Show summary Hide summary
Madi Diaz surprised fans this fall by following her critically praised seventh album with an unexpected, full-album cover of Blink-182’s 1999 hit record. The two releases landed within weeks of each other, revealing a playful side to Diaz that doubled as a pointed act of charity.
From indie-folk to pop-punk: Diaz’s bold cover project
After releasing Fatal Optimist on October 10, Diaz quietly completed a song-for-song reinterpretation of Enema of the State. She retitled the project Enema of the Garden State in a wink to the New Jersey studio where she laid down the tracks. The covers arrived on Bandcamp during the week of November 10.
Nas slams music industry over disrespect: teases new music, vows to address it
1992 vocal performances: 3 jaw-dropping moments that still amaze
Blink-182’s original album was a commercial landmark in 1999. Diaz’s version reframes those songs through her own folk-tinged lens, offering stripped-down textures and intimate vocals.
How the recordings came together in the studio
Warm-up takes that became a record
Diaz recorded these songs between sessions for her studio album. While preparing the layered material for Fatal Optimist, she used short, informal run-throughs to warm up. Producer Andrew Maury set the gear, and Diaz would play through songs alone.
Those casual moments—simple guitar, unvarnished voice—captured a candid energy. She says there was no elaborate plan or heavy arrangement process. The result reads as spontaneous and affectionate.
Why she decided to release the Blink-182 covers
At first, Diaz had no intention of issuing the recordings. They began as nostalgic experiments—songs she’d revisit seasonally and hum during runs. As the sessions progressed, the idea to share them grew sharper.
Two forces pushed her toward release. First was the ironic resonance of the original album’s title in today’s political climate. Second was Diaz’s wish to channel those recordings toward a cause she cares about. She framed the release as a way to respond to a fraught moment in national politics.
Charity focus: every sale supports immigrant aid
Diaz committed the album’s earnings to charity. All proceeds from Enema of the Garden State will go to the Defending Our Neighbors Fund, she announced. The Bandcamp release has a suggested price starting at $10 for the digital download, with fans free to pay more.
- Legal assistance for immigrant families
- Grants for bond and emergency needs
- Support for trusted local organizations providing counsel
The fund distributes immediate grants to groups that provide direct legal help and bond aid. Diaz framed the decision as using art to support people who need advocacy to remain in the U.S.
Her personal reasons and public stance
Diaz spoke about her own background—roots tracing to Danish and Peruvian immigrant families—and said that history shaped her perspective. What began as a joyful homage became a vehicle to raise funds and raise awareness.
She also used the album as a platform for a political message. In announcing the release, Diaz made clear she sees the project as more than teenage nostalgia. She closed her statement by thanking listeners and expressing a blunt political sentiment against immigration enforcement practices.
How fans can hear and contribute
The cover album is hosted on Bandcamp for immediate download. Buyers can choose the base price or add to it, increasing the amount directed to charity. Diaz encouraged listeners to treat the project as both a musical detour and a way to help families in need.
Music outlets and streaming services may pick up the project later, but Bandcamp remains the primary channel where donations flow directly to the designated fund.
