‘Looking Past the Pandemic’ with That Brunette from Brooklyn, New York

Keeping travel dreams alive and setting goals has never felt more important. We can all agree that 2020 has been an unfortunate year so far, and almost every facet of daily life has been wrought by this ongoing global pandemic, the start of which now feels like forever ago. The arts has been one of the hardest hit areas, so The AU Review has kickstarted a Q&A series “looking past the pandemic”, encouraging creatives from around the world to share their travel hopes, dreams, and the thoughts or things that are getting them through 2020, while also highlighting essential experiences in their own country.

That Brunette (Brooklyn, New York)

Fresh off releasing her new project Millennium Fig, New York’s That Brunette makes good on the piercing songwriting and polished pop sensibilities that made lead single “Coolest Girl” such a winner. The EP, which addresses writer’s block, procrastination and self-love, flows with the stylish takes on sharp textural pop she is fast becoming known for.

We caught up with That Brunette to look past the pandemic.

When travel opens up completely, the first place I’m going is…

Italy! I want to visit family, eat some delicious pasta, and drink a lot of wine. I’ll probably bounce around Europe a bit via train next time I’m able to go.

Do you even travel if you’ve never been to Brooklyn?

Three spots in the USA I think everyone should visit at least once in their life…

Brooklyn, NY. It’s the place I call home. You have to experience it to understand it.

New Orleans. I love it there. It’s brimming with history and it feels like the perfect mix of Paris and NYC. The food is delicious, the nightlife is vivacious, and I can’t get enough of it!

Hawaii. The water is blue and warm. The air is thick and smells like flowers. The culture is profoundly beautiful.

Whenever I have a visitor in my city and I want to show them a good night out, the first place I take them is…

That’s easy, we’re going to the three best queer bars in Brooklyn. First we’ll hit up Macri Park and soak up its welcoming cozy vibe, next we’ll go to Metropolitan to see some drag shows and drink some frozen margs. We’ll end the night at The Rosemont and dance our booties off to whatever amazing DJ is spinning that night.

Is there any comfort food that can beat Poutine? | LauriPatterson / Getty Images

Most memorable thing I’ve eaten on the road..

Am I basic if I say poutine? I could go for some right now. So delicious.

The one international venue I’ve always wanted to play…

It’s not so much a venue, but I’ve always loved La Blogotheque. It’s a music blog that features unconventional live performances. I would love to play a set on the street in Europe for them some day.

The one international destination I’m yet to visit but have always dreamed of…

I would like to visit Japan as soon as possible. I love Japanese culture, food, and art. I’m a total ramen enthusiast. Going on a Japanese ramen tour sounds like heaven to me.

The three things or thoughts that are getting me through this pandemic…

My friends, making music, and Tiktok!

For more on That Brunette follow her on Instagram here.

Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.