"You have to sound sad first of all, then maybe later you can sound good"

In this quote, Steve Lacy is stressing the significance of revealing real emotion in music. He recommends that in order to truly get in touch with an audience, one should initially convey a sense of sadness or vulnerability. This raw emotion enables a deeper connection and can make the music more impactful. Lacy likewise acknowledges that there is a time and location for sounding "good" or technically skilled, but it ought to not come at the cost of genuine emotion. This quote highlights the value of credibility and emotional depth in music, rather than just technical skill.