19 September 2018
Newsdesk
That unmistakable rasp, unshakable grasp on soul, and funky spirit ensured her status as a 21st century icon since her arrival with the triple-platinum How Life Is in 1999. Selling over 25 million total albums globally, winning a GRAMMY® Award and two BRIT Awards, collaborating with everyone from Ariana Grande to Galactic, and enchanting fans all over the world, her voice has consistently resounded throughout pop culture.
Now, her tenth full-length album RUBY reaffirms that signature rarity - channeling the spirit of the “grimy” R&B and smoky jazz closest to her heart, Macy made a leap forward by looking back to formative inspirations. However, she updated those elements with enriched, entrancing, and enigmatic soundscapes brought to life by producers Johan Carlsson [Michael Bublé, Maroon 5], Tommy Brown [Jennifer Lopez, Fifth Harmony, Travis Scott], and Tommy Parker Lumpkins [Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber].
“They’re all stellar producers, and they helped me craft an incredibly rich project,” she says.
“I think my sound reflects where I am - I am a little older...just a little (laughs). I’ve had more experiences and influences. Sonically, it is beautiful. It has all sorts of [fusions]. There are a lot of live instruments. We mixed it with samples. It is actually very pop but still gritty and dirty. [The record] will be super R&B. You know, with my stuff, there is always a jazz element, that is what I grew up on. I wanted something that never got boring in terms of the music”.
She needn’t worry - boring it isn’t. Take the track “Sugar Daddy.” Co-written with none other than pop superstar Meghan Trainor, is impelled by a swinging piano and a sweet sassy vocal
“Meghan and I thought it would be great to collaborate,” Macy recalls. “She had the concept in her head for some time, so we took a stab at it. It’s really great fun and a bit cheeky. Her writing and talent is brilliant”.
RUBY canvases a wide spectrum for the songstress. Raucous horns that feel ripped from a classic 70’s Hollywood flick augment the grit on “Cold World” as “Jealousy” spins a covetous narrative that soars as it seduces. Gary Clark Jr. adds six-string firepower to “Buddha.” Everything culminates on the reggae-inspired “Witness,” which shuffles between mainland soul and island grooves as she croons, “I wish I was Jesus. I would make sure to fix it. Can I get a witness?”
On calling the album RUBY- “I love the gem ruby,” she explains. “It’s so regal. I really wanted a title that would stick. The stone is also red of course, which is my favourite colour. It’s rich and has history. It’s classic—and so is this album.”
Audiences will feel that too as she brings the record to life returning to UK & Europe in November following her US tour.
November 9 / 10 London, Ronnie Scott’s.
