Roger Mooking on Life in Canada, New Album & Knowing Music is His Gift (Interview)

we recently caught up with celebrity chef, restaurateur, television host, cookbook author and award-winning recording artist Roger Mooking.  Best known for being the host of Cooking Channel's "Man's Greatest Food" and "Man Fire Food" as well as the Travel Channel's Greatest of America, it's safe to say Roger sits at the top of his field with an undeniable gift and professionalism unparalleled.

Aside from all of the culinary accolades, Roger Mooking is also a Juno (Canadian Grammy) award-winning recording artist who has released albums and performed on stage for the last two decades. Most recently, Roger dropped his 4th album, 'Eat Your Words'. The album, which integrates old school Hip Hop, Rock, and Funk elements draws on Roger's broad perspective on life and the World, thanks to his travels and thirst for knowledge.

Learn more about Roger Mooking in his Hype Off Life exclusive interview below. And be sure to stream 'Eat Your Words' after for a taste of something dope and different.

Photo credit:  Lumenville Inc.

How was it like growing up in Canada? 

Canada and the U.S. are very close in proximity, but they are quite different places on nearly every other level.  I grew up in Edmonton Alberta before moving to Toronto in my late teens.  Canada is not without its drama, but it is relatively a calmer, more compassionate place to grow up in. 

When did you know cooking was your thing?

3 years old I knew I wanted to be a chef and around 13, I started writing songs and making music, they have been connected since then.  I knew these were my things because I had a natural ability for both and they let me be creative in different ways.

When did you get into making music?

I grew up listening to all kinds of music and discovered that I had a natural talent for writing and hearing things pop into my head.  I thought everyone heard songs in their head all the time until I discovered otherwise, that's when I realized there was a gift.

How does being a chef and traveling the world influence your sound?

I think it gives me a global perspective that makes my music more dynamic, universal and kaleidoscopic. Hearing different melodies, sounds, and feeling different things seep into the music. 

You’re an avid reader, finding joy in educating yourself about different cultures. What book recommendations do you have for us?

Sapiens, The Parable of the Sower, all The Taoist Cannons, Road to Freedom, Revolutionary Suicide, and Black Like Me. 

You recently dropped a new album,’ Eat Your Words’. What is the meaning behind the title?

You can't bite your tongue and Eat Your Words at the same time.  

What type of zone were you in while creating the project?

I'm always writing and recording stuff, so this was a mix of good times, horrible times and everything in between.  I was in my most creative, free and expressive zone during this making of EYW's, than I have ever been in the making of any album before.  

Where did you record it?

It was recorded at an incredible studio called Studio 8 in the Toronto area. Me and one other person in the room for the entire album, no one knew I was making this album.

Who do you think will resonate with ‘Eat Your Words’ the most?

Anyone who loves music and can appreciate music of all kinds, but has a deep appreciation for the history and culture of Hip Hop.  

As we close out the end of an amazing decade, where do you see yourself going next?

Never talk about what is next, just do that.  

Anything else we should know before you go?

Spread Love, that is all that matters.