RS: One of your songs has really touched me in a way that you can
never imagine, “Sexual Revolution.” What was the story behind that
song when you wrote it?
Macy Gray: It was at a time in my life where I had just gotten famous
quote unquote, whatever that is. I had just gotten into the habit of
exploring and doing all the things I couldn't do before. You kind of
go off in to this crazy free-for-all with yourself when your life
changes that way. So I just got really indulgent and I actually wrote
that song while I was indulging.
RS: Your signature record, the one you're most known for is “I
Try.” Do you ever get tired of singing that song?
Macy Gray: I used to, but I think I've got to the point where I
really appreciate that song more than I ever did. Its done a lot for
me in my career of course and just mainly because it means so much to
so many people. Like I hear people all the time say they had a baby
to that song or they had their first kiss to that song. So I've just
learned to really, really appreciate it.
RS: On the dance floor a lot of what's done is remixes, are you
involved with the remixes of your music?
Macy Gray: Not really. My label, I just found out today, went off on
their tangent and did them without talking to me, which is fine
because I don't really know that world. I just heard a couple of
great ones. I'm excited. I love hearing different interpretations of
my songs.
RS: What's your favorite remix of one of your records?
Macy Gray: I remember Fatboy Slim did this- not Salsa, but he did
this kind of merengue version of “Sexual Revolution.” Theres a remix
of “When I See You” by Bugz in the Attic that I really like.
RS: Speaking of remixes, how did you get into DJing?
Macy Gray: My ex-boyfriend was a DJ and he used to teach me stuff and
I got into it. It's such a great way to learn about records. Most
DJs know everything there is to know about every record and you kind
of are forced to listen to them so you know how to mix them. Its been
this great opportunity for me to learn a lot more about music than I
knew before, and you learn the year it came out, who did it and who
did a remix of it. Mixing is the part where it gets creative and
that's always fun for me. I love putting odd records together, like
records that don't go together- I like putting them together.
RS: That makes perfect sense. Have you ever DJed and sang at
the same time, like sung over your records as you DJ?
Macy Gray: No, I haven't done that yet. I might try it though, since
you brought it up.
RS: What would you like to say to all your dance fans out there?
Macy Gray: Oh, I'd just like to say shake your booty and shake your booty.
Interview conducted March 2010.
