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[INDIE] Lucy Dacus, a native of Richmond, Virginia, has emerged as one of music’s newest up-and-comers. The 21-year-old’s diverse collection of songs, which include hints of alternative, indie, folk, and even a little bit of country twang, are refreshing, mature, and cohesive.

After releasing her massively popular and relatable debut single “I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore” in 2015, several record companies were coaxing her to join their labels. Dacus says she was flattered at first, but also overwhelmed by all the sudden attention. She wanted to be able to maintain her creative direction, and finally, she chose Matador Records, a company she felt was compatible with her needs as an artist.

Dacus originally released her debut album, No Burden, in February 2016 via Richmond’s EggHunt Records, then re-released it through Matador the following September. Since then she’s received much praise for the album and its songs, and even released a video for “I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore” featuring a bunch of her friends, which she says was a heartwarming and exciting experience.

Last year she managed to fill in for The Duke Spirit at the London Calling festival in Amsterdam and also played Lollapalooza. This year she’s set to perform at Boston Calling, Bonnaroo, Forecastle, and Capitol Hill Block Party, but before that she’s making a pit stop in Buffalo on Saturday, April 1 at The Tralf with doors opening at 6pm and the show starting at 7pm.

Dacus took time out to chat with The Public about her beginnings as a songwriter and lover of music, along with what her future music plans are.

Can you remember what your first memory of music was?
Thinking about the earliest song I remember, it might be a song that my mom wrote for me when I was a kid. She wrote a song about me when I was born and played it for me. She’s not a songwriter either. I can’t remember if it’s my mom or my dad actually. I don’t have a recording of it, but they did play it at my church when I was being blessed by the church. I should probably ask them about that. My mom is an elementary music teacher, which is always fun because she has little songs for every occasion. My dad is a guitarist and a huge music lover. He probably goes to more shows than I do. He’s one of those people who’s like, ‘I love live music.’ He doesn’t really care who it’s going to be.

What made you want to start making music?
I went to a winter camp with some friends—like summer camp but in winter—and our cabin leader was this 20-something lady who played covers on an acoustic guitar and I thought she was about the coolest girl I’d ever met. When I left I was like, ‘I need an acoustic guitar!’ So the day I got home I found a $100 ¾ size acoustic Ibanez on Craigslist and started messing around. I think that was seventh grade. 

I read you went to school for film before committing to your music career. What made you switch gears?
I never viewed music as a possible career path because I’ve never taken a music class. I’ve never felt like I could call myself a “musician” because I have such a small amount of knowledge about it. I thought film was a good place for me because it combines all the art forms I was interested in- writing, sculpture, photography, cinematography, performance, presenting a narrative, even the logistical aspect interested me, like production and festival planning. Plus there are tons of jobs in the film industry. I started to become conflicted with the idea that I might have to work on movies that weren’t in accordance with my beliefs, like if I had to edit a misogynistic or racist comedy. With music, I am fully responsible for the content. The words I say are from me without any input from anyone else. That feels better. 

What are your favorite music genres to listen to and/or refer to for inspiration in making your own music? Are there any current artists you really love and can’t get enough of?
You know, I think genres are on the way out which I think will be a very positive change. I guess I’m very inspired by artists that are innovative. I don’t take direct inspiration for my sound from Kendrick Lamar, per se, but I’m inspired by his ingenuity and consistently mind-blowing and graceful work. My most listened to records of last year were probably The Party by Andy Shauf, Masterpiece by Big Thief, Don’t Let The Kids Win by Julia Jacklin, and Ojos Del Sol by Y La Bamba. 

Your voice reminds me of some of the classic old Hollywood actresses/singers, like Judy Garland, for example. Has anyone ever made that comparison before? Are you inspired by any of them and the way they sing?
That’s very cool, no one has ever said Judy Garland, but people have said that they can hear my voice coming out of a gramophone. I’ve always found that to be a compliment. I’ve never thought I was inspired by that era, but I guess I did watch a lot of old musicals since my mom was super into them. I was obsessed with Easter Parade as a kid. 

What’s the future look like for you? Are you currently just in performance mode or are you writing any new songs or have plans to record soon?
We’re making our next record this very second! I’m in Nashville working with our friend and co-producer Collin Pastore. We finished all of our basic tracking last night (or this morning?) at 5 a.m. at Trace Horse Studios. I guess the real answer is that I’m in performance mode, writing more, and recording mode at all times it seems. 

Are you excited to perform in Buffalo? Have you ever been to Buffalo before?
The only time I’ve been to Buffalo was on the way to Canada and we stopped for some take-out Thai food that was pretty good. I am excited, but I’m kind of nervous because I don’t know anyone in Buffalo! It’s very centering to have people I know in the crowd, which usually happens in most of the cities we play, but Buffalo is a total wild card. Maybe we’ll make some new friends.