The first time I interviewed Macy Kate, I became an instant fan. As insanely talented as she is, she is equally hard-working. Not only does Macy Kate release highly-produced music videos of her popular cover songs no Youtube, she also creates her own original music...and it's fire. Macy told us all about how her rigurous classical background has shaped her as an artist, how building a following on Youtube changed her career, and the inspiration behind her new song Cry for Help.
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Behind the Influence, a production of I Heart
Radio and TDC Media. I think I've I've really written
and recording the best music I've ever done so far
in my career. I'm really excited to put it out.
I'm hearing so many drama stories about things happening and
what do I believe in? What do I not like?
It's just awesome to have a team behind me. That's
(00:20):
like for me. I am going through ship. I'm maybe
depressed some days. I'm not all perfect and dope. As
I have any seen him. She's really talented. If you
guys don't know about Macy, kay, you're sleeping on the job, honey.
I feel like this is my second home now because
I'm doing I'm doing a show called music House on
(00:42):
my Heart, so I'm here all the time. I feel
like it's my second We already started this and I'm
just gonna keep rolling with it because you know, the
chemistry is so real right now. I don't even want
to Yeah, I don't even want to stop and be like,
hold on, let's do an intro. That was intro. We're
basically bribing Brian here to play Macy's sing all that
she just played for me cry for Help. It is
(01:02):
so good. Such a departure. Not in it. I'm not
saying the other stuff wasn't good, but such a departure
from your other music. Yeah, it's so different, and like
I want people to recognize that. I think too. I mean,
opening line, it's different than anything I've ever heard. And
if you don't know what I'm talking about, go check
out It's right, it's it's already been released. Go check
(01:24):
out the song. You will not regret it, you guys.
It's Yeah, it's definitely a shocker. It's a shocking opening line.
I mean, like I thought of it as like I
would want to listen to the rest of the song
just to be like, where is this going? Yeah, And
I've gotten a lot of feedback like that as well.
So and just just so like, so your last song.
(01:44):
That my not your last song, because you've had many songs.
But my god daughter is obsessed with Macy. Just a
little backstory. Isabel. Layla is Isabel's mom. So Leyla's my
best friend. Yes, So Layla is my best friend from college.
We've been best friends forever and her daughter is my
god daughter. Isabel obsessed with Macy. Macy had this bob out.
It was like a summer. It was vibe, right or
(02:06):
is it? It was fine because I always want to
say kill my vibe, but it's just vibe. And my
goddaughter would dance this forever. And I'm like, oh, Macy's
coming out with a new song. I'm going to play
it for her. And then I hear the first line
of this song, I'm like, yeah, Isabella will not be
dancing to this song. Not yet. There actually is a
clean version. Okay, so what is it? Hey want to
(02:27):
play chess? It's I mean, it's it's just it's like
bleeped out, like it's just what everyone knows, right right,
But yeah, there's actually whenever I do it live, I
have to like do a clean version for you know,
all of the general public. Yes, So what is the
do you just not say I say, hey want to
(02:48):
love or like you know that's cute? Yeah? Yeah, the
difference she's like a love let's I tried to figure
out like replacement words like want to hug or like
want to hook up or something. I think love is fine.
It works, is natural. Yeah. So for those of you
(03:08):
who are not familiar Macy, is a very very talented
female artist who actually caught her start on YouTube, and
when it makes perfect sense for this show behind the
influence of millions of subscribers on your YouTube channel. When
I first discovered Macy, she was doing covers, but before
that you did have a legit music career. You just
(03:29):
kind of like went solo, decided to do your own
thing and start your YouTube channel. And that's when I
saw all of her amazing covers, which if you guys
haven't seen those, go check out her YouTube channel because
your voice is insane. And then the reason we thought
this would be a great tie in for the show
is you actually were able to leverage your fan base
(03:51):
on YouTube and digital on through Instagram, Twitter, to them
launch a really successful which is still up in common.
It's still and still absolutely growing, and so let's talk
about that a little bit. When you first started the channel,
was your motivation or was the game plan to always
do what ended up happening? When I started it, no,
(04:14):
I was like twelve, and I was like just wanting
to do covers. I just found out I could sing.
I wasn't I wasn't seasoned in writing or producing yet
at all. So starting the Channel. It was more for
fun doing covers, and then once it started taking off,
I started going into original stuff and writing. But even
(04:39):
before I started the Channel, I was already touring and
doing stuff, you know, live and everything. It's a little
backstory just so for people who don't know the story.
