred cocktail has helped me celebrate finishing many a big night. Strong and bold, it will help you lament any struggles you’re dealing with.
2. ‘Charlie’ – Mallrat
Soft, gentle, ethereal, this song is like a warm hug, reassuring and comforting.
Paired with: A “Hot Toddy”. A warm bourbon, honey, lemon and cinnamon drink, often comforting and assuring on a cold night.
3. ‘It’s Not Living If It’s Not With You’ – The 1975
Best shared with friends! This song is nostalgic and romantic for me.
Paired with: A “Long Island Iced Tea”. Nothing too fancy here, just something for everyone in this drink (vodka, tequila, white rum & triple sec). Sure to make some great memories with friends.
4. ‘Viv In The Front Seat’ – Ceres
I love Ceres with all my heart. Possibly one of my favourite bands and this song means a lot to me. There’s something so Australian about them, perhaps the honesty, but a tinge of midwestern-emo also bursts through their work.
Paired with: A “Shandy”. Australians love a cold beer, and there’s nothing better than a shandy on an arvo to cool and revitalise you. What you see is what you get, the honesty of this one matching Ceres well.
5. ‘Taxi ‘– The Maine
One of my favourite bands, they’ve managed to keep writing hit after hit. This song juxtaposes some very honest lyrics with a pop sensibility The Maine are known and loved for.
Paired with: A “Southside”. This gin cocktail mixes with sharp, zesty lime juice and fresh mint to make a delicious, easy drinking cocktail. A couple of these will no doubt end your night in the back of a taxi, deep in honest conversation with whoever you’ve met.
6. ‘Basking In The Glow’ – Oso Oso
I’ve been a big fan of Jade’s stuff for a long time and I feel this album has cemented his cult indie-emo status. Again, the darker lyrics and verses really juxtapose the catchy and boppy chorus.
Paired with: A “Nota Sour”. Not a classic cocktail, but one of my favourites. I’m lucky enough to work with the legends at Nota Bistro (nota.restaurant) in Brisbane, who graciously let me take time off to tour when the need arises.
This is our house special and so damn tasty. Frangelico, hazelnut and egg whites make a sweet, light and fluffy drink, with a sour edge to it.
7. ‘Capricorn’ – Pinkish Blu
Some beautiful friends of ours, playing equally beautiful music. Pinkish are one of those bands just waiting to explode here and internationally. ‘Capricorn’ was one of my most played songs of last year and I can’t wait to see them take over.
Paired with: A “Sherry Cobbler”. A cobbler is any shaken cocktail, finished in a glass with crushed ice. This sherry cobbler combines sherry, maraschino liqueur, pineapple juice and orange juice. Sharp and fresh, this drink can please just about anyone and matches the sharp dressed Pinkish Blu perfectly.
8. ‘Skinny Dipping’ – Stand Atlantic
This tune is fun, quirky and tight pop punk! Such a banger and will always get a good spin at parties.
Paired with: An “Espresso Martini”. Always a great time and will really match the energy and output of Skinny Dipping.
9. ‘America (You’re Freaking Me Out)’ – The Menzingers
I’ve been a fan of the Menzingers for a long time and this track really cemented that for me. Such a consistent and brilliant band.
Paired with: A “Manhattan”. Every bartender / bar will have a twist on this one, but the rough recipe remains the same. Whiskey, vermouth, bitters and Maraschino Cherries. It’s a quintessential American cocktail and can suit any occasion, like The Menzingers!
10. ‘Black Fingernails, Red Wine’ – Eskimo Joe
This song reminds me of growing up and absolutely thrashing Australian rock bands on the radio. We were lucky enough to work with Joel (from Eskimo Joe) on ‘Can’t Hide From What Hurts’.
Paired with: A “Negroni”. Okay, not really a red wine cocktail, but vermouth (a fortified wine) is used in this one. A classic cocktail that has stood the test of time, very similar to this hit from ‘Eskies’.
Columbus Tour Dates 2019
Saturday, November 23rd, 2019
(with Slowly Slowly)
Wyndham Youth Resource Centre, Melbourne, VIC (AA)
Friday, December 6th, 2019
(with Young Lions)
Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane, QLD
Thursday, December 12th, 2019
(with Young Lions)
Rocket Bar & Rooftop, Adelaide, SA
Friday, December 13th, 2019
(with Young Lions)
Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday, December 14th, 2019
(with Young Lions)
SlyFox, Sydney, NSW
Saturday, January 11th, 2020
UNIFY Gathering
Tarwin Meadows, VIC
