Lucy Dacus Reflects on Love and Legacy at New Album Preview

NEW YORK — Lucy Dacus, the acclaimed musician and member of the indie supergroup boygenius, is set to release her fourth solo album, “Forever Is a Feeling,” this spring. The album explores themes of love and change, reflecting Dacus’s personal experiences and artistic evolution.

The interview took place at the Cloisters, a medieval art museum in northern Manhattan overlooking the Hudson River. With her signature calm demeanor, Dacus discussed the new album, which features sounds from synthesizers, harp, and drum machines and delves into the complexities of love. “This is bliss / This is Hell / Forever is a feeling / and I know it well,” she sings in the title track. Dacus stated, “It’s about coming to terms with change and knowing that things aren’t forever.”

Dacus, 29, is well-known as a solo artist and as part of boygenius, alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker. Since the group’s formation in 2018, their self-titled EP and subsequent album, “The Record,” have received significant acclaim, including seven Grammy nominations and three wins. The band transcended conventional indie music boundaries, portraying vibrant female friendships and queer identities in a positive light, especially during a period marked by social and political challenges.

“For many, boygenius embodies a generation seeking connection in the chaos,” Dacus said. “We made out on stage, ripped shirts, and leaped into each other’s arms. It’s a joyful rebellion.” As the conversation shifted toward her relationship with Baker, Dacus expressed her desire for some privacy while acknowledging its influence on her songwriting.

“I have been practicing not reinforcing narratives about my personal life,” she said. “It’s a balancing act to protect what feels precious while remaining honest.” With intricate lyrics often inspired by personal relationships, Dacus grapples with sharing her life through music, citing online scrutiny over fan speculation.

As we strolled through the museum, Dacus shared insights on her connection to the Cloisters, having visited with Bridgers over the summer. “You notice similar themes through the ages, big human feelings that remain unchanged despite circumstances,” she said. “Every relationship feels unique yet ancient.”

The conversation naturally veered towards her newest songs. On “Most Wanted Man in West Tennessee,” Dacus explores the intricacies of romance, blending her haunting vocals with intricate instrumentals. “How are you doing romance without friendship?” she asked, discussing how deep connections fuel her creativity.

Meanwhile, the single “For Keeps” encapsulates the bittersweet essence of unattainable love. Dacus recounted how hearing the song brought a tear to her eye while witnessing geese flying in formation. “Love is complex, as I try to capture in my music,” she reflected.

Having carved a unique space in the music industry, Dacus found herself resonating with listeners through vulnerable, relatable songwriting. “Hearing that—thank God,” she laughed. “I want different conversations about love—not just the commodified narratives that fill the airwaves.”

The backdrop of artistic change is also evident in Dacus’s creative process. “The songs are about different people, but love is a universal experience,” she noted. With an eye toward embracing imperfections, she infuses her music with themes of hope and resilience.

As dusk approached, and our conversation continued at Houston’s, a Pasadena steakhouse, Dacus reflected on her growth as an artist. “Sometimes it’s painful to reach a beautiful place,” she said, discussing the duality of love and relationships, which often entail navigating both joy and discomfort.

On the following day, Dacus was set to direct a music video for “Best Guess,” featuring an eclectic group of individuals she dubbed “hot mascs.” With an energetic team at her side, she exuded confidence and enthusiasm, saying, “I feel really good doing this.”

As Dacus gears up for her album release and continues to navigate her path, she stands as an emblem of a generation eager for authentic expression and connection in the music industry.