INDIO, CALIFORNIA: A recent shout-out from former President Barack Obama may have seemed like an incredible honor to most, but for Lucy Dacus, a member of the musical group 'Boygenius', it was met with mixed emotions. The supergroup, formed of the female artists Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker, received praise when their track 'Not Strong Enough' was included in Obama's 2023 summer playlist.
While this acknowledgment is usually a cause for celebration among artists, Dacus responded to the news on Twitter with a surprising comment, calling the former president a "war criminal :(." The reason behind Dacus's unexpected criticism remains unclear as of now.
Who is Lucy Dacus?
Dacus is an American singer-songwriter and musician who gained recognition in the indie music scene for her emotive and introspective songwriting style. She released her debut album, 'No Burden', independently in 2016, garnering critical acclaim and considerable attention. Later, she signed with the record label Matador Records, through which she released her sophomore album, 'Historian' in 2018.
Along with her solo work, she is a member of the indie rock supergroup "Boygenius," which includes fellow musicians Bridgers and Baker. The group released a self-titled EP in 2018, further establishing Dacus as part of a new generation of influential singer-songwriters. Throughout her career, Dacus has remained authentic and candid in her approach to music, earning her a dedicated fan base.
'F*** Ron DeSantis!'
While Dacus's reaction to Obama's praise may have raised eyebrows, it's worth noting that she has been outspoken about her political views over the years. Showing support for Bernie Sanders in the past and openly criticizing Donald Trump as an "evil, bigoted man," Dacus has never shied away from sharing her thoughts on important political matters. Additionally, the supergroup, Boygenius, used their platform during a Nashville show to protest anti-drag bills by performing in drag to advocate for equality.
At this year's Coachella performance, the trio continued their activism by advocating for transgender rights. Dacus expressed her support for the safety and well-being of transgender children, while Bridgers told the crowd, "F*** Ron DeSantis." Regardless of Dacus's reservations, Boygenius's inclusion on Obama's playlist undoubtedly serves as a significant recognition of their musical talent and impact.