Indie rock sensation Lucy Dacus recently took to the stage at the Kilby Block Party in Salt Lake City, marking the kickoff of her new tour following the success of her previous outing. During an exclusive interview, Dacus reflected on her experiences, including officiating 154 weddings last year, her recent birthday celebrations, and a memorable moment involving her father and his idol, Bruce Springsteen.
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The Kilby Block Party, held at the Utah State Fairpark, featured Dacus performing to an enthusiastic crowd. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a surprise guest appearance from Romy of The xx, who joined Dacus for a duet during her set. An emotional highlight came during her song “Best Guess” when Dacus directed the audience’s attention to a rainbow that had formed in the sky, a striking visual against a backdrop void of rain.
In a conversation with PEOPLE, Dacus expressed her appreciation for returning to Salt Lake City, a place she finds particularly inspiring. She reminisced about her first visit, recalling the unique timing of pedestrian crossings, which sparked her creativity. Notably, she has penned songs like “Fool’s Gold” and “My Mother and I” during her time in the city, attributing its quirks to her artistic process.
As she enters this new phase of her career, Dacus has launched a new single titled “Planting Tomatoes,” which adds to her impressive discography. With her band back on the road after a two-month hiatus, she conveyed her excitement about once again making music together. In light-hearted fashion, she shared how she has been spending her time off by gardening, opting for herbs such as Thai basil and parsley, which she has been incorporating into her cooking.
Celebrating her 31st birthday earlier in the month, Dacus hosted a spontaneous gathering with around 60 friends, creating an intimate atmosphere filled with joy. Among her birthday traditions is a visit to the flower district, where she buys an array of blooms for her guests to create their own bouquets—a lovely gesture that underscored her connection with those around her.
Reflecting on her unique experience of officiating weddings during her last tour, Dacus described the profound impact it had on her. She explained how being present for such significant moments in people’s lives brought her to a new level of awareness. Each ceremony was accompanied by a mix of emotions, making her deeply appreciative of the love she witnessed among the couples she married.
While she may not keep in touch with all the couples, she expressed her happiness upon hearing messages from some about their post-wedding experiences. Dacus acknowledged the varied reasons couples chose to marry at her shows, from spontaneous decisions to more poignant motivations related to social issues. Her involvement allowed for a joyful celebration of love amid the complexities of real life.
When asked about her own views on marriage, Dacus revealed that she is not particularly drawn to the idea of having a wedding herself, especially not in front of an audience. While open to officiating more weddings in the future, she noted that it requires substantial effort from her management team due to the legalities involved and the coordination required to manage the events.
In an unexpected twist, Dacus shared a heartwarming story about her recent encounter with Bruce Springsteen. She recounted how her father, a lifelong fan, was able to meet his idol during a performance in Los Angeles. Dacus had developed a rapport with Springsteen over time, which culminated in an emotional backstage meeting where her father was able to express his admiration.
Dacus also described the politically charged nature of the concert, noting how Springsteen has a unique ability to engage audiences on pressing social issues while infusing humanity into his messages. This aspect of Springsteen’s performance left a lasting impression on Dacus, underscoring their shared dedication to addressing significant themes through music.
As Lucy Dacus embarks on this fresh chapter of her career, her experiences and heartfelt connections to her fans continue to define her journey, solidifying her place as a rising star in the indie music landscape. With her blend of personal storytelling and social consciousness, she remains a captivating figure both on and off the stage.