Inspired by the infectious Afro-beat music of Nigeria and its neighbours, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra delivers a homespun version of contemporary African funk. This mammoth ensemble comprises seventeen musicians hand-picked from Melbourne’s music scene.
With the afro-beat movement of the 60s and 70s making a worldwide resurgence in live venues and clubs alike, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra’s powerful MCs and tribal rhythms are the modern-day “musical weapon” that Fela Kuti conceived of. Their conscious lyrics and West African grooves are relevant today, while remaining faithful to the message of afro-beat.
We sit down with Tristan Ludowyk of the band to talk about food and music and their appearance at AWME 2013.
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 grew up in Melbourne and ate what I imagine to be fairly standard Aussie fare in the 80s, except for the fact that my dad’s family immigrated from Sri Lanka in the 60s and brought with them a host of spicy curry recipes. I particularly remember generic fried rice, summer barbecues with iceberg lettuce salad and Italian dressing and Samboy chips, as well as lamb curry, pumpkin curry and after school snacks consisting of entire packets of poppadums!
I had a particular penchant for seafood as an adolescent but this seems to have worn off as an adult – either I got sick of it, or it’s much more readily available these days and I might have just been attracted to its elusiveness!
What connection do you think music and food have to each other?
Well, they’re both one of the oldest institutions we have as a species, so there is that. And they have both evolved around the world with specific cultures and are therefore representative of who we are and where we’ve come from. Nearly everyone enjoys coming together for a meal or dancing/singing with friends. It’s part of being human.
When you cook at home what sort of music do you like to cook to? (rock, soul or maybe even smooth grooves)
I like to cook to upbeat music, but other than that, it can be anything that I’m into at the moment. Typically that’s old Afro-funk, cumbia, soul, salsa/son, as well as lots of modern classics from labels like Daptone, Truth and Soul etc. I like cooking to dance music – it helps you spring around the kitchen as you go (although this is possibly not the most tidy way of cooking – sorry Gen). I also recommend playing drums and percussion on anything you can get your hands on – pots, pans, or my particular favourite, kitchen sink bongos.
What type of food do you make sure to avoid before a gig or going on stage?
Probably the same as everyone else – it’s not good to eat anything stodgy right before playing but it’s no good being hungry either!
If you could ask for anything on rider at your upcoming show at The Hi Fi in Melbourne or AWME, what would food and drink would you put on it?
Twelve-year old me would have said lobster thermidor. These days maybe I would say mushroom burgers and thick cut potato chips with a good independent local brew (with the proviso that said stodgy meal is well before curtains).
What has been your biggest cooking disaster to date? Tell us the story.
I like to think I run a pretty tight ship, although I did set fire to the toaster last week when I toasted a piece of ciabatta that was clearly too big to fit. Then there was the time I made a simple rustic bread but was given the wrong quantities and used double the amount of water. We baked a lot of clag that day.
Who are the best cooks out of your massive seventeen piece band?
Hands down, it has to be Kuukua Acquah, one of our dancers/singers from Ghana. Many’s the time where prior to a show she’s cooked up a serious feast in the hotel. We’re actually working with Kuukua to create a cookbook/video blog called “Night Food” which we’ll be launching soon!
Where is your favourite music venue to eat at and why?
I don’t usually eat at music venues – apart from a pub meal before a show at something like the Corner – that’s always good if I get time to sit down (which is rare).
If you could invent a ice cream on a stick what shape and flavour would it be?
I’d like to try an ice-cream version of salt and vinegar chips with milk chocolate – that salty sweet oily combination… I think I also like the look of disgust I get from people when I shove chips and chocolate in my mouth at the same time. It’s like the pleb’s version of melon y jamon.
If you were to cook a meal for your rest of your band, what would you cook them?
Something easy to cook for a large group obviously! Maybe spicy Mexican beans, guacamole and jalapeño burritos. One big pot, no cutlery, can even get away with no plates!
The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra are performing at AWME 2013.
AWME 2013 Lineup
Ngaiire
The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra
Mama Kin
Blackchords
Warren H. Williams
Cash Savage & The Last Drinks
The Shaolin Afronauts
Manran
Quarry Mountain Dead Rats
Kooii
The Deans
Joining the already announced lineup of:
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
Damien Dempsey
Hollie Smith
Sola Rosa
Stephen Pigram
The Cambodian Space Project
Dereb The Ambassador
Coloured Stone
Knox
The Orbweavers
The Putbacks with Emma Donovan
Grizzly Jim Lawrie
Impossible Odds
Whiri Tu Aka
Stan & The Earth Force
Slip On Stereo
Maya Kamaty
Tjupurru
+ more to be announced
AWME 2013 Dates
14th – 17th November, Melbourne
Across venues Arts Centre Melbourne, The HiFi, The Toff, and Ding Dong Lounge.
Tickets for all concerts will be on sale soon!
EARLY BIRD FOUR DAY PASSES/ WEEKEND PASS NOW AVAILABE at www.awme.com.au
