Who is Surprise Chef?
Five enthusiastic young individuals practicing friendship and funk music in the most holy suburb of Coburg 3058.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I wasn’t a musician I would very much like to be a slimy little frog on a lily pad.
Who inspires you and why?
The musicians in our immediate community inspire me most, perhaps because I have the closest insight and perspective into what they do. I’m very blessed to be surrounded by inspiring people. Ella Thompson & Liam McGorry, Frollen Music Library, Brenda, Karate Boogaloo and those meddling Pro-Teens.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Free Palestine.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m a big fan of the home holiday. No travel required, and the best part of going away is coming home anyway. I gotta have a real good reason to stray from my postcode.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Definitely the holy temple of Northside Records. Out of towners should stop by and pay their respects to Melbourne’s home of The Funk, as a matter of principle. We can get a sandwich from Stefanino Panino on the way.
What are you currently reading?
How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino and The Shortest History of Italy by Ross King.
What are you currently listening to?
There’s a lot of amazing music in the pipeline to be released on our College Of Knowledge Records label that I’ve had bumping consistently – records by Brenda, JNBO, Let Your Hair Down and a new project called Temporary Blessings. I’ve also been listening to Cristoph El Truento, Clear Path Ensemble, El Michels Affair, Brainstory, Lady Wray, Eek A Mouse, JME, Chunky, Gang Starr, Lou Ragland, Your Old Droog, Edan, Alchemist, Bill Evans, Cantrips, Ella Thompson, Emma Donovan, Joe Henderson, Okonski, Mokomokai, Brandn Shiraz, Mara TK, Max Roach and many assorted NBA analysis podcasts.
Happiness is?
Sunset over the Merri Creek.
What does the future hold for you?
Surprise Chef will be coming to your town this year, touring Australia, Europe and North America. We’ll be performing the music featured on our brand new phonograph disc ‘Superb’ for any and all punters who may be interested. We also hope to make time to record music and enjoy general merriment and jubilation.
Surprise Chef’s new album, Superb, will be released on Friday 16 May. They will also be performing at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid LIVE on Saturday 24 May 2025 ahead of their tour. For more information, visit: www.surprise-chef.com for details.
Image: Surprise Chef (supplied)