Perfume Genius, the acclaimed musician known for his evocative sound and theatrical performances, recently shared insights into his past and future during an interview. He shared about his former employment as a telemarketer for a mortgage company. Throughout, he expressed skepticism about the bank’s authenticity, sure that it was likely a fraudulent operation. This fascinating discovery opens a new window on his short, editorially oriented life. It preceded him climbing the ladder of success in the music field.
As part of his telemarketing job, Perfume Genius would try to gather information such as social security numbers. He considered the moral weight of the work. Related Content Why guaranteed income made Andrew Yang uncomfortable It troubled him deeply, the fear that it would be used to prey upon the most vulnerable of people. Horrifying stories from this era are not uncommon. Looking back, I’m 99% positive it was a scam,” he said of the unsettling experiences he faced.
Aside from the darkness of his past, Perfume Genius is currently in a place of celebration and accomplishment in his music career. He was especially happy that the performance would be televised. As he pointed out in that same interview, that’s why part of his The Tonight Show appearance had to be censored. The mechanics of this censorship remain unclear. It is a testament to the artist’s fierce conviction to test limits within his practice while he pushes public aspects.
Such emotional depth is not only present in the artist’s performances, but is apparent in his life experiences. And then he told us that watching Brokeback Mountain changed his life — he was crying for three months after seeing that movie. Apart from the obvious cultural impact of his acclaim for the film, this represents a greater appreciation for stories about love that defies oppression. Perfume Genius, known as Mike Hadreas, stitches these topics into the fabric of his art. His album Set My Heart on Fire Immediately is a visceral exploration of the joys and pain of love and identity.
In between breaking down his music, Perfume Genius explained his fascination with reality TV. He believes that Alan, a character or perhaps a friend in his life, would be perfect for a reality TV show. With typical mischief, he quipped that he’d gladly give Alan to reality show competitors. When asked about reality shows he’s been into, Perfume Genius opened up about loving to indulge in shows like Love Is Blind and The Bachelor. He credits these programs with providing him entertainment and inspiration in equal measure.
Just last week, Perfume Genius was celebrating an equally important milestone, sharing wedding photos on Instagram. This personal revelation adds layers to his otherwise brash self-serving public persona. It encourages his fans to engage with him on a more personal level. The artist’s life is still a work-in-progress as he juggles enjoying his newfound personal happiness as well as his current music success.
Looking forward, Perfume Genius will go on a short tour of Australia this December. He’ll play intimate clubs, indigenous community spaces, and the storied Sydney Opera House on December 9. This brand new tour visits incredible spaces in Melbourne, Ballarat and Brisbane. His genre-defying blend of music and performance art will be sure to entertain fans in every city.