World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Lucy Dacus Joins Madi Diaz On New Version Of “Heavy Metal”
Singer-songwriters Madi Diaz and Lucy Dacus have released a new duet version of Diaz's song "Heavy Metal", following a weekend of collaborative performances together at the Newport Folk Festival. The pair had already appeared together on stage during the festival, including guesting on Hayley Williams' set, before Diaz shared the studio recording of their reworked track.
The original "Heavy Metal" featured on Diaz's 2025 album Fatal Optimist, and the new duet version will appear on an expanded "UN-unplugged" deluxe edition of the record, due for release on 4 September via Anti- Records. Diaz has praised Dacus's contribution, comparing her vocal to Frank Sinatra and saying she was "honoured" to have her feature on the song, which was also performed live during Dacus's Newport set.
In short
- Madi Diaz and Lucy Dacus release duet version of "Heavy Metal"
- Follows joint appearances at Newport Folk Festival
- Track features on deluxe Fatal Optimist reissue, out 4 September
Explained simply
Madi Diaz and Lucy Dacus are American singer-songwriters known for their introspective lyrics and guitar-driven songs. "Heavy Metal" is a song from Diaz's 2025 album Fatal Optimist, and the two artists have now recorded a duet version of it.
The two performed together at the Newport Folk Festival, an annual gathering of folk and Americana musicians. Following their performances at the festival, they recorded a studio version of their reimagined arrangement of the song.
The duet will appear on an expanded deluxe edition of Fatal Optimist called UN-unplugged, due in September. Creating reworked versions of songs through collaborations allows musicians to offer fresh perspectives on their catalogue.
Americas Entertainment Music World