Perfume Genius at Lincoln Theatre

Go To This Because We Asked So Nicely – A Concert Preview

By Alexandra Henriques

Photo Credit: Drew de Fawkes / Wikimedia

The first time I heard “Hood” by Perfume Genius, I genuinely sobbed, then wrote three different fanfiction stories based on the song (yes, they are still on the internet somewhere). It ranked in my top three on my 2021 Spotify Wrapped, and remains one of my favorite songs of all time. Exploring the rest of Perfume Genius’ catalog after my discovery of “Hood” was one of my best decisions. From Learning and Put Your Back N 2 It, to their newest Grammy-nominated album, Glory, Perfume Genius is one of the most sonically creative artists I have discovered, and they will be performing a surely incredible show at the Lincoln Theatre on Tuesday, March 31. 

The duo, formed by Michael Hadreas and containing his “his partner in life and music” Alan Wyffels, began releasing music in 2010. Since then, they have released seven studio albums, including Glory. While the sound of Perfume Genius frequently evolves, it is often described as art pop and glam rock. Much of their music explores the themes of queerness, relationships, trauma and illness. 

Joining Perfume Genius is Dan English, an Iowa native who began releasing music after his move to New York City. His music blends storytelling with lush soundscapes and is nothing short of cinematic. He released his second studio album, Sky Record, last year, which vacillates between hopelessness and optimism. If you have never heard his music, the concert is a great way to be introduced to the beauty of English’s sound. 

The 5 W’s (And a few H’s)

Who: Perfume Genius, with support from Dan English. 

What: An emotionally intense, performance-art-driven live show that blends vulnerability with beauty. 

Where: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

When: Tuesday, March 31, doors at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Why: For the chance to hear “Hood” live and genuinely sob – just kidding (a little), but genuinely, a great opportunity to explore vulnerability, identity and desire with beautiful music by one of the best musical duos to date. 

How you might know them: Perfume Genius has been nominated for three Grammys since the beginning of their career in 2010, and songs such as “Otherside,” “Slip Away” and “Hood” gained traction on social media platforms. 

How to go: Tickets are $52 on Ticketmaster.