Madi Diaz in Phoenix

Hidden Beats

We Are Story Tellers

Madi Diaz in Phoenix, AZ was the first live show I’ve photographed since August and what a special night it was! Coming off the heels of her Grammy nomination, she brings her Weird Faith to Arizona Financial Theatre as the opening artist for Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Sharing the stage with her friend and collaborator Adam Popick, she kicked off the night with a setlist that I only wish could’ve been longer.

Who is Madi Diaz?

Madi grew up in Lancaster County, PA and the creative artist apple didn’t fall far from the tree. With her father a musician and her mother a visual arts creative, she started crafting her talents at an early age. She first took to the piano at just 5 years old; but during her teen years, she picked up a guitar and has been leaving her indie-folk-rock mark on the music industry ever since.

Her first album, Skin and Bones, was self-released in 2007 of which she collaborated with her songwriting partner, Ryan Kelly. They both started to play shows throughout NYC in 2008 before meeting her manager and signing with publisher Cherry Lane Music. As a result, this led her to writing in and eventually moving to Nashville in 2010.

Following the release of two EP’s and one full length album, Plastic Moon (2012), she packed her bags and decided it’s time to go solo in LA. Over the next few years she would release two more albums, We Threw Our Hearts in the Fire (2012) and Phantom (2014), and yet wouldn’t release another EP, It’s Okay to be Alone, until 2018.

In February of 2021, Madi sign with the label Anti- Records and released her fifth studio album, History of a Feeling, that August. This raw, introspective album is a diary of emotions that she started penning back in 2018 in the wake of a painful breakup. With a more stripped-back, acoustic sound, it explores the complexities of heartbreak, betrayal, self-discovery and healing.

Madi was invited to open for Harry Styles on a few of his North American stops in 2022 and 2023 before being asked to join his band for his European leg of Love on Tour. Since then, she has released her sixth studio album, Weird Faith (2024), and went on her own headlining US tour in the early Spring. Following shortly after, she joined her friend Kacey Musgraves for her UK and European tour. Madi is currently touring with Rainbow Kitten Surprise while she works on new music.

As of today, Madi is now a 2x Grammy nominee. It was announced on November 8^th, 2024 that her album, Weird Faith, has been nominated for Best Folk Album. Her song “Don’t Do Me Good” which she collaborated with Kacey Musgraves, was also nominated for Best Americana Performance.

Weird Faith.

At a theatre that easily seats 5000, Madi Diaz walks on stage and you instantly feel like you’re standing in her living room. Quietly entering stage left with her 1960’s Harmony guitar in tow, she greets the audience with a shy smile. Reflecting on how it’s been years since they’ve played in Arizona while noting how hot it is. Her humble presence and friendly banter break the ice as she sets up her pedals and begins to play.

While Madi’s demeanor may seem quiet and shy, she quickly lets the audience know that her lyrics are not. Starting the night with “Same Risk” from her current album Weird Faith, the opening line “What the fuck do you want?” punches you in the face with authenticity. And Madi is, if nothing else, beautifully authentic.

She went on to play a 45-minute set that told stories from both History of a Feeling and Weird Faith. A lyrical dance between heartbreak and healing that are powerful one minute, and delicate the next. When she’s on stage, she manages to command an audience with just her guitar and an incredible set of vocals. Her writing style has such an honest vulnerability that’s it’s hard not to be drawn in. She is taking you on this emotional journey with her and there’s no denying how cathartic it feels.

The highlight of the night for me was getting to hear her some of her new music live. Songs such as Grammy nominated “Don’t Do Me Good”, “Everything Almost” and “For Months Now”. Madi is an artist whose songs manage to cut even deeper when performed live. Not to mention the way she can perform night after night with the same emotional delivery is a testament to her songwriting and vocal ability. She is quickly proving herself to be one of the most talented artists of her genre and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

Before you knew it, the 45-minutes was over. It was time to close up, but not before mentioning that she would be at the merch counter for a meet and greet after. While we only had a short time with Madi, she made sure to leave you with something fun. She closed her set with a mashup of her “fuck you” anthem “Think of Me” and Sabrina Carpenter’s bop “Espresso”. This is a favorite amongst both sets of fans that leaves you, as a woman, feeling empowered and fired up. And lastly, if you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Madi live, I highly suggest you check out the remaining dates for 2024. Although I would venture to guess there will soon be more dates for 2025. x

Send us a message here