You were into music prior to launching a mus account. Yeah,
I actually moved to Atlanta when I was like twelve,
and I was in a girl group in Atlanta and
(05:00):
was where we had full artist development, which now is
like really not a thing. I'm so glad I went
through it those especially at such a young age where
you could actually be like okay, because nobody knows who
they are at twelve, like at all. So you go,
You're getting all the great training that you needed that
could probably help you now. And honestly, like, I feel
like I have some sort of advantage because I had
(05:23):
artist development to handle things under pressure and you know,
to be juggling so much and and you know, like
having interviews and shows and stuff all while you know
a bunch of stuff behind the scenes are happening. So
that was a great way for me to really figure
out the industry. I think too, I was trained by
like amazing people in Atlanta, so it was great. After
(05:43):
the Girl Group, I kind of took those producers and
writers that I had worked with in the Girl Group
and just made connections through there. Then was managed by
another uh female, strong female. Her name's Amber Grimes, and
she helped me throughout the industry in Atlanta and producers
and nears who now, funny enough, are all out here
doing amazing things and like writing hits for Beyonce. It's
(06:06):
crazy and I'm like, it's so awesome. But yeah, So
from Atlanta, I actually started auditioning for reality shows because
I just felt like I was boxed in in Atlanta
in a way. So I was like, I feel like
I need to like figure out how to get to
l A. And I was like, I'll just start auditioning
for reality shows. So I auditioned for reality shows like
(06:28):
what kind of reality shows, American Idol, The Voice, all
of that. And also all while I was doing that,
I also had my YouTube channel happening, so I had
reality shows contacting me as well to audition. Because reality
shows are not always stand in line an audition. It's
like you'll get called in and be like, hey, can
(06:48):
you come auditions. So I ended up lanning this reality
shows called Rising Star, which brought me to l A.
And I was out here for three months staying and
they put us in this amazing hotel is called the
SLS and and it was just like that fancy for
a show. We're literally living there for like three months.
That's insane. And yeah, I was at the pool over.
(07:10):
I was like, I had to be like fourteen fifteen,
You're living at the fucking s l S as a
fifteen year old. My mom was loving it too, she was,
I mean, I was a minor, so I had to
have my parents. That's hilarious. Yeah, we were like, we're
just balance. So yeah, it gave us like a weekly allowance.
(07:30):
Was great. But anyways, yeah, that was an amazing experience
as well. I mean, I think when you're in when
you get into the reality show world and the TV
side of things, it's a lot different than like traditional
music industry. It's like very staged and all of that.
I definitely found myself through reality shows, I think too.
(07:52):
A lot of like experiences that I experienced at a
really young age to you know, be documented and comparing
like where I am, um, where I was when filming
those and then where I Am now was just like
really dope to look at. So yeah, once I went
through the reality show, it kind of gave me like
a another platform on top of YouTube to like bounce
(08:13):
off of. And then at the same time, I was
still just trying to like figure out how to get
in touch with the executives and all that. So I
was going I was going to music conferences as well.
So in Florida and Atlanta, there are a lot of
music conferences and a lot of executives that are there,
so I would pull up, I would like try and
make relationships, and I ended up making this really dope
(08:34):
relationship with Reverb Nation and the owner of Reverb Nation,
and he was like, oh, we had a band cancel
on this opening night of this conference was called Driven
Music Conference, and he was like, do you want to
come perform for like all the executives at the executive dinner?
And I was like duh, And I ended up performing
there that night. Florida's A and R was at the
(08:55):
executive dinner. I ended up leaving super fast because I
had to show the next day. So he apparently was
trying to find me after the dinner ended up not
connecting at all, and he had sent someone out to
like go to my show. The next day, this girl
came to my show and was like Florida's and R
has been trying to like find you for Like, was
(09:15):
that the craziest thing to hear? Yeah, because I'm like,
when you're doing stuff, you feel like nobody's watching, when
really there are people in silence watching you at all times.
And that was like a crazy moment because I'm like
I was feeling like no one was like getting what
I was doing. At the time, I was like, I
feel like run down. I was like sixteen seventeen, and
(09:38):
I had been doing this for like not super long,
but like five years felt like a long time for me,
And especially when you're so young, it's like your whole
high school career basically, so you've given up normal high
school things to pursue this passion. So yeah, that does
seem like a really long time. Yeah, so that hindsight,
(09:59):
it's not that long the career of somebody, but for
that age, yes, I was like getting impatient and and
then to hear that was like, Wow, this is like
it's really dope to have recognition finally, So I ended
up meeting with the A and R after the conference
and he brought me to the studio Flow heard me
(10:19):
live on the piano as well. I didn't have any
original music at the time because I was doing covers
on YouTube and I think I had like five six
hundred thousand followers at that point. He signed me on
the spot, and then two weeks later I was on
tour with him, which was crazy. Was on tour with
him for two years after That was the most influential
time of my career. I think even when as I grow,
(10:41):
I think that will still be the most influential time
was being on tour with him because I literally learned
I was his like guinea pig the entire tour, like
I was his shadow. I was watching his interviews, his
you know, performances, as rehearsals. I mean even in the studio,
like when we had time off, I would be in
l A with him as well, just the studio with
the whole team and watching you know him take meetings
(11:04):
at Atlantic and like movie meetings, like behind the scenes stuff.
And I was like, this is so crazy, Like it's
literally preparing me for what It's just kind of priceless,
like you can't pay for that type of training, I
feel like, and and he wasn't even considering it training.
But in my head, I was like, this is like
boot camp for me because he had made it and
(11:24):
he you were basically able to see every aspect of it,
from media training and being able to do a proper
interview to the amount of hours he probably put into rehearsal.
What was a common misconception that maybe you had at
the time something you thought about the music industry that
after being with Flow change your perspective on it. I
think it was his ability to always like be on.
