From Ramon Johnson,
Your Guide to Gay Life.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

From the moment recording artist Macy Gray spoke, I knew she loved the music she created and was having fun doing it. I could feel her passion in every word. Gray has long been known for her quirky personality and unique sound, despite critics' temptation to overlook her strong lyrical and vocal ability. In this interview with Gay Life, Macy Gray talks about her feelings being back on the charts, the meaning behind of her album Big, her short attention span and inspiration from gay fans.

It's been 4 years since The Trouble With Being Myself, what's it like to be back on the charts?

I'm having a good time. I'm really tired. I've got my album Big and I'm in love with it. I think this is one of the best albums ever and I'm excited to see how people embrace it. I'm ready to travel, do shows, concerts and everything that comes with it. I'm very excited.

You took a chance working with new people this album and critics are saying this is your most dynamic one yet. Why did you decide to open the doors to new talent?

It was a learning experience, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened. will.i.am introduced me to Justin Timberlake and I ended up working with Ron Fair and a bunch of other people. It was eye-opening to get other people's musical perspective. I stayed open to different ideas.

What was it like working with will.i.am?

I've known Will for a long time; it's like working with my brother. He's a great visionary and really understand me as an artist.

You went big on your album, appropriately named Big. Are you sending a message?

Yes, it's named after my big heart and my big butt. [laughs]

You know, gay men love you for your unique sound and style. Are there any songs on your album that are odes to your gay fans?

I don't go into the studio directly for one type of fan, but I've been to a lot of gay clubs and it's definitely an inspiration of mine.

You've been pretty busy lately. When you're not making music or at the club, you're acting. Which do you love more, the music or the camera?

I love music. I like doing movies, but I don't have the attention span to stay on the set. After four or five days I'm ready to go on to something else. I don't know if I have time, but I definitely want to do some more.

So, does that mean you lay down tracks in less than four days?

[laughs] Yeah, you can do a song in one night. You can do a song in an hour. Making music comes naturally to me.

You have a new men's fashion line named SNAC. Hot name, by the way... What kind of men wear Macy Gray's line?

A man with flavor that's colorful and steps outside of the typical urban wear.

You said you might wear a real sexy bra, write the name of the album on it and walk around with your shirt open as part of your marketing campaign. Are there SNAC undies with your album name in the works?

Maybe, you never know. If my record doesn't sell, I might end up doing that. [laughs]

Any messages for your gay fans out there?

I just want to tell them thank you for all of your support.