Duckwrth’s late‑night set was a dazzling blend of funk, hip‑hop, rock and pop, complete with theatrical flair and a message of identity.
When Los Angeles polymath Duckwrth steps on stage, the energy instantly shifts. At Treefort Music Hall on Friday night, fans packed the venue for his 11:10 p.m. headlining slot. Treefort’s genre‑blurring lineup meant that by the time Duckwrth appeared, many attendees had already sampled everything from bluegrass to techno. He rewarded their curiosity with a kaleidoscopic show that pulled from decades of Black music and punk culture.
Duckwrth; born Jared Lee, describes himself as a sonic shapeshifter whose music blurs funk, rap, soul and alternative pop. An interview in To Be magazine revealed that his influences span emo, hip‑hop, gospel and jazz, and that his signature star‑shaped make‑up nods to Paul Stanley of KISS and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. His latest album All American F★ckboy explores reckless desire, blending alt‑rock guitars with R&B melodies and hip‑hop beats.
At Treefort, he turned those influences into a full‑on multimedia experience. Backed by a live band and dancers, Duckwrth opened with the funky swagger of “Fall Back” before launching into the punk‑infused “No Chill” and the sultry R&B of “Power Power.” Between songs he cracked jokes with the crowd and performed choreographed routines. Halfway through the set he addressed the audience about reclaiming the term “F★ckboy,” framing his album as a narrative about shedding ego and embracing vulnerability. The crowd sang along loudly to new tracks and older favorites, turning Treefort Music Hall into a sing‑along party.
Duckwrth’s show epitomized Treefort’s promise that discovery and spectacle can coexist. By fusing disparate genres with theatricality, he created a space where fans could mosh, dance or simply marvel at the artistry. His message resonated deeply, proving that even a late‑night party can carry purpose.
