The Shape-shifting Musical Polymath Shares Her Favorite Places
8 September 2021
Musician St. Vincent has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Here, she shares her favorite places across the globe.
Collection de l’Art Brut, Lausanne
‘On a random day off in the Swiss city a few years ago, I went to this gallery. It was full of pieces created by individuals compelled to make art, even amidst difficult circumstances. One piece that stood out was a wedding dress sewn by a woman who had been institutionalized; her dream was to get married one day, leading her to create this dress out of old sheets from the hospital. This memory reminds me constantly about the challenging facets of the creative process.’ artbrut.ch
Medici Villa and Gardens, Florence
‘I had the pleasure of visiting this iconic location with my mum and sister, an art-history major who shared insights about its rich heritage. I loved the idea of 15th-century Florentines indulging in pure bacchanal, spectacle, pomp, and circumstance. My tour with David Byrne concluded in Florence, followed by an unforgettable meal; however, the restaurant’s name eludes me. My return visit a few years later led me to a different dining experience at the Gucci restaurant instead – I know how to live!’
Hueso Restaurant, Mexico
‘Guadalajara is often referred to as the Chicago of Mexico, known for its Midwestern friendliness and less hectic vibe than other major cities. This restaurant stood out during my visit. Although I was in town for work, my brother joined me for research, as he owns a Mexican restaurant in Dallas called Resident Taqueria. We both enjoyed the experience immensely, and he returned home with inspiration, including tepache, a fermented pineapple drink that is a must-try!’ huesorestaurant.com
Hotel Saint Vincent, New Orleans
‘My friend Liz Lambert creates some of the most incredible hospitality experiences. Seven years ago, we both found ourselves in New Orleans, and she asked for my thoughts on a building she was interested in – the St Vincent boarding house, a location with a fascinating history, formerly an orphanage and rumored to be haunted. We stayed there, swigging from a bottle of white wine on the steps afterwards. I returned to play at its opening party.’ saintvincentnola.com
Ramen in Tokyo
‘Whenever I perform at Summer Sonic or Fuji Rock Festival, the accommodation is at the Shibuya Excel Hotel, located in Tokyo’s bustling Times Square. A Japanese bandmate introduced me to a popular ramen spot in a tourist-friendly area. I enjoy the experience of eating ramen in Tokyo: standing while slurping the broth is both polite and delightful. Additionally, I love the notion of getting a massage in the middle of the night without any awkwardness – truly a dream come true!’
St Vincent’s album ‘Daddy’s Home’ is currently available; her film ‘The Nowhere Inn’ was released in September 2021.