(11:48):
In my head, I didn't realize like when you are
that known. He had just released My House and it
went straight to number one, like at the time that
I was on tour with him, so he always constantly
had to be on, like all the time. So when
we were walking out in l a, like I would
be in like sweats and like a sweatshirt and he
(12:10):
would like be like, you have to go change because,
like I'm going to tell you, like, this is not
how you have to always be dressed looking ready like
all the time. And it was true because every time,
even when we were just trying to go for breakfast,
like he was constantly being like stopped or you know,
like taking meetings like in the middle of the day.
It was just like stuff like that where I had
(12:30):
no idea. I was like, I really, you know, you
really need to be on at all times. In a way, though,
I do think it's important to be real with your
audience as well though, but he was definitely a really
like dope person to be around when you know, he
was like constantly being pulled and pushed in different directions,
(12:51):
but he always was like dressed, ready to go all
the time, which was like a huge learning experience for me.
So he basically went to Flow University, learned what you
had to learn, and then and then after that, my
contract just ended. It was a mutual thing. He was
an artist and you know, had to do his own thing.
(13:11):
Was just so busy, and I was like, I just
really need to focus on my stuff. I learned so
much from him and that experience. You know, a lot
of things in between as well. There were good times,
bad times, but at the end of the day, I
feel like I learned so much from that situation. I
ended up moving on was independent for like a year
and a half after that, um, and that's when I
(13:33):
met you, right, Yes, so I finally got to release
my own music. It was crazy because that through that
whole deal, I hadn't released anything, which was really frustrating
for me. I was learning so much and I felt,
you know, like I was on tour touring Wembley Stadium
like the biggest crowds I've ever been in front of ever,
and I just hadn't released anything, and I was still
(13:56):
feeling like I hadn't shown or got and to prove
myself to anyone. Not that that was the goal, but
I just was feeling like I needed to speak my mind.
And that's frustrating. I mean, especially you. It's your passion
to be an artist and you're of course you're learning
and it's invaluable, but you're seeing someone else put content
out and music out and you're just like, I want
(14:18):
to do that too, exactly. So, and then even the
artists we were doing shows with it was like up
and coming artists as well, and you know, he was
also watching, you know, the way that they were doing
things as well for my career as well. So so yeah,
after that was independent for a while, released my own music,
you know, through my channel and stuff. I ended up
(14:39):
petting like a million subs during that point. That's that's crazy,
by the way, to have a million subscribers. It's really
hard to get to that point on YouTube. I feel
like that's the threshold. Once you hit a million, it's like, Okay,
you're legitimately you have a presence on YouTube. How was
that for you? Well, I mean it took all that time,
from like when I was in Atlanta all the way
(15:00):
until the beginning of this year. What do you think
helps your YouTube channel grow? What was there a spike
in growth? It wasn't a slow and steady climb. It
was a slow and steady climb. Like there was no
like of course there were like the viral cover videos
and like because my main content was cover music. It
was always the main source of content was music, which
(15:22):
I'm really proud that I stuck with that like my
entire YouTube career, because now I'm like, they're wanting original
stuff because of the renditions that I would make, they
were so different from the originals. They almost sounded like
totally different. So they're like, we need the original stuff.
And sometimes it's hard for cover artists to stray away
(15:43):
from covers because the audience is so used to hearing
renditions of songs and stuff. But luckily my audience was
like so for me putting out original content, so that
was really exciting. It was a steady build though. It
was like eight nine years of work and it wasn't
like a, oh, I'm gonna do this prank and I'll
(16:05):
get a million followers overnight. No, it took like so long,
which but that's I feel like that's what creates longevity though,
because it's like the whole theory of it's a race,
it's a marathon, not a race. So it's okay, so
you get a million followers overnight or doing a prank,
but then what right, and you're not curating a real
fan base. And I'm kind of grateful that it didn't
(16:26):
take off overnight because I don't like think I would
know how to utilize everything, and like not that I'm
like slow with doing things, but I'm just like, I'm
I'm very grateful that it happened to the way it
did because I feel like I would just be so
overwhelmed with what was going on and everything, and I'm
just like really glad it happened that way because I
(16:48):
have time to prepare and think about things. So now
when something does happen overnight, I know how to like
bounce off of it and take advantage of it. So
and even in the last year, I would say, you've
evolved so much as an artist. You had that time
to curate the audience and not really like rush because
if if people's first impressions of you were a couple
(17:10):
of years ago, you're not the artist that you were
a couple of years ago. No, Yeah, and I mean
I also signed to a brand new label at the
end of last year, which was a big deal, very
exciting because you were independent, which obviously affords you a
lot of freedom. But yeah, being with the label is
obviously great. It's because it's just awesome to have like
(17:31):
a team that believes in you so much. At the
end of last year, I signed with rebeca music group
who connected me with Empire. So Tina Davis was she
was shown my music and vibe actually, and she really
loved it, ended up wanting to sign me. And I
was signed an Empire in November last year. So it
(17:52):
took this whole year too to come up with the
EP and so many songs were written, so many songs
were recorded, and it was just an amazing experience because
this was this was another part of my career that
was like, Okay, I'm like in the game now, like
as far as music was because YouTube was like, I
know how this works, but when it comes to like
(18:15):
actual music business, being in the commercial world, it was
like I was. It was my first time being in
riding camps that were just dedicated to me. Like I
would walk into the studio see a whiteboard with like
my name on it, with like all the BMG writers
who were coming in, and the scheduling and everything seems
so organized. I was like, this is so crazy to
(18:37):
me that I don't have to do this by myself now,
not that it's anyway, you know, taking advantage of a situation,
but it's like this is just so too. I mean,
you know how to do all the things yourself, which
I think is invaluable. And I think that's good that
you didn't have that right away, because now you know
how to do every piece of the puzzle and we
(18:57):
appreciate it. Yeah, yeah, you appreciate it. But now, ow,
it's really nice. I'm assuming because I've been in that
position to as an on air talent, being the editor,
being the producer, being the writer on my own stuff.
