Macy Gray: Balancing Motherhood, Music and Mental Health

September 27, 2019, marked 20 years since Grammy Award-winning and critically acclaimed R&B and Soul songstress Macy Gray burst onto the music scene with her distinctively raspy tone and undeniably quirky sense of style. Since the release of her smash single “I Try” in 1999, Macy has gone on to release 10 studio albums, three compilation albums, a live album, 27 singles, 21 music videos and has appeared in 37 movies and television shows! Even with all of these accolades, Macy considers her newest work to be her “best record.”

Since her last release, Macy has gained confidence, clarity and has found comfort in her craft. She has worked tirelessly to improve her vocal performance and overall stage presence now that she is “grounded” and “more seasoned.” Listeners of Macy’s newest release, “Buddha” from her 2018 album Ruby, experience a calm, centered songstress crooning a story of overcoming struggles with mental health. The track features guitarist Gary Clark Jr. paired with a Teyana Taylor-directed video that allows audiences insight to Macy’s in-studio work, while also taking a glimpse into her family life, present career and archived footage.

Macy describes the production as “not a huge video, but one that makes me genuinely proud. I’m winning this battle. I can acknowledge my past and shortcomings, but I don’t have to dwell in that space. By applying the principles of Buddha, I’m concentrating my mind on the present. That’s where I am.”

 

Addressing stigmatized topics like mental illness and overcoming hardships are not foreign to Ms. Gray. Other recent works, like “White Man” which is also featured on Ruby, addresses both current social and political issues like racism and marginalization.

“We have the opportunity to move things. We can change things. We don’t use our platforms enough. I don’t use my platform enough. In the 60s, war culture divided us. People were vocal about it, but no one wants to hear about the border and climate change. Singing about gun control is hard to do through music. We live in a wild world and all of these things impact your mental health. It’s up to you to find the balance that you need.”

That “balance” is, for Macy, most easily found through the arts!

The acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress exclusively revealed that she will soon be opening her foundation for mental health support specifically for minority teens and young adults. Through holistic practices and artful outlets, the foundation will assist transitioning youth in finding balance and purpose. Gray makes mentions that in Los Angeles County, she is only aware of two counselors of color.

With low representation in black and brown communities as well as high costs for therapeutic services, it is not surprising that this generation has seen higher rates of self-medication and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. She details that much of our youth fail to receive appropriate responses for their mental health concerns due to a certain stigma as well as a lack of awareness and the ideology that the wellness of the mind is not exactly a priority.

“You can go your whole life out of your mind and not know it. Though there is no cure, that has to be some sort of balance. Awareness is nothing without solutions and action. You’d see a doctor for a broken leg, right? You’ve got to do the same for your mental,” Macy states.

The changes that have been made in Macy’s life are evident, not only in her music but also in her attitude and actions. “I believe in being an advocate for yourself. We create the change. As a public figure, I’m obligated…it’s my responsibility to do better. That awareness, that support…that’s where change happens.” We are excited to see the results of Macy’s advocacy. 

Macy Gray Mental Health PSA (2015):

 

“I’m looking ahead, and I’m looking back and I realize it’s where I’m at.” -Macy Gray (Buddha) 

For more information, visit www.macygray.com.

Feature photo: Getty Images