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A TASTE OF TASTE WITH...

Bryndon Cook

Bryndon Cook on Teenage Fanclub, Berets, Tommy Keene, and more.

February 15, 2023

Bryndon Cook
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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.

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TOMMY KEENE (1958-2017)
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.
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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 ! 💋
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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.
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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!!!
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PRIMA CAFE - FT GREENE
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!”
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RHODORA - FT GREENE
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!
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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. ⚔️
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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 👀

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