And it's nice to just kind of show up and
do your talent, do your thing, not that you can't
do the other stuff or that you don't want to
do the other stuff, because it's fun. Sometimes. I'm sure
you're gonna want to write and produce your own songs
(19:19):
and even edit your videos stuff. And you were telling
me you're still editing the music for this, and it's
not all of the work taken over. I'm still writing
the songs very hands I'm still yeah, I'm very hands on,
but it's you know, it's just so it's like we
lifted off of your shoulders, like you know, and the
whole team Empire has just been so freaking amazing. Like
(19:43):
the support and the team that are behind every single
move that I make is just awesome. And you know,
they still let me have it my creative you know
mind work through every move that I make. But they
have their opinions and they're like, you can be an artist,
and we're so just friendly, but like we're going to
give you our opinions, and I value their opinions because
(20:03):
they're so amazing and just have done so many dope
things with dope artists, but they still let me be
an artist. So I'm just I'm super grateful for that.
And then we're here now and I think I've I've
really written and recorded the best music I've ever done
so far in my career. I'm really excited to put
it out the rest of it. It's so excited for you.
(20:24):
We are going to talk about the single, but I
just want to touch on because a lot of artists
who are listening to this, they may be indie right
now and grappling with the idea of signing with the label,
but there's so many stigmas with signing with the label
versus being independent. What has been your experience overall in hindsight?
Were there are things that you had to adjust to
that We're like, any challenges with signing with the label
(20:46):
versus being independent. There's an obvious thing where you don't
have to answer to anybody when you're independent, but then
when you're with a label, there's so many perks that
come with it too. What was the biggest adjustment for you.
The biggest adjustment I think was really being open to
other people's opinions on things. When I was independent, it
was like me and my management R and R, who
(21:09):
have been with me forever, just us discussing, you know,
what I wanted. And then now it's like, okay, well
I have to Now I have a team which I
value so much and love and respect. Now it's like, okay,
well we want to try this and do this and
do this, and then I'll oversee it and I'll make
a couple of comments and stuff, and that was That
(21:31):
was kind of the biggest adjustment I think was really
having so many people, you know, so many cooks in
the kitchen, but like I definitely they let me have
the final say of things. But I'm just I think
that was the biggest adjustment. Was having a lot of
other people involved, which is an amazing thing, but definitely
(21:52):
having to work with other people on creatives and stuff
like that. It's been what's been your favorite thing about
ending with a label? Favorite thing? Just like the team,
having a like a support system, just having like a family.
And honestly, Empire is like such a dope label label
(22:15):
because they consider like their artists family. Like Ghazi wants
to meet with every one of his artists that he
signs before signing them, like he doesn't just want to
sign them on the spot and not meet them. So
I felt, really, you know, it felt good to have
someone who actually cared and just isn't there for like
numbers and stuff, music farm, farm factory, where it's just
(22:37):
pumping out whatever they think about. They actually, yeah, I
want to have a relationship. And and Tina Davis is
my an R, and and she is just so she's
doing more than what an ant R should be doing. Really,
she's just literally like so hands on and like so awesome.
And then you know, like I have my project manager
(22:59):
and like you know so many different people that are
in charge of different things, and you know, a person
who like has my studio schedule, and like it's just
awesome to have a team behind me that's like for
me and so many dope creative ideas happening. Just so
happy for you to be signed by them. Was it
just like a pinch me moment? Yeah, I mean I
(23:19):
know who they have signed and I it's yeah, it's amazing,
and it's it was mostly driven towards like the urban,
a lot of hip hop, a lot of rappers, a
lot of R and B. So to come into the
label as a pop artist was really dope because I
think I also have a you have an R, but
(23:41):
you have an urban vibe. Yeah, I do, and I
like I love that about my voice and also my
style is is I was. I grew up in a
you know, I came up in the music industry and
in R and B and like trained in Atlanta. Yeah,
it was dope. It was really really dope to to
be in that environment. So to come into the label
(24:03):
as well having a pop side now to the label
is like really really cool, just like spreading into different
areas and branching into like different genres, like they have
country now they have you know, a whole Asian market
and and K pop and like so many different genres now.
