Exploring Lucy Dacus' Hometown on ‘Planting Tomatoes’
Richmond, Virginia's own Lucy Dacus has taken a personal and poignant step in her artistic journey with the release of a self-directed video for her latest single, **‘Planting Tomatoes’**. Initially featured on an exclusive 7” vinyl for Record Store Day earlier in the year, this track marks a thoughtful continuation of her storytelling. For those tracking her progress, it follows the well-received **‘Forever Is A Feeling’ LP** and her dual single **‘Bus Back To Richmond’ / ‘More Than Friends’**.
The video showcases Lucy's deep connection to her roots, capturing the essence of Richmond as she visits beloved local spots like Dogwood Dell and Hollywood Cemetery. It’s not just a visual treat; having friends and family appear in the video adds a layer of intimacy to the project, accentuating the song’s underlying theme of appreciating everyday life and its treasures. Filmed by local production team SpangTV in collaboration with creative director Jordan Rodericks, who previously worked on Lucy's **‘Hot & Heavy’** video, the production reflects a strong sense of communal support and love.
What stands out is not just the nostalgia in the visuals, but also how Lucy plans to engage with her hometown further. A special screening of the video will occur at Richmond’s The Byrd Theatre, featuring a Q&A with Dacus herself on July 30th. Coupled with a range of live performances planned across North America this summer, there’s a palpable excitement for fans, new and old alike.
Check out the video for **‘Planting Tomatoes’** below, and explore Lucy's upcoming tour dates right after the player. If you’re in this space, her ability to blend personal narrative with broader themes of connection and community should resonate—that authenticity is a rare find these days.
Tour Dates and Live Events
As for those in North America, keep an eye on these dates:
**July 2026**
10 - Oakbank, MB, Winnipeg Folk Festival
12 - Madison, WI, The Sylvee ^
13 - Grand Rapids, MI, Meijer Gardens ^
15 - Toronto, ON, Queen Elizabeth Theatre ^
16 - Ottawa, ON, Ottawa Bluesfest
18 - Saint Paul, MN, Minnesota Yacht Club
19 - Chicago, IL, Millennium Park with the Chicago Philharmonic ~
20 - Cleveland, OH, Agora Theatre ^
22 - Kingston, NY, Ulster Performing Arts Center ^ (sold out)
23 - North Adams, MA, Mass MoCA ^
25 - Asbury Park, NJ, Stone Pony Summer Stage ^~
**August 2026**
8 - San Francisco, CA, Outside Lands Music Festival
**September 2026**
13 - Los Angeles, CA, Hollywood Bowl with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra & Cat Power performing The Greatest
^ with Smidley
~ with Ratboys
New Releases and Upcoming Tours
Nell Mescal continues to build her imprint on the music scene with the release of her latest single, *‘Settles’*. This track marks another milestone in her budding career, showcasing her unique sound that blends emotive vocals with relatable lyrics. If you haven't yet checked it out, follow the link for more details [here](https://diymag.com/news/nell-mescal-new-single-settles).
With Mescal gaining traction, she isn't the only one making waves in the industry. The critically acclaimed jazz collective Ezra Collective has announced an expansive UK headline tour for 2027, set to be the largest they've ever undertaken. A bold move, considering they’ve already gathered a loyal following and continuously captivate audiences with their fusion of jazz, funk, and Afrobeat influences. For concert dates and additional information, click [here](https://diymag.com/news/ezra-collective-uk-headline-tour-2027).
Meanwhile, the upcoming DIY Alive festival, scheduled for 2026, is generating buzz as it prepares to feature an exciting lineup that includes not just Mescal but also bands like Sports Team, FEET, and Walt Disco. This kind of diverse lineup highlights the festival's commitment to showcasing emerging talent alongside established acts. Live events like these can be a barometer for the health of the music economy; if you’re in this business, you’ll want to keep an eye on ticket sales and audience turnout to gauge trends. More on the festival can be found [here](https://diymag.com/news/sports-team-nell-mescal-feet-walt-disco-diy-alive-2026).
As the industry evolves, artists like Mescal and Ezra Collective illustrate just how dynamic the music world can be. Their efforts reflect a blend of traditional sounds and contemporary themes that resonate with today’s listeners. If you're tracking trends, following these artists could provide valuable insights into where the scene is headed.The recent burst of music from Lucy Dacus showcases her undeniable influence and relentless creativity in the indie scene. Her latest single, "Planting Tomatoes," released for Record Store Day, offers an inviting glimpse into her artistic process. It's not just another release; the charming DIY lyric video set in a Tokyo stationery shop highlights her unique approach and personal touch.
If you're tracking trends in the music industry, Dacus's choice to drop a single in such a casual yet visually engaging format signals more than just a song release. It reflects an artist comfortable with her identity, embracing spontaneity while actively engaging with fans through authentic, relatable content. This isn't merely about expanding her discography; it's about deepening her connection with her audience.
Following closely is the double A-side surge of "Bus Back to Richmond" and "More Than Friends," which arrived shortly after her previous album, "Forever Is A Feeling." This rapid succession of releases is telling—Dacus isn't resting on her laurels; she’s continually inviting listeners to explore new dimensions of her sound and storytelling. If you're working in music marketing or artist management, consider this strategy of constant engagement. It's a call to action for others in the field to rethink how they promote not just content but genuine, sustained interactions.
Here's the crux: Dacus's ongoing creativity signals a pivotal moment in her career. With each release, she continues to challenge the norms of the industry, crafting a compelling narrative that’s infused with personal significance and artistic intention. What comes next for her is anyone's guess, but one thing's for sure—her trajectory remains one to watch closely. Dacus represents a new breed of artist who understands the power of both music and message in today’s hyper-connected world.