Perfume Genius

Set List

• “It’s a Mirror”
• “In a Row”
• “Me & Angel”
• “Fade Into You”

As a young boy, Mike Hadreas recalls a news report that stirred a mix of fear and curiosity. “I kind of started fantasizing about getting kidnapped,” he gently shares. This adventurous spirit has always accompanied Hadreas, who expresses himself through his music as Perfume Genius. He often envisioned a life filled with storytelling and artistic exploration, despite the challenges he encountered along the way. Now, nearly 20 years sober, his outlook on life has transformed, giving rise to profound musical narratives.

“You can create something deeply touching without having lived through every aspect of it,” he reflects, illustrating how art can transcend personal experiences. His latest album, born from the stillness of the COVID-19 lockdowns, serves as a serene meditation on his journey through music, love, and self-discovery. It explores themes such as his career, mortality, his past anxieties, and the stability he has found with his partner, Alan Wyffels.

During this quiet period, Hadreas faced a unique challenge: “The music typically follows a comforting rhythm—create, explore, then share with the world. The sudden halt encouraged me to confront my thoughts and feelings, allowing time for reflection and renewal.” This space led to an outpouring of creativity, transforming his previously built tension into beautiful melodies.

On his experience self-isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic

“Honestly, I felt a bit overwhelmed. The musical journey includes a balance of sharing and introspection, which found itself suddenly disrupted. I had to navigate through the chaos, allowing my thoughts to surface in new ways through my music.” Each performance became a sacred space to express these emotions, turning anxiety into artistry.

On his anxiety around men and “It’s a Mirror”

“Engaging in small talk brings its own set of challenges for me. There’s a lingering feeling of being exposed, especially influenced by early experiences. I once thought that connection with men might pose a risk to my safety. Although it may no longer ring true, those childhood impressions can linger longer than anticipated,” he shares, inviting a sense of empathy in understanding our own fears and perceptions.

On his love of “disgusting” things

“I find beauty in imperfections; there’s a certain joy in exploring the unexpected. The juxtaposition of humor with deeper meaning often sparks inspiration. It’s liberating to transform what seems grotesque into something powerful and meaningful.” With songs that dance between the bizarre and the beautiful, Hadreas finds strength in vulnerability, celebrating the complexity of human experience.

This peaceful episode of World Cafe gently nurtures the connection between music, reflection, and the journey toward personal growth, radiating warmth and understanding.