Bundle Drum Sheet & Drumless – Steve Lacy – Bad Habit

“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy is a fascinating blend of lo-fi groove, indie soul, and experimental pop — and for drum enthusiasts, it’s a rhythmic masterclass in subtlety and feel. Released in 2022 as part of his critically acclaimed album Gemini Rights, the song became an unexpected global hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and turning Lacy from a cult favorite into a household name. But behind its smooth, dreamy sound lies a deeply personal creative process — one that shows how Lacy’s instinctive approach to rhythm and texture shaped one of the most memorable tracks of the decade.

The song was written and recorded mostly in Lacy’s home studio in Los Angeles, where he produced nearly everything himself. True to his DIY spirit, he used minimal gear — just his guitar, a simple mic setup, and a few drum samples that he manipulated and looped to create that hypnotic groove. The drums in “Bad Habit” are deceptively simple at first listen: dry, snappy, and slightly offbeat, giving the song a raw human touch that perfectly matches its introspective lyrics. Rather than relying on traditional fills or flashy patterns, Lacy built the rhythm around a tight kick-snare pattern and airy hi-hats that leave plenty of space for the vocals and guitar lines to breathe.

The creative process was spontaneous. Lacy has said he started with a guitar riff and began humming melodies until the hook — “I wish I knew, I wish I knew you wanted me” — appeared almost naturally. Once that core idea was set, he layered the drums to feel like they were being played in a small room, slightly behind the beat, giving the track its irresistible laid-back swing. The result is a groove that feels intimate and alive — a heartbeat that drives the song without ever overwhelming it.

When Lacy performed “Bad Habit” live for the first time at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, fans could truly appreciate how integral the rhythm was to its vibe. His touring drummer translated the studio groove beautifully — keeping the pulse tight but adding subtle dynamics and ghost notes that brought the song to life. Later performances, such as at Coachella 2023 and during his Give You the World Tour, showed how flexible the rhythm could be, sometimes extended into lush jam sections.

For fans of drumming, “Bad Habit” is a reminder that groove isn’t about complexity — it’s about feel. Every snare hit and hi-hat tap in this track speaks to Steve Lacy’s genius for making rhythm serve emotion, not ego.