Aussie actress Rose Byrne, costar of ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘X-Men: First Class,’ on the soundtrack to her life.
What was the last concert you attended?
I went to see the Kills at [Manhattan’s] Don Hill’s. Fuck, man, they went on so late. I was delirious by 2 A.M. They’re very mysterious and messy, but the mess is weirdly polished.
Name a band that a costar turned you on to.
[X-Men’s] Zoe Kravitz played the Black Keys in her trailer. I tried to go and buy the album. What happened to all the record stores in New York City?
If you were to curate a festival, who would be on the bill?
I’d open with Lucinda Williams and Ryan Adams, together. Then, I would get Prince and Beyoncé so everyone could cut loose and dance. And then I’d bring it home for a more spiritual ending with Radiohead.
Speaking of, who comes after Radiohead on your iPod?
The Rakes. It’s from a compilation called Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited, which I wanted for the Cat Power and Karen Elson cover [“I Love You (Me Either)”].
What was the last song that made you cry?
“I Gave You All” by Mumford & Sons. It is a freaking sad song. The lyrics are about losing love and breaking up — it touched a raw nerve.
Name a playlist on your iPod.
“Get Fit.” You can guess what that’s for. The first track is “Who Is He and What Is He to You” by Bill Withers.
What was the first record you bought with your own money?
Kylie Minogue’s “Locomotion” single. I was eight and used my pop-up money, which is what we call allowance in Australia.
Whose music were you obsessed with in high school?
At a certain point, I got into the older, cooler crowd, and they listened to hip-hop. I was desperately trying to fit in. I liked the Beastie Boys and A Tribe Called Quest and Cypress Hill. I used to go to rave parties, too, but I was never savvy with techno.
What’s the most prized T-shirt in your collection?
I went and saw the National at the Wiltern in L.A. and bought three T-shirts because they were so cool looking. I wear them all the time.
Name an artist who’s guaranteed to get a reader laid.
I was with someone who seduced me with Cat Power, so she works for me. I love “The Greatest.” And “I Don’t Blame You.”
What song were you listening to the first time you smoked pot?
“Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix. I was in my house with my brother in Sydney and I put on my Discman and played it really loud. It’s a beautiful track, but it definitely has a fantastic dimension when you’re high.
