Macy O
Shropshire-based singer-songwriter blends soul, Motown, R&B and indie influences as she embraces a new musical chapter
Shropshire-based singer-songwriter Macy O is entering a new chapter in her musical journey, reconnecting with the soul and Motown influences that shaped her upbringing while bringing her own contemporary perspective to the sound. Blending soulful pop, R&B and indie influences, she has developed an expressive musical identity built around powerful vocals, thoughtful songwriting and an energetic stage presence. Having previously explored a wide range of styles, from pop and R&B to dance music, Macy is now turning her attention towards the music that has always resonated most deeply with her. Her latest single, “Roll With Me Tonight”, offers a compelling introduction to this direction, pairing rich bass lines, strings and piano with a confident, sensual vocal performance. Exploring the excitement and uncertainty of unexpected attraction, the track considers the delicate balance between protecting yourself and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. It also previews her forthcoming EP, Soul Searching, due November 27 via So, Let’s Talk / Moose Records, which explores self-discovery, inner strength and the importance of embracing one’s feelings.
With an impressive catalogue of achievements already behind her, including a Song of the Year award at the Song Academy Young Songwriter Competition for her 2023 album Journeys, a number four UK dance chart position with “My Desire”, and performances supporting artists such as Bastille, James Arthur and Blue, Macy O continues to establish herself as an artist unafraid to explore new creative territory. In our interview, Macy O discusses the inspiration behind “Roll With Me Tonight”, the return to her musical roots, and the personal experiences that shaped Soul Searching.
Your new single, “Roll With Me Tonight”, explores the excitement and uncertainty of an unexpected attraction. What inspired the song?
I think for me it was speaking to other people (friends, family etc…) about their experiences with their partners and the breaking down of walls and discovery of a new more intimate aspect of their relationship. For me, this is something very foreign and I think I discovered that I would be quite fearful of this ‘next step’ and this isn’t commonly spoken about, so I wrote about it ☺
The track explores the tension between playing it safe and taking a chance. Is that something you’ve experienced in your own life?
I think it is (not really in a relationship) but in other aspects of life.
There’s a real sense of confidence and sensuality in this track. Was it important for you to explore a bolder side of yourself as an artist?
I think it definitely was, I’ve always been quite a neutral personality and I think my music does reflect this in terms of instrumentation, but this (like some of my upcoming music) is quite out there and points out the story of the song before you even hear the lyrics.
The production features rich bass, strings and piano alongside your powerful vocals. How did you approach creating the sound and atmosphere of the track?
Well, a lot of the work my step-dad (Shorty) and I did together. He built a demo while I was away and I came back and IMMEDIATELY felt the vibe of the tune. Starting with the piano we then started to consider how to treat the bass, having it holding down the low end while there were other ear wormy sounds (like the shakers etc…) to catch your attention.
The song encourages listeners to trust their instincts and embrace new experiences. What would you say to someone who is struggling to take that leap of faith?
I think in terms of a relationship, people always say to me you know when someone is the right one, and I think that certainly holds some weight because if you know that person is right, you will feel less scared putting your trust in them and feeling vulnerable with them in an intimate setting.
In other aspects of life, there is nothing to lose by not trying and I have definitely discovered this by experience!
Do you see “Roll With Me Tonight” as a turning point in your sound or a natural progression of your artistry?
I think it was a natural progression, I’d been exploring RnB and soul.
Your upcoming EP, Soul Searching, sees you returning to the soul and Motown sounds you grew up listening to. What is it about those genres that has always resonated with you?
I feel like the feeling of listening to classic soul and Motown is just unbeatable. The bass lines, this sense of community created in the tracks, it’s just something else. I grew up singing a lot of Motown for gigs and I was introduced to it by my step-dad who always raved about it…I get why!
You’ve described the new music as being about discovering parts of yourself that were previously buried and finding inner peace. What has that journey of self-discovery looked like for you?
It has looked like a bunch of various music, lots of laughs, lots of tears, and going through all of these experiences made me want to act as a sort of visionary, prompting people to discover things about themselves they maybe took for granted or didn’t know.
Was there a particular moment when you realised you wanted to reconnect with your musical roots and make soul music the focus of this new chapter?
After making my previous EP (REPERTOIRE) and doing so much different music, I found I always circled back to Curse of Love, how the harmonies made me feel, the excessive brass use and just the whole feel, it made me want to listen to more like it, so I dug deep back into my roots.
How does Soul Searching differ from your previous EP, RÉPERTOIRE, and your 2023 album, Journeys?
It is so much more cohesive in my opinion, all the songs say something slightly more poignant and the sound is so much more developed. After starting work with Shorty, we’ve just been able to really spend so much time listening, thinking, trying new things and we’ve made Soul Searching!
Is there a particular song on the EP that feels especially personal or represents a significant moment in your life?
I would say the next one that’s coming out, ‘No Time Like Now’ (out November 6th!!) is so special to me because of its message. It’s all about encouraging people to discover their agency and independence and realise that if they want something, they have to go get it. Working especially in an industry like music, sometimes it’s really hard to get your voice heard, and I feel this message is so vital to me and it makes me feel confident to chase my dreams myself.
What have you learned about yourself while making Soul Searching?
I’ve learnt so much (I mean its name says it all!). Developing my production skills, learning more about how I write lyrics and express myself, but also learning that I can be strong in my opinions and let myself feel feelings, even if that takes more time than I ‘had scheduled’.
You hope the music will help people feel more confident in their feelings and decisions. What do you want listeners to take away from the EP when it arrives on November 27th?
I want them to feel inspired, empowered and self aware, and these alone speak for themselves.
Which artists or records had the biggest impact on you growing up, particularly within soul and Motown?
‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)’ – Stevie Wonder.
Something about this song every time I sing it it just makes me feel like I’m in a big choir stomping my feet, my soul feels connected to the lyrics. The brass arrangement is simple yet plain, the message is so compact, the descending bass line intro and outro. Just everything about this record.
There are others, ‘Say a Little Prayer’ – Aretha Franklin, ‘Could It Be I’m Falling in Love’ – The Spinners, ‘Higher and Higher’ – Jackie Wilson, but the Stevie track is particularly iconic.
Your music brings together influences from artists such as Olivia Dean, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. How do you draw inspiration from these artists while developing a sound that is distinctly your own?
I think one track may be more influenced by one, and another track another, and this slight but beautiful variety makes it authentically me. There are similarities throughout, I am very much into my ear tickly percussion so that I think is a common thread.
Are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with or musical directions you’re excited to explore next?
There are a few local artists I’d love to get to know, a girl called Miriam is making some banging tunes in our local area!
But a bit wider known, Brooke Combe, her classic influence in northern soul is so inspiring and listening to her stuff takes you back and completely immerses you in her world.
Raye is another. The depth of her voice, the arrangements of her songs are just something else, ‘I Know You’re Hurting’ is a masterpiece, her use of primal sound is just gut wrenching and it makes me really want to create with her someday.
Finally, when listeners hear Soul Searching and “Roll With Me Tonight”, what do you hope they understand about you that they might not have understood before?
Although this song says the opposite, I have a very hard time being vulnerable and I have to push myself to do that, but in me doing that, it should inspire others to feel confident to embrace and discover their vulnerability and whether they feel scared about it or own it is something they should feel strong about.
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