It's like really cool to see them growing. I remember
(24:23):
hearing about Empire when I was in Atlanta when I
was like thirteen, and I was like, Okay, it's cool
there like a distribution company, and it was cool to
see them. And now the fact that they have like
a whole to like so many different locations and like
a whole like building, it's like crazy. And and I
respect Ghazi and what he's built and like it's been
just so so cool to see somebody who's so artist friendly,
(24:47):
because not a lot of people are like that, and
I've been in situations where it's like not like that
at all, and it's really cool that I hear that
a lot in the music industry, especially people who signed
the labels. It's like the worst. Yeah, And I just
think having someone at the head of the label who
wants to be personal, personable with all artists that he signs,
(25:08):
it's just so amazing. Sorry, I just got so shocked
and I tried to throw some gum away and it
like slowly fell out, and I looked at Alison and
she was like, slowly put it back in. Whatever it happened.
It's really it's authentic, it happened. So I want to
talk about your single because i'd heard it before Alison
(25:29):
Brian just heard it and they both loved it. How
has been the response for this single, cry for Help?
I mean, overall, it's been amazing, Okay, Like the response
has been so crazy. I mean, this whole new world
of like TikTok and Triller and like all these new things.
I mean, the algorithm is crazy on TikTok, so the
(25:51):
song has gone viral on TikTok, which is really dope,
which has translated into streams and stuff. It's crazy, like
the behind the scenes were work on like apps and stuff.
It's just so, but how does what how does a
song take off on because okay, so one of my
best friends, her brother had a single and somehow someone
on TikTok got ahold of it and it went viral
(26:13):
and somehow that song just shot to like Spotify top ten.
I think it was like up to four or something.
And it all happened because of TikTok, because of tick.
Like I that was another thing that Empire was like,
you have to make a TikTok and I'm like, I
don't know what the hell can we talk about TikTok.
I don't know what TikTok was. I mean, I get it,
(26:34):
but I don't get it. I get it. But so
baby Ariel was in here and she's like the most
followed person on TikTok. It was musically we did a
TikTok together and to me, and I'm sure I'm missing something,
but it just seems like you're putting a video. Yeah,
there there's no it's literally like there's so many different
things you can do. It's like lip sinking or people
(26:57):
are talking and stuff are like doing a skit or something.
But then it's the difference between doing that on your
insta TikTok. At first, I thought TikTok had all these
and I think they do have special editing features and
they have duets and things like that. Trailler does the
same thing. They have these like special things you can
do that you couldn't do on Instagram. So I guess
(27:17):
that's the thing or the demo that's on TikTok. I
think it might be the demographic that's TikTok because it's
literally like they're young. They're very young. And that's why
I was scared for the song to be on there,
because like it's not a clean song. Just to let
you guys know, the first line is Macy, you want
to take this. I feel very uncomfortable saying it out loud.
(27:38):
It's hey, you want to fuck? Yeah. The first line
is hey, you want to fuck? Like you said no.
But but I'm a mother now I can't say just kidding.
I say the effort for like a down verb adjective
efforts my favorite, but in that context, you're being quite
forward with the fellas. Yes. So with the TikTok market,
(28:02):
they were like, oh, like, I think because you can
choose as an artist, you can choose what part of
the song you want to put in it. And I
was like, okay, well, I'm not going to choose the
part of the song, but that's the part I saw
people doing. Yes, So my label was like, Okay, we're
going to put in like the first line, and then
we're also going to do um the chorus part. And
I was like, all right, see how it goes. So
(28:24):
I did a TikTok myself. I was like one of
the first ones who did the song on TikTok and
I did the first verse and I was like, all right,
let's see how it does. It literally went viral like
two days after. But but is it because you have
a ton of followers on TikTok. I don't though I
made a TikTok like the day the song drops, then
(28:47):
how do people even find it? So the song ended
up it started trending more people, I guess, like one
TikTok person who had like over a million followers like
found the song and did TikTok, and then it was
like people started doing it aft by the way, it
makes sense, like who doesn't want to say, hey, want
to funk? It's like I just said that work. I know.
(29:08):
It's like I feel like this is what like freaking
kids now like high school, they're like this is these
are the type of because honestly, if we want to
really go I don't know if we're going to go
deep into the meaning of the song. I mean, like
the meaning of this song is like there's people online
now a days are they feel like they're so put together,
(29:31):
Like it feels like on the outside it's so put together,
you know, everything seems so perfect and like just when
it's not, and like on the inside, we really just
don't know what's going on behind the scenes, behind the camera.
And I know it sounds it's like overdone and cliche
to say, but it's like it it's not always perfect,
Like it's not always how it seems. Cry for help
(29:55):
is like I don't have my ship together. I don't
have everything perfect or in line or anything. I am
going through ship. I'm may be depressed some days, I
may not be like I'm not all perfect and dope
as I may seem, um, and it's just a cry
for help. Like I feel like people think they're alone
(30:18):
in it, and like at times I feel like I'm
alone with you know, my struggles and my day to
day feelings and personally, and you know, I have so
much happening in like my business life. I don't really
like take a second to stop and reflect on everything
that I've done behind the scenes and like what I've
been through and like just really sat and been like whoa,
(30:41):
Like this is all it's success. I think it's I
think it's hard. There's like a lot of layers to it. One,
if you are somebody who's considered a public figure, you're
obviously have an online presence, which means you're obviously online,
which means you're seeing other people's online stuff and no
one's putting out there. Oh I just went to my
sixth meeting where nobody signed me. Like, no one's saying that,
(31:04):
but what they are posting is their shoe at Universal
Music being like meetings, So that's what you're seeing, but
you're not seeing that after that meeting and they didn't
get a call back. No nobody says that, so we
even I even see like people borrowing like cars and
(31:28):
like clothes and like taking pictures in it as if
it's there's and like really they could like look like
the richest, most happiest person online when really they are not.
