Created In Partnership With Cellarbrations
Bryn Chapman Parish knows a thing or two about creating an atmosphere.
Punk-rock fans, you probably know Bryn best as the charismatic frontman of Sydney band Mac The Knife. The five-piece band first formed as an after-school activity before the group decided to pursue music seriously. Taking inspiration from The Strokes, they tread the line between all-out rock n’ roll and old-school punk, prioritising loud guitar riffs and energetic beats.
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The musician, who also took over our screens as the reformed Spencer ‘Spider’ White on Netflix’s Heartbreak High, boasts David Bowie-esque looks and a commanding presence. After studying at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAAP), Bryn has led a life that’s been anything but calm, juggling tours, filming the award-winning Australian drama, stints in the theatre, and modelling gigs.
As such, Bryn has mastered the art of slowing down. Sitting down with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, the singer divulged what he seeks out when he’s not on tour, sharing the small neighbourhood rituals he indulges in after rehearsals, and his secrets to hosting the perfect gathering.
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Who are you?
Hey, I’m Bryn Chapman Parish. I’m an actor and musician from Sydney.
How’d you get started?
I’ve always had a love for performing. I used to rock up to pre-school dressed as Robin Hood or a “rockstar”, so I guess you could say there were signs. The band kicked off towards the end of high school, but we took a bit of a hiatus while I was away studying acting at WAAPA.
How did you and the band get together?
It started as just kind of jamming in the garage, and now it’s slowly progressed into something where we’re like, ‘Oh, wow, this is kind of moving forward.’ It’s the best excuse to see your friends twice a week and get to play music.
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What is your ideal gathering?
I’d say a low-key barbecue, nothing too over the top. I’ve set up my home so I can create a nice vibe for lounging and catching up, so something centered around the couches and some good vinyls.
What do you love in a get-together?
Getting to actually spend time with the people in my world that I care about the most. Things are pretty busy in my life right now, so it’s always nice to reconnect with mates.
How important is community?
A massive part of music is about community, especially here in Sydney. I think it’s one of the things that we lost for a few years with lockout laws and COVID, but it’s amazing to see it coming back in such a big way. I’ve loved getting to tour more this year and meet fans outside of metro areas at gigs. It’s a very rewarding thing to meet people who let you know how affected and touched they’ve been by your work. It’s why we all do it, really.
Where do you go for drinks?
I’ve been hitting up the Carlisle Castle a lot recently post-renovation; it’s such a good vibe and great food.
How do you pair the perfect drink?
I’m finally enjoying cheese. Does that mean I have a mature palate now? So maybe a nice Brie and crackers, a bit of chilli jam with a nice white wine, or a Carlton Dry.
What do you hope guests get from being hosted by you?
A full heart and a full belly.
Whether you have mates dropping by or find yourself settling in for lunch, find a drop for every occasion at your local Cellarbrations.
