Exclusive Interview with Emmy-Nominated Country Artist and Foodie, Risa Binder
June 6, 2017 - by MARY GRIFFITHS
via Battered and Brewed
Good Afternoon Risa! Thank you so much for talking with Battered and Brewed! What was a typical dinner or family meal like for you growing up in Maryland?
A typical dinner was something I always looked forward to growing up because my family of four ate together every night until I went to college! Meals were a way for us to connect. My mom is a great cook! She loves to host family events and for that I am thankful!
Do you have a signature dish you prefer to cook at home or rather go out to eat?I love both. I love cooking at home..right now i’m on a cauliflower crust pizza kick with grilled veggies. But I also love to go out to eat as well!
Do you have a playlist you like to listen to while you cook?
It always changes depending on my mood, but usually something I can dance around the kitchen to while I cook.
What are three things you can always find in your refrigerator?
Bell Peppers, Hummus, Dark chocolate (and at least 2 to 3 jars of applesauce at any time, simply because I always forget there is some already in the fridge).
If you had to pick one type of cuisine, what would you say is your favorite?
Thai at the moment! So many options. Tom Kha Gai Soup, Basil Chicken, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
What’s one food everyone tells you to try, but you just can’t get up the nerve.
The fried calamari that actually looks like a little octopus…I can’t
What can’t you control yourself around food wise?
Mac and cheese, chocolate, and popcorn
If you designed your own walking food tour of Nashville, which restaurants/food sellers would be on your list of places to visit?
I absolutely love how Nashville has become a culinary destination! There are so many places …I would do a walking tour of 12th South and showcase Edley’s (get the hot chicken nachos..they aren’t on the menu), The Flipside, and get a popsicle over at Las Paletas. I would have a separate breakfast and coffee tour that involved Fido, 5 Daughters, Crema, 3 Brothers, and then on Sunday, Hattie B’s Chicken & Waffles…You would definitely need a nap. Then start the evening at Salt & Vine with a glass of wine and a meat n’ cheese plate then roll on over to Adeles’ (Kale Salad, actually basically anything there).
Then there’s Rolf & Daughters…I always feel like when I go there I want to stand up after my meal and do a “slow clap” and see if people just stand up and join me because the food there is so incredible. Butcher & Bee (Whipped Feta + all the veggies) …the list goes on and on…
Is there anywhere you have not been and are dying to go?
Yes! Henrietta Red, Eio & The Hive, and Slim & Husky’s
We love your Instagram! You are quite the culinary (and coffee) photographer! Has that always been a hobby of yours?
Thank You! I love Instagram. Yes, I think besides performing …my other “Happy Place” is having a meal with friends or even by myself and capturing it on camera. Also having a coffee in the morning is sometimes like my “thankful meditation.” I am thankful to have that warm cup of happiness to start my day and I want to document that.
Tell us about your newest single, “You Haul,” that was released June 2nd. What inspired you most when writing this song?
“You Haul” was a title I had for a while but wanted to wait until I was in the room with other writers who would find it funny and fun. I wrote it with Vanessa Oliverez and Karl Rybecki and it was a super fun write that turned out just like I imagined!! Everyone goes through breakups but wouldn’t it be fun it you could celebrate the breakup with a party? Thats what “You Haul” is about.
What was it like working and writing with Luke Wooten (Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley)?
I still can’t believe I get to work with Luke Wooten. I can’t believe that he is my friend. He is so great to work with…it’s a great collaboration…He gives you creative freedom and never let’s you give less than your best. I also appreciate his honesty if something could be better or needs tweaking.
You are an Emmy-Nominated artist and was just recently chosen to be a part of iHeartRadio / AT&T’s “About to Break” series. Congrats! What has that been like?
Going to iHeart Radio’s offices to sing live was a serious dream come true. They created a beautiful video that is my most favorite piece about my music journey so far! I am so excited to be a part of that series and super pumped to continue working with them!
You are gearing up to play CMA fest in downtown Nashville. Any restaurants/bars you would recommend to your fans who need a breather?
Yes! Can’t wait to play CMA Fest on June 9th at 4pm at the Gildan Broadway Stage which is right near the Hard Rock Cafe. If you need a breather downtown I suggest going to the rooftop of Acme Feed and Seed. They have a great menu! Merchants is also yummy. Or you could go to Jacks BBQ..so yummy!
Aside from your passion for food and music, what’s the one thing that really keeps you ticking?
Travel keeps me ticking. I love traveling and discovering new places. I’m definitely an urban adventurer.
Finally for Battered and Brewed, If you could eat or drink with one person dead or alive, who would it be and what would you have?
I would split a Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae with Reba.
See more on BatteredandBrewed.com.
CLICK HERE to check out Risa's new single "You Haul" on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, or Amazon!