They could be like living in a on account or
something that annoys me beyond and like I'm just like
(31:48):
I wonder what's going through their mind when they're like
they come home and they're off all of that, like
cry for help. The song is like what I think
about is like maybe that it's like what is really happening,
Like they don't really have their ship together, you know.
But the problem is it's like a it's a bad
(32:09):
cycle because those people are trying to catch up with
the other people, but the other people are trying to
catch up with also might not really have it together.
So like there's this vicious cycle of seeing that person
as a lambo. I need to have a lambo, so
let me rent a lamba with that I should be
paying rent with just for this Instagram blex. And then
you go home to your ten roommates and your shitty
(32:31):
apartment and you're like, okay, so now I'm getting likes,
but now what So it's just like a bad site,
and the people were looking up to it's not what
it seems either, like even the people if you're looking
up to a celebrity who has all the designer clothes,
you're not realizing, like designers are giving those clothes to
those celebrities for free, not that they can't afford it,
but it's like everything is so unrealistic and unattainable. And
(32:56):
I get that, I hear that. I think it's really
I wish and I hope for like the next generation,
Like I think about my son. This is gonna sound
really cheesy, but I'm sad for like the kids coming
up in this I mean too, Like that's I think.
I think also with the kids that are on TikTok
and like all of those types of people, they didn't
(33:18):
they didn't they don't know any difference, Like they don't
they didn't grow up playing outside or you know, doing
normal kids stuff. It's like all digital now, which it's
a blessing and also occurs because I mean people literally
can now make a living off of posting and social media.
(33:38):
But then also the the sad part is like how
like I look at videos now and I'm looking at
these couples and like these family channels, and I'm like, so, like,
how much of this is like real? I'm hearing so
many drama stories about things happening, and I like, so
what do I believe in? What do I not? Like?
(33:59):
It's really true? And I think I think the solution
to it all, which no one's ever going to band
together and do this, is just to keep it real.
Because at the end of the day, digital is great.
Online is great. You know, like you could have a
hit out. You don't need a label, you could have
a great voice, put your ship out there and be
the number one person on Spotify tomorrow because the internet
(34:20):
is the ultimate equalizer, Like you don't need labels, you
don't need big managers or agents. So it's a huge
blessing and I love digital for that reason. What I
don't love it for is all the fake flexing. It
bothers me beyond, and that's what I want cry for
help to. You know, although it is vulgar and and
raunchy in a way, I do want people to see
(34:41):
beyond that and just know that there are people that
are being real and like showing you that they don't
have their ship together and stuff and I think that
song is what you know, relates, it relates to that
and just lets people know they aren't alone. So yeah,
it's really it's a really great song. It's unfiltered, it's
(35:04):
super real, and it is the tone of the other
music that you plan to release, going to kind of
like piggyback off of that general vibe. Yeah, there are
a lot of in the my project coming up the EP,
there's just it's all honesty, and I mean since I
released Vibe, I've been through I mean even since I
(35:25):
wrote Vibe, which was like two years before I released it,
I've just grown so much. I've been through so many
situations and relationships and situation ships and you know, I
mean there's there was so much to talk about. So
there's definitely a lot of honesty and also like you know,
(35:46):
having fun and and you know, living life and stuff,
because I feel like that's where I'm at in the
point of my life right now, is just living your
life and being present in moments. And there's a variety
of songs of different cons ups on the EP. Do
you know which one is going to be your next single?
Right now? I'm not allowed to say, Okay, don't say,
I don't say it, but there is a single, yes,
(36:09):
And how do we feel about this single? I'm really excited.
Is it similar to this one or is it it's
actually different. It's a little bit different. I mean all
of the songs are sort of in the same direction.
I'm a sucker for ballads, so like I have a
voice for ballots, you have to take advantage. I have
to do at least like a couple of ballads. I'm
(36:30):
just so excited for those, really, because it's just it's
a lot of like the words. You may think it's
like it means something about like a relationship or something,
but I really was in the mindset of like something else.
And it's just kind of know when that's going to
be released. I don't have a release date. Don't release date, okay,
but you have to let us know. I will so
(36:54):
back to cry for help. I actually was lucky enough
to get also Snike pick Go the music video, which
is actually finally released by the time this Yeah, so
we can we're gonna say it's out because right today
it's not out, but it's gonna be out. It's gonna
be it is out now, so go check it out,
(37:14):
right now can ever help. Music video now officially out.
It's official, so talk we I just watched it. It
is so good. And I'm not just saying that I'm
a sucker for music videos. I love music videos that
surprised us and shock us. And this music video it's
a shocker, folks. Yes, it's it's amazing. It was directed
(37:36):
by Michelle Parker, who is just so dope. I am
very hands on with my visuals. I came from the
video world. I felt like I literally went through school
just by like being a YouTuber, because you learned so
much about editing and and audio and visuals and like
different like hidden things and videos, and it's just it's
(37:57):
it's a really cool thing to go through as a YouTuber.
