#284: Bryndon Cook
Bryndon Cook on Teenage Fanclub, Berets, Tommy Keene, and more.
Cool people like cool things, which is why we asked Bryndon Cook to share a taste of his taste on Perfectly Imperfect.
Bryndon Cook is a Brooklyn-based actor, part time model + DJ, and R&B musician who performs under Starchild and the New Romantic. He’s made a big splash in his career so far by touring with Chairlift, Solange, and Maggie Rogers, and collaborating with artists such as Porches, OkayKaya, and Blood Orange. He’s got a brand new album titled Beauty of A Black Cauldron Vol 1 & 2 coming out this year and a Starchild short film is on the way. Lucky for us, Bryndon is here to tell us what he’s been into.
Without further ado
Bryndon Cook (instagram, twitter)
a beautiful inlet coffee & wine shop in the heart of Fort Greene. Run by some amazing, industrious friends of mine (Darryl Nuhn & Brad Ogbonna) featuring food from my guy, my genius, Nate Cox. Ferris Bueller Voice: “The menu is always changing but the vibe is so consistently choice. I highly recommend!”
Another Brooklyn best! A night ping-ponging between Prima & Rhodora ain’t half bad. Closest thing to Cheers i’ve ever experienced: a special place with friends who always know your name. Incredible wine selection too! Some of favorite chefs (Tecla Esposito, Kia Damron, Angela Dimayuga etc) have all done pop-ups there. Perf place 2 be!
🍜 V-NAM CAFE - NOHO
my rock, my day one. By far my favorite Vietnamese in the city. It’s right next to Lucien, so if you don’t have Lucien $$$, it’s the best option for the people. Michelin Star Bahn Mi’s and those aren’t even the star of the menu! Please treat this place as you would any prized possession. ⚔️
🏁🏎 TEENAGE FAN CLUB GRAND PRIX 1995
My favorite album at the moment and maybe the band of my dreams. “Don’t Look Back” is a perfect song. I won’t admit how many times I’ve run this record down recently. I’ve been holding resentment towards my friends who never told me about it before. You know who you are!!!
Another recent find. Maryland’s finest. Tommy was an exceptional pop writer from around my neck of the woods of Greater Washington DC/MD. A king of sincere queer coded lyrics a bit before it was okay to be or bait (think pre-Nirvana dress, but u mean it etc). His debut “Places That Are Gone” and “Nothing Can Change You” are also perfect. He did a lot of “multi instrument” playing for ppl like Paul Westerberg in the mid 90s, which is something I often do for bands I play with. He has been a big inspiration for me and my next round of albums.
🎸 🎧 CODY CHESNUTT’S HEADPHONE MASTERPIECE
Last music recc i promise 🙈. The Dark Knight of Indie Sleaze. Cody has been my fav since I was little kid. This album does not get enough shine for bringing us into the Frank Ocean world we’re currently in. Definitely a spiritual blueprint for me with the whole genre-blending. Reconnecting with his catalog really helped me pick up the guitar again too.
🥊 🎭 MICKEY ROURKE
Honorable mention. If you’ve hung out with me the past year or so, he’s my favorite topic. A fellow virgo, my acting inspiration and exercise guru lol In all sincerity, I find his work groundbreaking at times. The quintessential post-Pacino, James Dean renaissance leading man/character actor of his time. Do yaself a favor, Go watch Pope of Greenwich Village (1985) , Barfly (1987) and soak it in. I think they are both free on Y*utube 👀
🥾 🌍 BERETS
I don’t have an obsession, I have a collection. It’s gotten out of hand though. Didn’t make an In/Out list for 2023, but Berets are in for me. Whose got 2 thumbs and 4 berets? This Guy. A raspberry beret and a black one. An Aerosmith beret and one from The1975 merch booth. My finsta is actually Merchcunningham (highly vetted) so uak this is a real lifestyle investment. See you on the other side ! 💋
Follow Bryndon on Instagram & Twitter
Listen to Bryndon on Spotify
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