Perfume Genius

Perfume Genius

Perfume Genius is the performing name of US singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas, who is born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1981. He moves to Seattle as a child and later becomes known for writing music that sits across ambient pop, art pop, baroque pop, chamber pop, electronic and experimental styles.

Early life

Hadreas grows up as the only openly gay student at his school and receives death threats that the school administration ignores. He leaves high school during his senior year. Two years later, he is attacked by several young men in his neighbourhood. He then moves to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and works as a doorman for a club in the East Village.

Recording career

In 2005, Hadreas returns to Seattle and begins recording music. In 2008, he sets up a MySpace page under the name Perfume Genius, which begins his music career. The name comes from the genius perfume-maker character in Tom Tykwer’s 2006 film Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.

Albums

Perfume Genius releases six studio albums: Learning, Put Your Back N 2 It, Too Bright, No Shape, Set My Heart On Fire Immediately, Ugly Season and Glory. These albums receive praise from music critics.