So when it comes to my original stuff, I am
very very hands on in the creative process. So this video,
I had an idea, I had a vision. I actually
came to Michelle with a totally different vision for the video.
I like edited a whole piece from like, you know,
different music videos from the past, like Rihanna's videos. I
(38:20):
would like I just edited this whole piece. I was like,
this is what I wanted to look like, just over
the top type of stuff. And then I had like
another idea like later that week, and I was like, well,
what if like we did something with like Barbies or something,
and like I was a Barbie or like, I was
just like thinking of different things to do with like
this whole Barbie thing. So then I got on the
(38:42):
phone with like my whole team and then the director
as well, and she created this like super dope treatment
of like sugar baby vibes, but like psycho vibes. In
the first literally in the first thirty seconds, I look
at mazing. I'm like, you're a psycho in this ship.
And she's like, I mean, you guys have to see it.
(39:03):
I Am not just saying this. You will be you
will be entertained. It's it's honestly, like I just psychotic.
I think I've done that like five million times on
this interview. Like, make sure you guys check it out.
They just have to google it. Right. It's not on
your YouTube channel obviously, right, So it is. Yeah, they
like you put on your YouTube. Yeah, it's gonna be
(39:25):
on my YouTube channel. Oh my gosh, okay, so on
your channel. Yeah, so it's on her YouTube channel. Make
sure you guys check that out. It's very, very very psychotic.
I love it. But she's also such a babe through
this psychotic behavior, which I appreciate. I'm going to have
you introduce your song because we're going to play it.
(39:45):
That's how we're rolling out of this, bitch. I'm not
calling you a bit. I'm saying we're rolling out. I
literally think when you were like, I'm gonna finesse and
get your song premiered here, and I was like, I
can't you a bit? And then you were like, I it,
You're not that kind of it. You know you're like
this because I feel like there's like a your bitch
or bitch and that's like the homie bitch. That's like
(40:08):
bitch and it really means I love you. Let's drink
some wine and celebrate. But okay, I'm gonna have you
intro your song because I don't want to do that.
You've you've got to do it and say, you know,
whatever you need to say. But guys, I hope you
enjoyed this interview. I sure did well. Before we leave,
I do want to say I literally met you, like
what was it like two years ago or something like
half ago, and like your support by not even knowing
(40:32):
me that well, Like it's so real, and like I
just appreciate you so much, and like you're like one
of the like literally like the like one of my
favorite radio hosts and like, to be honest, like not
a lot of people will like hop on the bandwagon
and be like I'm here to support you, and I
feel like, oh, I not only hop on I bully people.
I was bullying a big ep at I heart radio
(40:55):
to play your ship like raight up, Like you are
just so like supportive of my career and you don't
even know me that well. It's just like this is
so real, Like I just love it and you can
I feel your vibe and like, well, let me tell
you something about your vibe, Penny. The reason I support
you is because not only are you talent is talented
(41:17):
people are everywhere, but you have something that I hope
people can look up to and aspire to be, Like
because you work hard, are we going to like wear
the tissues? You work hard, You're really talented, and I
think you have a really good head on your shoulders
and you're not above the work, like you've put the
work in. So I want you to get the fifty
Grammys that we talk about because they're going to and
(41:38):
anyway that I can support you, whether it's you know,
doing some kind of weird ship with this computer that's
in front of me and making sure that every song
he thinks he's playing is not actually what it is.
But it's your song. I will figure it out. I'll
make it happen. I'll hire some kind of like computer hacker.
Go ahead, introduce your song. I'm so excited for you
(41:59):
can gratulations total loom. So here we go. You are
now listening to I think this is the first time
it's been on the radio. Hey guys, I am a
c Kate and you are listening to my new single
cry for Help. That wasn't fact though, Hey, I want
(42:32):
to fuck Did I just say that? Oh my god,
I feel stupid. Am I think I made to stop
t buck away. I don't want to drown you. And
my mistake it was saying, don't stand so close somebodys
(43:00):
while my always stuck upon my fucking blue so busy
trying to love the pain? Why am I aspecting like
I'm still cold? In said that this my cry for
he can get you push it together in the grounds.
(43:21):
Everything I try, but this it just sticks for him.
And when the family made guy, I'm trying to trying
to bathe in whatever do I guess get an alive
and give them up. I didn't push it together. Consider
(43:41):
that this is my cry for help again, I got
no keys, just let me in and the yolka and
he plays it feels like I'm never done scream Why
am I always stuck up on my fucking brog? So
(44:04):
where is he trying to mount the pain? Why am
I always said, Tony come stick coldish? Consider that this
was perfectly sticking rush it together in the produce every day.
Try this just stakes forever. And when the family did go,
(44:28):
it's where I try to believe me. What the funny
do I guess get an early evential evening is getting
rush it together? Consider that this is my cright for help.
You see that this repart. You see that this why
(44:57):
am I always stuck up on my bucking bro up loose?
So there's a trying amount the pain. Why am I
always saying that I come selling cold? Consider that this
my cry phone can think they get muship togetherful in
the prodest livery thing true, But this one just takes
(45:21):
for him, and when the funny guys trying to believe
it try whately do I guess getting out of your
giving push aga. Consider that this is my cry for
help behind the influence of the production of I Heart
(45:42):
Radio and t DC Media.
