Led by a surprise No. 1 hit, Steve Lacy redefines the rock star for Gen Z

Of his public status as a bisexual singer-songwriter, Steve Lacy says, “I don’t feel brave or tough, it’s just how I exist.” In September, Steve Lacy sauntered into the glassy upstairs lounge at the Novo in downtown L.A. bearing some remarkable news. It doesn’t scream “hit single” at first, but Lacy’s sly ambiguity across genre and desire spoke to millions of Gen Z fans. “We were just riffing and writing funny lines, making up phrases that sound ridiculous.” Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” doesn’t scream “hit single” at first, but his sly ambiguity across genre and desire spoke to millions of Gen Z fans. “Baby, you got somethin’ in your nose / Sniffin’ that K, did you feel the hole?” “I was pissed, you know?” Lacy said, about the betrayal that inspired the song. “I’ve got to do this to feel less crazy or alone,” says Steve Lacy.