Macy Gray

Macy Gray’s song, “I Try,” went number one all over the world in 1999 and changed her life with the album On How Life Is. Her new CD, The Sellout, is ready to bring her in the spotlight again and even contains a song called “The Comeback.”

WCT: (Windy City Times) Hi, Macy. I love the new album.

MG: (Macy Gray) Thank you.

WCT: The first single “Beauty in the World” is inspired by your daughter?

MG: Yes. There is a little story about when she was laughing in the next room. There is that old cliché where there is always something good going on that you have to look for it and be ready for it.

WCT: I liked your last album, Big. I thought it should have been bigger. How do you feel about it?

MG: I think it was good. I didn’t really have a lot of control over it. Looking back, I think it was a learning experience. It was very challenging and unexpected. I personally have a lot of confusing memories about that time. I do like some of the songs and I learned a lot from it. I appreciate Big and it definitely inspired this record.

WCT: What do you have to say to all of your gay fans?

MG: Heyyyyyy! [Laughs]

WCT: We want you to come to Chicago. Will you being doing a tour?

MG: We will definitely come out in the fall and I love playing Chicago. With every artist that I talk to, as far as where we like to play, Chicago is on everyone’s list! The fans there know how to have fun and go to a concert. I am definitely looking forward to Chicago.

WCT: Are you acting in any movies in the future?

MG: Yes. I am doing a new Tyler Perry movie. It is with me, Mariah, Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg and Kerry Washington.

WCT: Wow, that sounds impressive.

MG: Yeah, it’s gonna be good.

WCT: How was meeting Betty White the other night on the Jimmy Kimmel show?

MG: I just love what is happening to her. She is so adorable. I like the fact that she is getting so much attention because she was good on Saturday Night Live. She was funny and people appreciate real talent and greatness.

WCT: How was your Dancing with the Stars experience?

MG: It was fun. Most of the time I didn’t know what the hell I was doing but I had a great time. I met some great people. It was very corporate. It was like going to a day job, with hours and a schedule. That was culture shock to me. It was something that I can say that I did so it was cool.

WCT: People can go to macygray.com to hear about all of your latest adventures.

MG: Yes, and Macy Gray Official on Facebook.

WCT: You have some classic cameos on the new album with Bobby Brown and Slash. Anything else you want to say about it?

MG: I just want to say that it is a great album and I want everyone to go get it.

WCT: Well, I hope it sells out on June 22.

MG: Me, too! [Both laugh.]

Interview by Jerry Nunn for the Windy City Times