KEVIN DEVINE

Kevin Devine plays solo, with The Goddamn Band, and in Bad Books (with Manchester Orchestra).

What was the food highlight of your year?

I went all over the place & ate a lot of delicious stuff, but I have a comparatively pedestrian answer: There's an Italian spot in Bay Ridge, where I live, called Peppino's. They've got an eggplant parm roll that is a legit treat, comfort food I associate with home, and something I look forward to and let myself have a handful of times a year. It's layered, melted cheese, the dough is plump, the sauce is well-balanced - sweet but not over the top. It's awesome and a bit indulgent. Most recently had it and loved it close to my birthday.

What was the music highlight of your year?

I toured a lot this year, criss-crossed the US fully once and partially a handful of other times, three different UK & Europe trips, and Australia. It kind of blurs together into one extended highlight. It's hard to pick one. That said, we had a really memorable set at Bonnaroo. Blazing heat, on two hours sleep, really wonderful, generous and fun crowd, cool seeing people collect and get weird and excitable that way. As a fan, the Angel Olsen record was a big deal to me this year. Haunting, gothic, hypnotic, wry, killer voice, well-made, stuck with me.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

We make an effort on tour to find good coffee and eat as local as possible. You're in a place for a day and I learned a few years back that to maintain sanity and balance I can't live like a tourist 200 days a year. Finding someplace that's specific to where you are ensures at least a small cultural experience where you can kinda sample the place through its people and what they're eating and drinking. For whatever reason, a specific memory this year is the Westmoreland services in Northern England, en route to and from Scotland, set on a farm, fresh food from the grounds, always different, delicious, abundant, and you eat looking out at rolling hills, a pond, big sky, beautiful place I'd never have seen if I wasn't playing and touring there.

@kevindevinetwit

MIKE FADEM

Mike Fadem is drummer for Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band and Manager at Roman's in Brooklyn.

What was the food highlight of your year?

I got to go on a research trip to Italy with my friend and chef of Roman's, where I work, Dave Gould. This was of course the highlight of the year. We just ate for 10 days. it was extreme. Truffle hunting, lasagna soup, Roman pastas...

hat was the music highlight of your year?

2014 is the year I started listening to Bad Brains. I know I'm so late but there are always bands that for whatever reason you never really hear, and then you do. I think I always assumed they were a straightforward hardcore band but there's nothing straightforward about them. Also, the new Perfume Genius record is really great. So excited to hear a new record with songs this good and honest, and that is cohesive.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

I love the Stillwater Artisanal beers and as soon as I heard their Lower Dens collaboration beer was available I ordered it for the restaurant. The whole staff is obsessed with Lower Dens. Its kind of an ultimate music/food mash up, they are constantly being played in the restaurant, and people are drinking the beer. Kinda cool, at least i think so.

@mikefadem

MIKE FADEM

Mike Fadem is a drummer (Kevin Devine, Youngman Grand, The Jealous Girlfriends) and 10-year veteran of the NY food industry. He currently works at the Marlow & Sons group.

What was the food highlight of your year?

I went to Paris in October to visit my longtime bandmate who recently moved there. We ate amazingly well while I was there, which in its entirety was the highlight of my year. But the highlight of the trip was the dinner we had at Bones in the 11th. The space is serious yet comfortable, and feels very alive and vibrant. The food is pure, balanced, warm, beautiful.  The wine list and house-made bread take it over the edge. It’s a perfect restaurant. 

What was the music highlight of your year?

I think the comeback of Nine Inch Nails is pretty amazing. The new album is probably one of their bests and they put on the best live show. Trent Reznor is untouchable right now. I also love Kanye’s Bound 2, and the new record I made with Kevin Devine, Bubblegum. 

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

Spiritualized came in to Marlow & Sons for food and coffee. In Brooklyn you see a lot of musicians but having Jason walk in was surprising and awesome. Getting to serve your heroes is usually great, and he and his band were really nice.

@mikefadem