Aussies Jack Milas and Oli Chang formed the melodic folk-pop outfit, High Highs, back in 2009. The duo has since moved to New York City where they recruited drummer Zach Lipkins. The band signed to The Windish Agency last year and released two singles, "Open Season" and "Flowers Bloom." Known for gently sweeping, rich harmonies and layered vocals and synths, these guys are quickly becoming indie darlings. As the boys work to finish up their debut album, we got the dish on their favorite on-the-road eats.
What do you eat before a show?
If it's an early show, nothing, but if we do eat, nothing heavier than a salad. We usually do love going to Whole Foods if we're playing at the Mercury Lounge or Bowery. Zach, our drummer, doesn't have to sing so he usually arrives at the venue after having a big luscious meal at home.
What's your favorite thing to get after a show?
Usually we drop the ball and forget to eat, or get distracted talking to people after shows. There's always a pretty solid sushi place as a last resort near my house in north Brooklyn.
Does it vary depending on city?
Sure. When we were in Japan we enjoyed a lot of delicious ramen. We ate a lot of nice Mexican food in Austin. We tried those Korean-style taco's too -- they were interesting.
What's your favorite post-NYC show meal?
Maybe pho, but we never have the time.
What's your favorite post-LA meal?
We're going there for the first time this weekend. I only really know of In 'N Out Burger and I don't think that's the answer.
Have any groupies ever made you anything and sent it backstage?
Not quite, although when we played in Japan, Oli was presented with a very decadent shrimp cocktail.
Any food that musically inspires you?
I think Oli is constantly inspired by fishing. Zach loves crawfish and I think that really comes through in his drumming.
What are your fondest food memories?
The coziness that comes with a Sunday roast back in Australia, cooking on the BBQ with my dad in his backyard.
What's your favorite city for eating before or after you've played a gig?
It would have to be New York at this point.
What is your favorite tour bus snack?
Healthy: fruit, oriental mix. Not healthy: Pringles, Skittles.
What hometown meal do you miss the most when you are on the road?
My local sushi place, Kyoto Sushi, it's quite delicious, which is surprising for Greenpoint, a primarily a Polish neighborhood.
Who's the pickiest eater in the band? What's his deal?
Definitely Oli. We're always hearing endless stories about the amount of carbs in specific meals. He also constantly passes judgment on people's wheat intake and yet eats more wheat than any of us. That said, I did recently witness him eating a burger wrapped in a lettuce leaf instead of a bun.
Who's the best cook in the band? What's their best dish?
Oli is a good cook. He went through a big laksa phase, which was quite tasty initially. Then he kept making it every time I saw him, and it became quite overwhelming. I haven't eaten a lot of laksa since.
Any food favorites of the entire band?
Zach took us to a Cajun place recently and that was a pretty cool new experience. Zach ordered the "crawfish boil" which was essentially all-you-can-eat crawfish that came in a small bucket. It was impressive.
Have you found any on-the-road food discoveries, restaurants or roadside vendors?
Artz BBQ in Austin was a really cool place -- not touristy and a really down-to-earth vibe.
Backstage requests?
Usually we all get a little whiskey on the rocks to take on stage. No drinking other than that though -- we're real rock stars.
Have you ever requested 10,000 M&Ms, but none of them brown?
I'm more of a Skittles fan. But, I'll be demanding just red and purple at our next show.