I typically don't feel the urge to join the 'in-crowd,' but I made an exception to see The Dare perform at a venue with which he is very familiar. As night four of his seven-show residency at Baby’s All Right began, I navigated through a crowd of 280 in order to experience the evening from various perspectives… to witness the impact this music and culture have on people while still enjoying the moment. The Dare’s debut album, ‘What’s Wrong With New York?,’ is now available.
Stream: “Girls” – The Dare
When it was announced that Harrison Patrick Smith, known as The Dare – the current indie sleaze sensation from NYC – would be holding a residency at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, an immediate sellout was anticipated and swiftly confirmed. Additional shows were scheduled, which also sold out quickly.
The Dare © Kellie Chen
The fourth night of the seven-show series on Thursday, May 15th, served as a lively start to the weekend for many in attendance, most of whom strolled in with drinks after 10:30 p.m., having seen Smith's Instagram post indicating he wouldn't take the stage until nearly 11. Members from fellow NYC band Geese kicked off the evening with a DJ set, while a local DJ kept the audience entertained as they entered and maintained the energy in the lobby even after The Dare left the stage.
The 13-song set lasted just about 50 minutes, featuring mostly tracks from his latest album, What’s Wrong With New York?, released last fall, along with a few classic Dare songs and a cover. The selections from WWWNY, such as “Good Time,” “You’re Invited,” and “I Destroyed Disco,” stood out as highlights early in the performance, as Smith, dressed in his signature suit, tie, and sunglasses, captivated the 280-person audience with his erratic moves and high-pitched vocals. Many in the crowd knew the lyrics well, swaying in time with the rhythm and bass drops. Some were there as companions to those who were familiar with the music, while others simply used the atmosphere as background for their conversations. Everyone fit right in.
The Dare © Kellie Chen
The Dare © Kellie Chen
Notable for producing his friend charli xcx’s 2024 hit “Guess” off brat, The Dare possesses an enigmatic presence, and his theatrical campiness as the Dimes Square, Brit-pop-inspired figure he portrays adds to his appeal. Like charli, and despite what the internet might dramatize, his energy is inclusive. He never uttered phrases like “This one’s for the bad bitches,” or “Trust fund babies only,” or anything similar. Instead, he served as the conduit for the audience's memorable night: “You play the drums, I’ll write lyrricssss/ You bring the soooong, I’ll bring the spir-rit/ You got a dem-mo, I wanna hear ittttt/ You got the add-dress? I think I’m near ittttt. You’re invited/ You’re invited.”
The Dare © Kellie Chen
Smith’s cover of the English post-punk band The Sound’s “I Can’t Escape Myself” transitioned the experience from a high-energy performance to a more lo-fi vibe, giving audience members an opportunity to navigate to the bar in the back for another round of vodka sodas, most of the bartenders wearing expressions of recognition as if to say, ‘I’ve seen this before,’ while attendees maneuvered back to their friends. Only the boldest, often with two drinks in hand, dared to do so. While the room wasn't packed to the brim, its close quarters made it nearly impossible for anyone to evade a splatter of liquor from another or the brief blinding glare of an iPhone flash from those capturing the moment. But isn't the slightly chaotic nature of the experience during those 50 minutes what makes it all so beautiful?
The Dare © Kellie Chen
After this pause, The Dare concluded his set with the catchy “Girls,” launching into its confessional hook that resonates not just with a city but with an entire generation. “I like the girls that do drugs/ Girls with cigarettes in the back of the club/ Girls that hate cops and buy guns/ Girls with no buns, girls that’s mean just for fun.” As he and his fans exited the venue, knowing he would return for another show the next night, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement about one question: “What’s next?”
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:: stream/purchase What’s Wrong with New York? here ::
:: connect with The Dare here ::
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“I Can’t Escape Myself” – The Dare
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© Kellie Chen
:: Stream The Dare ::
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I typically have no inclination to join the 'in-crowd,' but I was willing to make an exception to witness The Dare perform at a venue he knows very well. As night #4 of his seven-show residency at Baby's All Right began, I navigated through a crowd of 280 to enjoy the evening from various angles... to see how this music and culture impacts people while also allowing myself to partake in the enjoyment. The Dare's debut album, 'What's Wrong With New York?,' is now available.