Lia Menaker

Dispatch from Lia Menaker

What’s The Best Thing You’ve Binged? Definitely Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu – I’m sad I don’t have more of it to watch!

Which Philadelphia Restaurant Should We Get Takeout From? It’s a tie. Nirvana Bistro in Lafayette (the burbs) is my go-to for Indian food. It’s too good! And I just discovered Cafe Soho in the Cheltenham area – amazing Korean food!

Which Philly bands should we be listening to? There’s so much talent here – I could name a hundred people! I love the energy and operatic glam rock sound of Archpalatine. Hedera is another favorite. They’re soulful indie rock vibe is great. I just discovered Sophie Coran and I’m a fan – really nice smoky, downtempo R&B sound. Jackson Howard’s songwriting and technical, fingerstyle guitar is beautiful. Jackson Craig has a real smooth, soulful pop vibe I dig. The Whole Peace is solid… real catchy songs from My Familiar…  The list could go on…

Which Non-Philly bands should we be listening to? I absolutely love SOHN – very inspired by his mix of electronic with this simple, soaring, chilling vocal overtop. Others I love or have recently discovered: Sudan Archives, Charlotte Day Wilson, Caroline Rose, Japanese House, Jed Craddock, Royal & the Serpent, Brian Revels and the Heat Lightning.

When This Is Over Who Do You Want To Play A Show With? I’d love to play a show with one of the local artists I’ve discovered during quarantine (Emily Drinker, Sophie Coran, Riverby, to name a few). I’d also love to do a show with some artists I’ve met through Twitch music streaming and other non-local music communities: Jed Craddock, Charlie A’Court, Raym, and She Nova, are a few that come to my head.

First public place you want to go to after quarantine? A full day just walking around downtown Manayunk (where I live) or downtown Philly, popping in and out of my favorite spots with my favorite people would be the greatest. Food, drinks, music… but honestly, I’m more excited about gathering together with/being surrounded by all the people I love than going to any one place.

First activity you will do after quarantine? Honestly – if I can, it’s travel. I had a CO trip canceled, and was supposed to plan a summer trip abroad. I need some adventure, and I’d like to overdose on culture as much as possible.

Have you embraced cocktail hour? What’s your favorite cocktail? Probably a little too much, ha. My go to has been a Kentucky Mule. But more often than not, I just stick with red wine.

Where should we be donating our dollars to help out our fellow Philadelphians? For the Philly music scene, donating to people’s tip jars and donation links (whether it’s set up through their Spotify, Facebook page, live streaming platform, Paypal, etc.) is a great way to support. It really helps a lot during this time when all gigs are canceled and work is harder to come by. For beyond the music scene, The Nationalities Service Center has an emergency relief campaign that people can donate to. It helps to serve Philadelphia immigrants and refugees, who are among the most vulnerable and underserved right now. A lot of them are scared to get food or medical assistance.

What’s your favorite jawn? You know – that jawn.

Some of the spots and artists mentioned

Archpalatine, Hedera, Jackson Howard, Sofie Coran, Emily Drinker,
Jackson Craig, My Familiar, Nirvana Bistro, Cafe Soho