Lucy Dacus

Lucy Dacus was born in 1995 and raised in Mechanicsville, Virginia, by adoptive parents. By the age of eight, she began writing songs, engaging with diverse musical styles from classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin to popular contemporary acts. Her upbringing in a Baptist, later nondenominational Protestant, church influenced her early life, including her relationship with religion and community. These early experiences and her developing understanding of herself, including coming to terms with her sexuality, became foundational to her artistic expression. While studying film at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dacus continued to develop her songwriting, eventually leaving university due to an administrative issue with her scholarship and a feeling of understimulation, to pursue her musical path.

Dacus released her debut album, “No Burden,” in 2016 through Egghunt Records, a local label. The album was subsequently re-released by Matador Records, expanding her reach. This period marked significant career milestones, including performing at Lollapalooza and a Tiny Desk concert. She also began opening for artists like Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers, leading to the formation of the indie supergroup boygenius. In March 2018, Dacus released her second album, “Historian.” Seven months later, boygenius released its self-titled EP. The album “The Record” by boygenius in 2023 was a major event, earning seven Grammy nominations and three wins, and included performances on “Saturday Night Live” and a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. Her third solo album, “Home Video,” released in 2021, delved into themes of adolescence and self-discovery. This spring, Dacus is set to release her fourth solo record, “Forever Is a Feeling.”

Lucy Dacus’s career is marked by her ability to craft deeply personal and reflective music. She has cultivated a dedicated fanbase through her solo releases and her collaborative work with boygenius. Her artistic endeavors extend to directing music videos, such as for her song “Best Guess,” where she actively sought to feature diverse representation within queer communities. Dacus has demonstrated a commitment to authentic storytelling and community engagement, contributing to conversations about identity, relationships, and societal perceptions through her art. She views her songwriting process as a means of self-communication, allowing her to explore complex emotions and experiences.