Profile
Flip Grater
In one or two sentences introduce yourself…
People call me Flip Grater, although Clare is my birth name. I am a singer-songwriter, label owner, writer, musician, collector of Crown Lynn and passionate home cook.
What’s your biggest project going on now?
I’ve just released my third studio album – While I’m Awake I’m At War and will be heading off to Europe to tour the album over there during October. Next year my new book The Cookbook Tour Europe will be coming out so I’m also doing some last minute edits of that.
What do you spend your days doing?
I have an office space in K Rd, Auckland that I share with some play and screen writers. When I’m not in the office, I’m playing music or trying to squeeze exercise into my day.
Where’s your favourite place in NZ?
Urupukapuka Island, Bay of Islands. It’s a beautiful island only accessible by boat that I camped at with some friends over New Years.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Laphroaig, neat. Or any peaty scotch.
Who inspired/or continues to inspire you most in your life?
My mother. She is the Archdeacon of Canterbury and was the first woman to be ordained as a permanent deacon in the Anglican church. She has always been an inspiration and been incredibly supportive of my journey as a Buddhist, a musician and as a business woman.
What’s the latest thing downloaded to your Ipod?
Hawk by Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan
In one or two sentences introduce yourself…
People call me Flip Grater, although Clare is my birth name. I am a singer-songwriter, label owner, writer, musician, collector of Crown Lynn and passionate home cook.
What’s your biggest weakness?
I’m addicted to 2-minute noodles.
If you weren’t doing what you are doing now you’d…
My education is in outdoor leadership so I’d probably be teaching rock climbing or raft guiding or something!
What are you reading?
I’m re-reading A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway in preparation for my Paris tour.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sundays in Summer. The Sunday crossword, mushrooms on toast and endless cups of coffee in the morning, and either a beach afternoon with friends or G+Ts on the lawn.
What is your greatest fear?
Having to work on Sundays.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Food. Whenever I have money I spend it all at gourmet markets.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d like to be more present. I’m working on it.
Finish these sentences:
It really irritates me that…
Some people live their entire lives without standing for anything or trying to make a positive difference in any way.
I just love it when…
I’m on tour. It’s performing, travel and meeting new people – three of my favourite things!