Merging unique violin stylings and electronic dub-step beats with animated contemporary dance, Stirling’s wide array of videos have captured the YouTube viewing audience with more than two million subscribers to her YouTube channel and in excess of 300 million views. The original videos were all composed, choreographed and directed by Stirling herself. She has just completed her first tour of Australia selling out shows and wowing audiences.
We caught up with Lindsey when she landed in Australia to talk Mexican food, eating on tour and trying kangaroo.
What were your food influences when you were growing up and what kind of food did you eat at home or with your family?
We ate a lot of Mexican food and lots of veggies. My mom cooks the best home made refried beans. I think that is why Mexican food is my favorite type of food and I can’t get enough veggies ever. My dad would always make chocolate milk and chocolate milkshakes. We called them mix-em-ups. I think that and toast is the only thing my dad can make.
What dish or cuisine do you most like to eat on tour and why?
I eat a lot of salads because you can make them very healthy and full of veggies. I need all those vitamins otherwise my body gets worn out and sick. I also always have a box of cereal in my bag whenever I am traveling. I like the grainy type cereals like grape nuts, and Kashi, or wheat chex. Cereal is an essential staple of my diet. I like to start the day with it and I eat it for a midnight snack as well.
What type of food do you hate, and what is the most disgusting thing you’ve ever eaten?
I hate fried food, or really greasy food. It literally makes me feel sick. One time at a festival, the main guy who ran the whole festival, started talking to me in the backstage area where all the food was. I was trying to make a good impression so that he would want to have us back next year. He then handed me a the fattiest, greasiest slice of deep fried pork expecting me to eat it. He said it was one of the best cuts of the pork and he sat there waiting for me to eat it. It was literally fried lard but I wanted to make a good impression so I choked it. “Mmmmm…. So good” I said with a forced smile.
Because you dance around on stage What type of food do you make sure to avoid before a gig or going on stage?
Anything heavy is an absolute no go. No: Pizza, heavy pasta, I ate indian Food once and that was a disaster.
Imagine for a second you can request anything on your rider at your upcoming debut shows in Australia. What food do you put on it?
A juicer with tons of fruits: kewi, lemon, orange, apples, ginger, and frozen bananas, carrots, and spinach. Hummus and pita bread. Gourmet salads with Chicken and avocado.
What has been your biggest cooking disaster to date?
I was in college and I had just moved in with some new roomies. I was trying to make my moms homemade refried beans but I got to the end and realized we didn’t have a potato smasher. This is an essential tool that is needed to smash the beans in the final step.
What are you most looking to eating when you while your in Australia?
This is probably totally stereotypical but I want to try Kangaroo. I have to say that I have had THE best food here in Australia. Every restaurant I’ve been to has had really great, fresh tasting food. Seriously, I think that here and france has the best food in the world.
Where is your favourite music venue in the world to eat at and why?
L’Olympia in Paris. They had a cook backstage for all the crew and musicians. Oh it was like mammas home cooking. It tasted like home comfort food. Really tender chicken, with gravey, rice and lots and lots of veggies. It was light so I felt happy and healthy after I was done rather than feeling bloated and guilty.
If you were throwing a dinner party and could invite any musicians living or dead, who would they be and why?
Pink because she is one of the most amazing performers and I am in awe of her, and Michael Buble because he is so increadibly charming and he would keep the conversation interesting and funny.
This is your last day on earth, what is your final meal?
Chicken Tikka Massala. (an Americanized Indian dish) Not spicy though. I cannot take spicy food. It would have to come with Nan, and a side of grilled mushrooms and Veggies. And then I would top it off with a chocolate milkshake.
Lindsey’s self-titled album is out now through Universal Music Australia – iTunes link https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/lindsey-stirling/id647899400
