I just want to be able to live in the world and not be so scared all the time.”
The interview with Mike Hadreas reveals a deep introspection into his own psyche and struggles with self-destructive tendencies and anxiety. Through his music, he confronts these issues head-on, using his art as a form of therapy and self-exploration. The honesty and vulnerability in his lyrics resonate with many listeners who may also be grappling with similar feelings of fear and insecurity. Hadreas’ journey towards acceptance and self-awareness is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to struggle, and that growth and healing are possible through introspection and expression. “I don’t want to be better. I just want to have more fun, and be kinder.” This sentiment was expressed by artist Perfume Genius during his performance at the 2018 Outside Lands festival. Perfume Genius, whose real name is Mike Hadreas, has been known for his candid and introspective music that often delves into personal struggles and experiences.
Hadreas has often been pigeonholed by his past, with much of his press coverage focusing on his early struggles with bullying, addiction, and his experiences with homophobia. As a rare gay man in the indie rock scene, his sexuality has often been the focal point of discussions about his music, sometimes overshadowing other aspects of his artistry.
However, Hadreas is now looking to broaden the scope of his music and create a more inclusive representation of LGBTQ stories. He aims to build a gay canon that goes beyond narratives of youth and tragedy, and instead celebrates the diversity and complexity of queer experiences, including those of older gay men.
The themes of loss and grief are prevalent in Hadreas’s latest album, “Glory,” which was written before he experienced the death of his beloved chihuahua, Wanda. The songs on the album now take on new meanings in light of this loss, exploring the anticipation of grief and the aftermath of losing something precious.
Despite the heavy themes of his music, Hadreas ultimately sees a message of resilience and acceptance in the title “Glory,” acknowledging that life is full of challenges and losses, but that we must learn to move forward and find joy in the present moment. Hadreas dice que se refiere a la forma en que le gustaría aceptar las cosas tal como son y apreciar la belleza en ellas. “Se trata de tratar de estar lo más presente posible donde estoy”, dice, al mismo tiempo que aprecia “todas las cosas que he estado cargando todo este tiempo que no han cambiado”, incluso aquellas que son difíciles. “Siempre quieres que sean solo las cosas hermosas, pero todas están mezcladas”. No es el sentimiento intenso que pudo haber perseguido durante tantos años, ni el más dramático, pero es satisfactorio de todas formas.
Glory se lanzará a través de Matador Records el 28 de marzo.