Most artists who’ve lived there would agree that Baltimore is a fascinating place that can both inspire and disturb.

While no one will accuse it of being perfect, the Charm City’s a busy hatchery for musicians of all forms and has given birth to a long list of bands that have that spent formative years there.

Assuming a name that immediately grabs attention and — even in Baltimore — can unsettle, Teen Suicide formed there in 2009 as an indie rock project and one of a couple different songwriting outlets for guitar player and vocalist Sam Ray. Teen Suicide returned to Baltimore recently for a show at Baltimore Soundstage, which was itself inspiring.

Teen Suicide released several EPs, a few compilations and so far only three studio albums, with 2022’s Honeybee Table at the Butterfly Feast being the most recent.

Listen to Teen Suicide’s last studio album, Honeybee Table at the Butterfly Feast, via Spotify:

It’s broken up at least once and been brought back to life, and it’s endured plenty of change. Sam — who was in his late teens when he launched the operation — is now 33 years old and married to Kitty Ray, who adds vocals and handles electronics on stage for the band, which is now based in Orlando.

Though Sam is the only original member remaining in the band, the night of April 28 at Baltimore Soundstage turned out to be a long overdue reunion for Teen Suicide and the city that influenced its outraged emo sound and lo-fi transmission.

Delivering a full band set to thrilled family and lots of old friends, too, Ray shared the origin of the wide assortment of tunes he and his crew selected to make this a special and memorable occasion in the Inner Harbor.

Attendees were brought up to speed on favorites played live for the first time, like the drifting and crashing “Living Proof” from 2016’s It’s the Big Joyous Celebration, Let’s Stir the Honeypot.

Fans were also treated to fresh takes on rough and relevant classics, like “Dan Collins vs. The Maryland Judicial System,” released on the 2012 debut I Will Be My Own Hell Because There Is a Devil Inside My Body.

Sam was joined by Kitty, who records and performs on her own, as well as drummer Nathan Munizzi and bassist Sean LaBree, who together form their own project, The Synthetics.

Sam’s gained additional notoriety through his own compelling electronic endeavor, Ricky Eat Acid. But the eager supporters in his home state hustled to Soundstage to take in this milestone performance by his most popular outfit. Those included his parents and former Teen Suicide bandmates Nick Hughes and drummer Sean Mercer, who joined Sam as a special guest on stage for a couple songs.

Revisit Teen Suicide’s premier studio album, I Will Be My Own Hell Because There Is a Devil Inside My Body, via Spotify:

Assessing the situation, Sam — who is not easily impressed — was taken aback by such a turnout and such enthusiasm.

“Damn,” he paused. “Been to a lot of shows here but never actually played at Soundstage. Never would have thought that could even be possible.”

Expressing his gratitude, Sam thanked everyone involved in pulling off a night that clearly meant a lot to him.

“I’ll aways love Baltimore more than anywhere else. Even though it’s a fucked up place.”

Teen Suicide Setlist

Living Proof
Dan Collins vs. The Maryland Judicial System
Everything is Fine
Everything in my life is perfect
Suicide
Violets (with Sean Mercer)
Bright Blue Pickup Truck (with Sean Mercer)
What’s The Incentive
Have You Been Eating That Sandwich Again
We Found Two Dead Swans and Filled Their Bodies with Flowers
Skate Witches (Sam solo)
See the Clown (Sam solo)
God
Dead Bird Skeleton
The Same Things Happening to Me, Even in my Dreams
Give Me Back To The Sky

awakebutstillinbed Setlist

airport
Fathers
redlight (with Chris Lawless from Stay Inside)
Far
Beauty
Bloodline
Life
passenger

Stay Inside Setlist

Bon Zs
Hollow
My Fault
A Backyard
An Invitation
When’s the Last Time?
Ivy (with Shannon Taylor of Awake But Still In Bed)

Below are home-rolled/developed/scanned photos of Teen Suicide along with the night’s opening acts, awakebutstillinbed and Stay Inside, performing at Baltimore Soundstage in the Charm City on April 28, 2024. All shots copyright and courtesy of Casey Ryan Vock.

Teen Suicide

awakebutstillinbed

Stay Inside