Lucy Dacus has released a new video for "Planting Tomatoes," a track from her 2022 album "Home Video." The singer-songwriter directs the piece herself, creating a meditative visual that pairs the song with footage of her and her father wandering through a cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
The video unfolds as a self-directed montage capturing the landscape of Dacus's hometown. Rather than a conventional performance video, the clip emphasizes atmosphere and intimacy, following the two figures as they move through the graveyard. The cinematography dwells on nature, headstones, and quiet moments between father and daughter.
"Planting Tomatoes" sits among Dacus's most reflective work. The track explores themes of memory, mortality, and family legacy. Her decision to helm the video herself speaks to an artist taking greater creative control over her visual presentation. Dacus has built a reputation as one of indie folk's most introspective voices, with "Home Video" establishing her as a major force in contemporary songwriting. That album drew widespread critical acclaim for its unflinching examination of family trauma and personal history.
Richmond figures prominently in Dacus's artistic identity. The city grounds much of her songwriting and visual work. By filming the video in her hometown cemetery, she roots the abstract themes of the song in a specific geography. The decision also reflects a broader trend in contemporary music videos where artists increasingly direct their own work, seeking authenticity and narrative control.
The video arrives as Dacus continues to expand her presence in both music and culture. Her songwriting has earned comparisons to established figures in Americana and indie folk, while her live performances have developed a devoted following. Dacus represents a generation of artists who treat music videos not as promotional afterthoughts but as integral artistic statements.