Just the fact that you’re a “rock-star-in-residence” at the Bowery Hotel means that you’re at the top 0.01% of cool. Currently inhabiting this position is singer Diego Garcia. Born in Detroit (to parents from Argentina), educated at Brown, and living in New York almost a decade now, the singer, heretofore part of a band named Elefant, is branching out to release his first solo album.

Below you’ll find more on that, and on how his Bowery Hotel residency helped him extract his creative juices. We also got dirt on his favorite spots in his home-neighborhood of Soho:

Tell me about the residency…
It was beautiful. Every Monday around 7pm we did a kind of live rehearsal out on the second-floor terrace at the Bowery Hotel – you could hear it on the street too. The idea was to create an atmosphere to have a good time and get some dirt on the demos. We got some great feedback. We’re talking about doing a few more in September.

Really? So when’s the album going out?
Well, my priority right now is to get into the studio and hit record – I’m developing my first solo record. Should be out by end of the year.

Tell me more about the album…
I worked on it for two and a half years, and have done about 20-25 demos. The final piece was putting a live show together – taking the songs and bringing them to life. I’m toying with the title “Warm Winter Day.” It’s about the maladies of love, and all the questions a boy turning into manhood faces.

What are your favorite places to hang out in your area, to get inspiration?
The outdoor garden at the Bowery Hotel is one of my favorite spots in New York – because it’s quiet – the quality that most turns me on with the Chateau Marmont in LA as well. There’s no music in the lobby – you can hear people talking. Generally, I’m a total loafer dedicating my life to music and loafing. I love relaxing at Café Gitane – where else can you have a coffee outside, and look at a wall and graveyard across the street? I’m part of the gang there – I go there and it’s family – I’m guaranteed to run into a friend. I also love Balthazar around 3pm after the tourist lunch crowd thins out – it’s nice and relaxed then . Have you ever had the Eggs Benedict there? It’s the best in the world. Oh, and want to know a secret for one of the best things to do in New York in the summer? Go to P.J. Clarke’s in Battery Park around 8.30-9pm, again when the tourists leave – then go to the big movie theater at Battery Park after. Another good evening plan is to have dinner at Bar Pitti – but don’t order dessert there. Head to Blue Ribbon Bakery and get the bread pudding. It’s the best dessert in the city.

Any stores you like?
McNally Robinson – the bookstore on Prince St. I love going there and having a tea and reading whatever – again, since it’s quiet. Hey, I think there’s a quiet theme here… now I feel like I’m talking to a therapist!

You do seem to like quiet. Let’s explore that…
In New York, you have to look for refuge from the insanity. My day is about avoiding an “avenue.” The only major street I deal with is Broome – it’s the only one where I have to look both ways before I cross.

When you have to look good for either an outing or an album cover – what are your health and beauty regimens?
Neutrogena SPF 15 moisturizer every morning and every night before bed. When I’m about to shoot a video or album cover, I cut back on alcohol, and NO sugary soda. And I stop eating French fries. That part’s not easy –
I love French fries.

~ Stephen Milioti

Go There: McNally-Robinson Bookstore, 52 Prince St., 212.274.1160 Bar Pitti, 268 Sixth Ave., 212.982.3300 Blue Ribbon Bakery, 35 Downing St., 212.337.0404 P. J. Clarke’s downtown, 4 World Financial Center, 212.285.1500 Balthazar, 80 Spring St., 212.925.1414 Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery, 212.505.9100