Lucy Dacus Confirms Romance with Bandmate and Releases Vulnerable Album
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, celebrated artist Lucy Dacus shared her deeply personal journey in her latest album Forever Is a Feeling. The album, set for release on March 28, reveals an intimate portrait of love, desire, and self-discovery, inspired by Dacus’s relationship with her Boygenius bandmate, Julien Baker.
Opening Her Heart Through Music
The album stands as Dacus’s most revealing work, exploring the intricacies of love through her connection with Baker. With a Renaissance-style cover embodying romantic flourishes, Forever Is a Feeling captures Dacus’s shift towards embracing vulnerability openly. As Dacus reveals, this newfound openness wasn’t easy, yet it echoes a pivotal chapter in her life where her instincts rather than her thoughts guided her decisions.
An Unspoken Bond Finally Spoken
Dacus and Baker’s relationship, long speculated by fans, is confirmed in Dacus’s candid revelation. Their connection, rooted deeply in friendship, gradually blossomed into something profound, with the album capturing the essence of their story through both lyrical content and harmonic collaborations. According to Dacus, embedding such genuine emotions into her music was both exhilarating and daunting.
Crafting Intimacy Through Collaboration
One of the album’s highlights is the hauntingly beautiful duet “Bullseye” featuring Hozier. This collaboration grew from mutual respect and shared artistic vision, portraying the complexities of an ideal breakup where love remains despite the end of a relationship. Dacus’s ability to merge different genres and voices makes the album a sonic delight, further enriched by guest appearances from her Boygenius partners, Bridgers and Baker.
Lyrics Reflecting Real Life
For the first time, Dacus embraces gendered pronouns in her lyrics, a step she describes as both innovative and reflective. The song “Most Wanted Man” is particularly special, as it directly addresses Baker—showcasing not only their chemistry but also the real-life influences that shape her melodies. As Dacus opens up about such personal experiences, it lends an honesty and depth that resonate powerfully with her audience, blending the boundaries between life and art.
Exploring a More Personal Sound
The production of Forever Is a Feeling also marked a shift in Dacus’s musical journey. With producer Blake Mills, known for his focus on sonic depth, the album marries lyrical richness with immersive soundscapes. This experimental collaboration is a testament to Dacus’s ever-evolving artistry and willingness to venture into unknown creative territories.
The Future of Boygenius
As for the future, Dacus, Baker, and their Boygenius counterpart Phoebe Bridgers remain focused on their individual projects. While the band might be on hiatus, their collaborative spirit remains untouched, hinting at potential future projects together. Their bond transcends music, offering solace and inspiration while allowing them the space to explore new artistic realms.
Deploying a blend of raw emotion and lyrical beauty, Forever Is a Feeling invites listeners into Lucy Dacus’s world—a world where love, art, and vulnerability intricately entwine. According to People.com, this record is a testament to Dacus’s growth and her transformative journey through love and music.
