On June 13, 2024, the third stop of her headlining This Is For Life tour, Morgan St. Jean wowed the audience at New York City’s own Mercury Lounge with a set including all of her viral hits including, but not limited to, “Energy (Lucky Me)” and “Do It Like A Girl.” As it was Pride Month, St. Jean also did a rousing rendition of “Skin And Bones” wearing a pride flag, which is the song she used to come out about her own sexuality in 2023. St. Jean also included songs she wrote for other artists, such as Aftertaste, and a cover of Toxic, which had the whole crowd jumping and singing.

While she won us all over with her incredible music and lively stage presence, I’m sure she made quite a few friends when she announced to everyone that she considers New York her soul city and believes this is where she belongs. As a native New Yorker, I think we’d all be glad to have her here.

But one thing has definitely stuck with me since her show, and that is a comment she made before “To The Bank.” “Don’t fight hate with hate. Fight hate with art, and send them so much love.”

I’m Music Magazine Photographer Amanda Packey