In the world of music, 2024 is proving to be a remarkable year. Even in the early months, we have been gifted with several outstanding albums. One standout among them is Madi Diaz's captivating and beautiful creation, 'Weird Faith,' which marks her fourth great album of the year, following the releases of Tom O'Dell, Gary Clark Jr., and Kacey Musgraves.
'Weird Faith' is a magnificent display of simplicity and vulnerability. Across its 12 enchanting songs, Diaz bares her heart with elegant precision, showcasing her skills as a quintessential singer-songwriter.
Diaz's journey to becoming one of today's most celebrated troubadours is awe-inspiring, especially considering that just a few years ago, she wasn't sure if she had a future in music. But her ability to write songs with such depth and sincerity is a testament to her status as a career artist.
In a recent Zoom interview with Sage Bava, Diaz delved into the creative process behind 'Weird Faith' and shared her thoughts on songwriting, unexpected success, and more.
When asked about the stream-of-consciousness nature of the album, Diaz revealed her approach to crafting lyrics that authentically reflect her thoughts and emotions. She explained that she often speaks out loud to gauge if she truly means what she says. She highlighted the powerful duality of emotions, expressing how one can simultaneously love and hate someone. Diaz also shared her desire for a better way to articulate this complex feeling, as the conventional phrase 'I love you, I hate you' doesn't fully capture its essence.
Reflecting on the album as a whole, Diaz acknowledged that while she initially thought she was creating a love sonnet, her friend pointed out that 'Weird Faith' could also be perceived as a breakup record. This realization added a new layer of depth and truth to the songs.
Bava commended Diaz on her ability to cut through the noise and create music that is simple yet poignant. Diaz credited her growing appreciation for the power of authentic communication, which she developed through observing her friends and their conversations. Being misunderstood is something she wishes to avoid at all costs, as it can be both exhausting and terrifying. By striving for clarity, Diaz aims to bridge the gap between her feelings and others' understanding.
Diaz then opened up about the transformative journey she has experienced in recent years. Initially doubting her future in music, she was ready to give up and pursue other career paths. However, despite her uncertainties, music remained an undeniable force in her life. The last couple of years have been a whirlwind of incredible highs, intense exhaustion, and immense personal growth. Learning to embrace both the amazing and challenging aspects of her success has been a significant hurdle, one that Diaz continues to navigate.
The conversation touched upon the unique challenges Diaz faces as a woman in the music industry. She mentioned Bjork's insightful interview from over a decade ago, in which Bjork lamented the pressure on women to be both true to themselves and conform to societal expectations. Diaz expressed her growing awareness of these challenges as she matures in the industry. She acknowledged the different paths and opportunities available to men, often seeing them achieve milestones at a faster pace. However, she remains determined to carve her own path and push boundaries.
Diaz expressed gratitude for the support she has received from fellow female artists, notably Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris. The outpouring of love and encouragement has been overwhelming and something she never took for granted. These experiences have solidified her belief in the power of uplifting one another.
As the interview neared its end, Diaz spoke about the music that resonated deeply with her and played a pivotal role in her creative journey. She credited Joni Mitchell's 'Blue,' Patty Griffin's 'Living With Ghosts,' and Bikini Kill Singles as pivotal albums. She admires Mitchell's ability to meld honesty with captivating melodies, Griffin's straightforward storytelling, and Kathleen Hanna's passionate and powerful delivery.
The interview concluded with Diaz sharing the origin story of the title track, 'Weird Faith.' She recounted a vulnerable moment during a Zoom call with Lori McKenna, where she expressed her desire to have a sense of 'weird faith' amidst the uncertainties in her life. The song flowed effortlessly, with every chord already in place, and Diaz felt a profound connection to her piano and the emotions it helped her express.
Madi Diaz's 'Weird Faith' is a testament to her growth as an artist and her commitment to honest, heartfelt songwriting. With each album, she continues to captivate audiences and solidify her place among the best troubadours of our time. As she navigates the challenges and triumphs of her musical journey, Diaz remains determined to communicate authentically, uplift fellow artists, and embrace the complexities of life.
