Reflecting on the Past with Macy Gray
By Mary Perez
Graphic by Emily Lantzy
Coming out of 2018 with her tenth album, Macy Gray’s 20+ year career is nowhere near its end. Her distinctive sound has rightfully earned her a spot as one of today’s greatest R&B inspirations, as well as many prestigious awards, including a Grammy for her early 2000’s hit “I Try.” Her latest single, “Buddha,” reflects on Gray’s career in the music industry, the chaotic nature of fame, and her challenges in finding peace with her mental health. The talented Teyana Taylor directed the music video for “Buddha,” and blues-rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr. is featured on the track. Kinda Cool Magazine is honored to have had the opportunity to speak with Macy Gray about “Buddha,” its music video, and the future of her legendary career.
Tell me a little bit about your song, “Buddha.” What inspired its creation?
As I get older, I am becoming a lot more reflective. The past is done, and no matter if it was yesterday or last year, it’s over and we can’t change the past. The future is ahead, and unless we can time-travel, we can’t predict what is about to happen. All we have is the present, and this is our opportunity to create the future we want.
Were there any challenges or surprises you encountered in putting the song together?
Not really. It was pretty magical and came together beautifully. Johann, my producer, also co-wrote it.
“Buddha” is a little different from some of your other songs in the sense that it tackles the more intimate topic of mental health. Was it difficult to try to write about something like your mental health?
Not really. It’s about staying in the present, so it can apply to anyone in any phase. We all have struggles and obstacles and have to figure out our way around them.
Seeing as mental health is still very stigmatized, do you have any advice for listeners who may be struggling with their own mental health?
You have to take care of yourself, and you can’t let anyone label you or use your condition as an excuse. You have to get to know yourself, your triggers, and how to take care of yourself. Sometimes you need a little more space and time to regroup. It’s an opportunity to use a different muscle and master a different skill. YOU have to be a fighter, and you CAN win.
Where did you get the idea to host an album art contest for “Buddha?” Did you have any favorite submissions that did not end up winning?
I love engaging my fans through contests, and I’ve been doing it forever. I had tons of incredible submissions. It was so hard to choose! I would get one and love it, and then get another and go “Wow!” It was really nuts. I had several favorites, and they’re all on my Instagram page. Good stuff!
Your music video for “Buddha” has a collection of different shots, including clips from your career and shots of your roller skating. Can you tell me a little more about the process of making it, as well as how it was to work with Teyana Taylor?
Teyana was amazing to work with. It was such an honor. She is really at the top of her game and knows what she wants, so it was easy to work under her direction. We decided to incorporate scenes that people can relate to, like playing with kids and what happens in relationships - they were meant to be clips from my life.
On one of your posts about the “Buddha” video, I saw a comment that said, “The video perfectly captures you. It’s brilliant.” What elements or details of you and your life did you really try to have reflected in the video?
There are a lot of little moments - the clips in the beginning, playing with my kids, having a turmoil in a relationship, the joy of signing my first record contract, roller skating… all juxtaposed against a new and different place in my career. Things have changed, the music industry has changed. If I thought about living in the past, I‘d drive myself crazy!
Your latest album, RUBY, was released last year. How does “Buddha” fit in with that album?
It’s probably my favorite album to date. “Buddha” fits in really well. Like the rest of the album, it’s thoughtful, a bit more mature, and pretty sophisticated.
Will we see similar themes in any of your future works?
That’s kinda hard to say. I never know how I will be inspired, so there is a chance my next album could have some similar threads, but I like to keep things fresh.
You’re going on tour next month, so will you be adding any new or different elements to your shows to showcase any songs off of RUBY or even “Buddha” itself?
I’ve got amazing stage graphics right now, but I’m playing some pretty intimate rooms for much of this tour, so I probably won’t have them running except for in D.C. My band is also the best band in the world. It’s gonna be sick.
Any final words for your fans?
Thank you for always supporting me. I love you all. Remember to be good to yourselves and to each other… and stream “Buddha!”
Macy Gray’s wise words truly capture how valuable her experiences over her career have shaped her perspective of the world. By preaching about the importance of taking care of oneself, she is a fantastic example for others who may be struggling with their own mental health. Regardless of age, music taste, or background, Macy Gray’s music continues to relate to anyone who is willing to listen, and she definitely does not intend to stop anytime soon. Be sure to listen to “Buddha,” available on all major streaming services now!