While most of us were scrambling around Austin earlier this month checking out as many showcases—official and otherwise—as we could during SXSW’s takeover of the Texas capital, about 30 miles outside of the city things were moving a little slower. On March 14, a much more manageable slate of musicians once again descended on Willie Nelson’s Hill Country ranch for the latest iteration of Luck Reunion, Nelson’s annual celebration of roots music.
In addition to performances by Nelson himself (solo, as well as a reunion with one-time duet partner Kermit the Frog) and members of his family tree, the event featured a number of exciting voices in the spaces of folk, country, and Americana—including songwriter Madi Diaz, whose recent LP Weird Faith expertly captured a spectrum of post-breakup feelings while leaning into the same well of indie-tinged country (or country-tinged indie) that’s brought us several of 2024’s most remarkable listens thus far.
And while we were busy hosting our own day party in Austin that day, fortunately we had none other than Diaz herself documenting the proceedings in photos for us—from a candid moment of pre-show jitters to the much-deserved post-set Texas BBQ meal. Find her shots below.
This beaut appeared on our drive into the ranch. A sign of good ~luck~
Howdy from Willie Nelson’s ranch (dress: Silk Laundry; boots: vintage; sunglasses Vada Eyes)
Pre-show feelings
(Left) Cue “Nervous”; (right) Better!
Vocal warm ups?
Adam Popick, the master multi-instrumentalist, slamming drums and synth at the same time
Liquid Death and my handwritten setlist—that’s all I need
Popick took this photo from his drum throne—it’s become a show ritual. Thank you, Popick :)
Post-show feelings
Goode Co. Texas BBQ is a must at Luck Reunion.
Popick and I demolished—the best feeling is a good meal after a show
Horse girls rise!
And that’s a wrap! Thank you Luck, thank you Willie, thank you Texas. What an honor.
