Craig Gordon and David Bolt started out as a hip hop two-piece in the late 90s and have been writing music in some form ever since. With the addition of Karrie K on bass, indie-electronica outfit The Delta Mirror was born. Machines That Listen is the band's debut album; each song on the nine-track collection is a story that takes place in a different room of a hospital. We caught up with Gordon to ask him about the band's favorite nosh spots around the country.
What do you eat before a show?
Whatever we can get our hands on -- usually pizza or burritos.
What's your favorite thing to get after a show?
A pillow
Does it vary depending on city?
Of course, we always try to cater our meals to the local specialties.
What's your favorite post-NYC show meal?
Angelica's Kitchen
What's your favorite post-L.A. meal?
Umami Burger, but usually they're closed by the time we load out, but luckily L.A. is food truck heaven.
Have any groupies ever made you anything and sent it backstage?
After our send-off show before tour, a really nice girl surprised us with a gift basket full of homemade pastries and then she disappeared. She was lovely.
Any food that musically inspires you?
I consider cigarettes food, so those.
What are your fondest food memories? Any of them documented in your music?
Cigarettes inspired "A Song About the End" from our album Machines that Listen.
What's your favorite city for eating before or after you've played a gig?
Chicago and Portland
What is your favorite tour bus snack?
Salt and vinegar kettle chips
What hometown meal do you miss the most when you are on the road?
Mac and cheese
Who's the pickiest eater in the band? What's his deal?
For a long time we were all vegans so it was a close race -- it's easier now.
Who's the best cook in the band? What's their best dish?
We're all pretty bad. But, if you're lucky, I'll do this seared scallops on a bed of asparagus thing for you. It comes out good 50 percent of the time.
Any food favorites of the entire band?
We never agree on anything.
Any on-the-road food discoveries, restaurants or hidden gems you've come across?
The Chicago Diner in Chicago and Montage in Portland.
Backstage requests?
Whiskey
Have you ever requested 10,000 M&Ms, but none of them brown?
Actually our rider states clearly that we need 100 peanut butter filled Skittles or we won't play -- it really does.