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Madi Diaz is reflecting on her experience performing in Harry Styles’ touring band.
The singer-songwriter, 39, who was an opening act for Styles in 2022 and was later asked to join his Love on Tour band the following year, enjoyed observing the “Fine Line” performer while they were on the road.
“I think we just liked watching each other, and he was always interested in what I was reading or listening to — and vice versa,” recalls Diaz.
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The “Ambivalence” musician also really admired Styles’ demeanor.
“I really liked watching how he treats people,” says Diaz. “He remembers everybody’s name, he remembers what — every single person, every cog in the wheel — does, and goes out of his way to make people feel important and seen and special in their role.”
She adds, “I just think is a really beautiful way to operate in a team sense.”
Diaz notes that the duo seemed to “just liked each other’s headspace.”
The “Hope Less” artist also spoke about how singing backup vocals on the tour was a transformative experience for her.
“I don’t know if I would’ve been able to access that part of myself when it’s about me,” says Diaz. “When it’s my show, my songs are f—ing sad.”
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She was “able to challenge myself to be in my body.”
“I really love the feeling of singing, I love how it feels in my muscles…and that’s kind of what that whole tour became,” says Diaz.
As she was able to step further into the joyfulness, she found herself wielding her guitar in the air and “skipping down the stage.”
“Oh my God, I was having fun playing music,” said Diaz.
She also recently reflected on the growth that she’s experienced over the years that led her to this record.
“I feel like I know that I’ve gotten better,” Diaz told PEOPLE, “and I am grateful to have a longer career arc because I can hold all the things that are coming at me now better, better than I would’ve if I was 25.”
Diaz’s seventh studio album Fatal Optimist is out now.
