Perfume Genius is the stage name of American singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas, known for his emotionally raw and genre-defying music that explores themes of love, identity, trauma, and resilience. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1981 and raised in Seattle, Hadreas started making music in 2008, releasing his debut album, Learning, in 2010. His early work was minimalist, often featuring just piano and vocals, but he soon expanded his sound with lush, baroque arrangements, as seen in albums like Put Your Back N 2 It (2012) and Too Bright (2014). Perfume Genius achieved widespread acclaim with his 2017 album No Shape and 2020’s Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, both praised for their bold, genre-blending compositions and vulnerable lyricism. Hadreas' music, known for its explorations of queerness and self-discovery, has earned him a dedicated following and a respected place in contemporary indie music.
