Lucy Dacus

Virginia native Lucy Dacus is an indie-rock singer-songwriter who debuted with the critically acclaimed album No Burden in 2016. Its success surprised everyone, including Dacus, who initially recorded it as part of a school project for her friend, not realizing it would be her introduction to the broader music scene. She landed a recording contract with Matador Records and issued her sophomore album, Historian (2018), featuring the six-and-a-half-minute breakup song "Night Shift."

Dacus, who was adopted at birth, was raised in a Christian household, but she is no longer religious. Many of her songs explore her complicated relationship with God, including her memories of attending summer church camp on "VBS," watching her devout grandmother die on "Pillar Of Truth," and admitting her lack of faith on "Nonbeliever."

In 2018, Dacus formed the supergroup boygenius with fellow indie rockers Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers. Their 2023 debut album, The Record, was named Best Alternative Album at the following year's Grammy Awards, with the single "Not Strong Enough" taking the prizes for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance.