Photography by Chris Esmele
Steve Lacy received his flowers in Maryland once again. Cementing the mainstream success of "Bad Habit," reaching number 1 on the charts, Lacy introduced the world to the sounds of "Bedroom Soul." Through the breakthrough of his latest album "Gemini Rights," his rise to acclaim seemed too fast for someone used to recognition as a smaller act.
Lacy's potential was solidified at 17. He received a Grammy nomination for his work with "The Internet" and later produced songs for prominent artists such as Kendrick Lamar and J Cole. Now 24, the Compton native is performing sold-out shows around the nation. For Maryland specifically, his performance in the DC-metropolitan area sold out so fast that his tour needed a second show in Baltimore to satisfy the fans who missed out.
On a Saturday night, Lacy brought the experience to The Fillmore, Silver Spring, a venue he sold out in the past as the guitarist for The Internet. Now, as his own act, with the world watching, his performance acts as an acknowledgment to his emerging solo stardom. His entrance onto the stage was gracious and poised. Opening with the song "Buttons," grooving basslines radiated the venue's floors, inciting the young crowd to croon along with the singer.
His set predominantly showcased his latest album, offering some highlights from his previous projects, "Apollo XXI" and "Steve Lacy's Demo." Each song's performance was passionate yet composed, and stage dancing was reserved as he would lightly sway to his r&b rhythms and pace around the stage. He would alternate between his acoustic and electric guitar as he sang with the support of his backing band, giving the crowd an ensemble of musicianship. His performing songs shared the same language of youthful, funk, r&b, and warped guitar chords. Building from his past sounds as a producer, his performance shows the world his own pocket of music.
The crowd presented nothing but genuine yearning for Lacy, singing all of his songs with occasional outcries from his dedicated supporters. Media coverage of this tour has been plagued with discourteous incidents flooding TikTok timelines and forming discourse on Twitter. Items being thrown on stage on other tour dates, audiences failing to know the lyrics of his songs, and tickets selling out by those motivated by TikTok trends rather than genuine fans. His stop in Maryland, however, was withdrawn from these cases. The audience was packed with true fans, with some going to the length of purchasing $200 resale tickets. Some fans showed up mirroring Steve's concert attire with his signature uncanny sunglasses with a white dress shirt and tie (an outfit originally paying homage to the Dead Kennedys).
Hesitant about his fame, he would have takes between performances asking the crowd if they were truly with him. Admittedly confessing he's shy at the start of the night, the crowd alleviated his timid behavior throughout the show by giving him nothing but appreciation for his music. His reluctant worries disappeared as he knew this crowd did nothing but deliver genuine gratitude to his artistry. He closed the show with heartfelt remarks, letting everyone know their appreciation was felt, then gifted the night with an encore full of fan favorites.
"I don't know how to take stuff in, but I'm really grateful. I didn't expect any of this"
