In an interview with GQ, Harrison Smith revealed he wanted to create “really fun” and “very simple” art in a sea of complicated music. Smith, formerly known as Turtlenecked, ditched his indie persona for a frenetic and unserious sound. In 2022, he released the party anthem “Girls” under the moniker The Dare. Soon after, he found himself a part of Charli xcx’s Brat pack as both a producer on the deluxe track “Guess” and a background character in her DJ sets. Charli xcx, a generational vibe scout, saw something of a kindred spirit in Smith: deconstructionist pop stars with a penchant for partying. She shouted him out in the song and invited him to open for her in his hometown of Brooklyn, NY, securing her stamp of approval right before his debut album. Just last Friday, The Dare released What’s Wrong With New York?, a collection of thrilling songs with saucy conversational lyrics and endlessly layered production. His upcoming tour enables fans to let loose to the complete collection of his feel-good indie sleaze music.
On a brisk and lively evening, guests lined up around the block, waiting for doors to open at The Dare’s sold-out show. At 6:30 pm sharp, fans camped out next to the galaxy graffiti mural outside hopped to their feet and spilled into the cozy concert venue. Smith’s string of headlining shows opted for small venues, with the Sonia’s 350-person capacity fostering an intimate connection between the audience right off the bat. Many visited the merchandise tables lined with shirts, underwear, and a poster cleverly asking, “What’s Wrong With Cambridge?”. Fans began to buzz with excitement, trading Kandi and acknowledging that this was The Dare’s first live show since releasing his album. The unknowns of the night fed their anticipation.
Soon, the opening act, AVALON, strutted onto the stage and up to the DJ booth, where she immediately started her set. She sported long platinum blonde locks in a wolf cut, slender black sunglasses, a long black neck scarf reminiscent of The Dare’s signature tie, and a sheer white dress. She played an array of bass-heavy songs, raising her glass and dancing with the crowd, but never stopping to speak. Songs included “Perfect (Exceeder)” by Mason and Princess Superstar and, of course, “Girls” by The Dare. Fans cheered every time she transitioned between songs and a circle of dancers formed in the back of the pit. Every once in a while, she mouthed the lyrics and flashed a smile at the crowd.
When the lights finally dimmed again, everyone released deafening roars. Soon, Smith emerged in his classic black suit, angular sunglasses, white button-up shirt, and skinny black tie, all staples of his look as The Dare. He dove into the night’s first song, the opening rock and roll track on his new album, “Open Up.” He infused energy into the crowd via his snappy delivery of the brash lyrics on the songs like “Good Time” and “Sex.” Smith displayed his DJ talents, frequently shifting between singing into the microphone and controlling two DJ decks. A single cymbal sat on the stage that Smith occasionally thrust over the crowd as he hit it with a drumstick during songs’ outros.
As the show continued, Smith’s energy never dwindled. Sweat slowly seeped into his white shirt as he committed to jerky dance movements. He dramatically removed his jacket, making it a part of the performance. A crowd full of matching black suits, furry boots, sunglasses, and fishnet tights bounced along to the driving synth basslines and distorted guitar riffs. Guests couldn’t help but match the energy The Dare projected into the crowd, most dancing along without stopping to think about how they were being perceived. One fan blew bubbles into the air throughout the entire set. Towards the end of the night, The Dare exclaimed, “sometimes I wish I lived in Boston,” eliciting more screams of excitement. He performed his new album in its entirety before stepping off the stage. He shared that he would be back to sign things, and everyone in the venue quickly formed a line.
If Smith has one talent, it’s his knack for what an audience craves to see from the nightlife scene. The rig of backlights, cheeky lyrics, crowd interactions, and curated setlist highlighted his ability to deliver a good time. Smith’s patience and genuine interest in each fan who stayed to have him sign things–including packs of cigarettes, condoms, and the thong he was selling–is a sign of a star in the making. Make sure to catch The Dare live before his last stop on September 27th. Buy tickets here.
