Photo Credit: @royadelsol
When something is truly our passion, every memory is wrapped up in it. For me, it’s always been writing and television. For Maccie, it was and will always be music. The Toronto-based artist noted, “In my earliest memories I’m singing, and we had so many instruments growing up, that music was always just a part of me,” adding, “I would go as far as to say music created me more than I’ve created music.”
While she may say music created her, she has created a healthy dose of music since her 2016 debut, including her latest single “Dungeon.” We talked about the addictions and satire behind the track, her wild nature put to song, and more in this back and forth exchange.
Kendra: From your 2016 EP Primal to now, how much growth have you noticed within yourself as a songwriter and performer?
Maccie: As a songwriter, I feel more confident, but also far more liberated. I have a much stronger sense of what I like and what is genuine to me and my brand. I love making music that I like, and if other people like it as well, well that’s just totally awesome! As a performer, I am ecstatic about my growth. I have improved on all of the instruments I play but have also been growing as a circus artist. My goal is to combine the two, and in the new year, this goal will come to fruition!
Kendra: Earlier this year we heard “Lost and Wild” and more recently “Dungeon.” Both have this untamed, rebellious nature to them. Is that who you are 24/7 or who comes out when you step into music mode?
Maccie: My music is who I am. I’m polite and kind, but I’m wild. I believe humans get too caught up in behaving like humans instead of being in their bodies and existing as human animals. We are designed to experience and enjoy so much more of life, and I believe many humans don’t because they live trapped in the expectations of others. I want to be gentle with other humans, but my passion is immense and I’ll never try to tame that.
Kendra: You’ve noted working with Dead Romance was such an enjoyable experience on “Dungeon.” Will you be teaming up again for more in 2020?
Maccie: YES! Dead Romance is amazing! We are currently working on another single! If all goes to plan, we will be releasing our new single early 2020. Yahoo!
Kendra: “Dungeon” is a track many can relate to in that it deals with the primal addiction most of us fall victim to when it comes to not only love but sex. In a time when sex is so readily available thanks to apps like Tinder and whatnot, do you feel people are in any danger of letting those addictions get the best of them?
Maccie: Absolutely. “Dungeon” is actually more of a satirical project. One Toronto poet, Paul McCaughey put it perfectly when he commented, “‘Dungeon’ is the story of addiction and abuse, satirized in a POP genre– just slick enough to make a horror story seductive.” The whole release was a comment on how we treat one another as disposable objects for our temporary gratification. We also endure atrocities because we are under-resourced with our own mental health and wellness. Dungeon is catchy and can easily be fetishized, just as our own toxic circumstances are.
Kendra: With 2019 almost over and 2020 coming fast, what are your plans for the new year?
Maccie: My plan for the new year is to continue releasing a steady stream of singles while also delving back into the live performance scene. I took a step away from performances to incubate artistically, and 2020 will be the time when I step back on stage. I’m excited to start showcasing my circus and music collaborations as well as release so much of the music I’ve been holding back for the last two years!