Welcome to Behind the Influence, a production of I Heart
Radio and TDC Media. I think I've I've really written
and recording the best music I've ever done so far
in my career. I'm really excited to put it out.
I'm hearing so many drama stories about things happening and
what do I believe in? What do I not like?
It's just awesome to have a team behind me. That's
(00:20):
like for me. I am going through ship. I'm maybe
depressed some days. I'm not all perfect and dope. As
I have any seen him. She's really talented. If you
guys don't know about Macy, kay, you're sleeping on the job, honey.
I feel like this is my second home now because
I'm doing I'm doing a show called music House on
(00:42):
my Heart, so I'm here all the time. I feel
like it's my second We already started this and I'm
just gonna keep rolling with it because you know, the
chemistry is so real right now. I don't even want
to Yeah, I don't even want to stop and be like,
hold on, let's do an intro. That was intro. We're
basically bribing Brian here to play Macy's sing all that
she just played for me cry for Help. It is
(01:02):
so good. Such a departure. Not in it. I'm not
saying the other stuff wasn't good, but such a departure
from your other music. Yeah, it's so different, and like
I want people to recognize that. I think too. I mean,
opening line, it's different than anything I've ever heard. And
if you don't know what I'm talking about, go check
out It's right, it's it's already been released. Go check
(01:24):
out the song. You will not regret it, you guys.
It's Yeah, it's definitely a shocker. It's a shocking opening line.
I mean, like I thought of it as like I
would want to listen to the rest of the song
just to be like, where is this going? Yeah, And
I've gotten a lot of feedback like that as well.
So and just just so like, so your last song.
(01:44):
That my not your last song, because you've had many songs.
But my god daughter is obsessed with Macy. Just a
little backstory. Isabel. Layla is Isabel's mom. So Leyla's my
best friend. Yes, So Layla is my best friend from college.
We've been best friends forever and her daughter is my
god daughter. Isabel obsessed with Macy. Macy had this bob out.
It was like a summer. It was vibe, right or
(02:06):
is it? It was fine because I always want to
say kill my vibe, but it's just vibe. And my
goddaughter would dance this forever. And I'm like, oh, Macy's
coming out with a new song. I'm going to play
it for her. And then I hear the first line
of this song, I'm like, yeah, Isabella will not be
dancing to this song. Not yet. There actually is a
clean version. Okay, so what is it? Hey want to
(02:27):
play chess? It's I mean, it's it's just it's like
bleeped out, like it's just what everyone knows, right right,
But yeah, there's actually whenever I do it live, I
have to like do a clean version for you know,
all of the general public. Yes, So what is the
do you just not say I say, hey want to
(02:48):
love or like you know that's cute? Yeah? Yeah, the
difference she's like a love let's I tried to figure
out like replacement words like want to hug or like
want to hook up or something. I think love is fine.
It works, is natural. Yeah. So for those of you
(03:08):
who are not familiar Macy, is a very very talented
female artist who actually caught her start on YouTube, and
when it makes perfect sense for this show behind the
influence of millions of subscribers on your YouTube channel. When
I first discovered Macy, she was doing covers, but before
that you did have a legit music career. You just
(03:29):
kind of like went solo, decided to do your own
thing and start your YouTube channel. And that's when I
saw all of her amazing covers, which if you guys
haven't seen those, go check out her YouTube channel because
your voice is insane. And then the reason we thought
this would be a great tie in for the show
is you actually were able to leverage your fan base
(03:51):
on YouTube and digital on through Instagram, Twitter, to them
launch a really successful which is still up in common.
It's still and still absolutely growing, and so let's talk
about that a little bit. When you first started the channel,
was your motivation or was the game plan to always
do what ended up happening? When I started it, no,
(04:14):
I was like twelve, and I was like just wanting
to do covers. I just found out I could sing.
I wasn't I wasn't seasoned in writing or producing yet
at all. So starting the Channel. It was more for
fun doing covers, and then once it started taking off,
I started going into original stuff and writing. But even
(04:39):
before I started the Channel, I was already touring and
doing stuff, you know, live and everything. It's a little
backstory just so for people who don't know the story.
You were into music prior to launching a mus account. Yeah,
I actually moved to Atlanta when I was like twelve,
and I was in a girl group in Atlanta and
(05:00):
was where we had full artist development, which now is
like really not a thing. I'm so glad I went
through it those especially at such a young age where
you could actually be like okay, because nobody knows who
they are at twelve, like at all. So you go,
You're getting all the great training that you needed that
could probably help you now. And honestly, like, I feel
like I have some sort of advantage because I had
(05:23):
artist development to handle things under pressure and you know,
to be juggling so much and and you know, like
having interviews and shows and stuff all while you know
a bunch of stuff behind the scenes are happening. So
that was a great way for me to really figure
out the industry. I think too, I was trained by
like amazing people in Atlanta, so it was great. After
(05:43):
the Girl Group, I kind of took those producers and
writers that I had worked with in the Girl Group
and just made connections through there. Then was managed by
another uh female, strong female. Her name's Amber Grimes, and
she helped me throughout the industry in Atlanta and producers
and nears who now, funny enough, are all out here
doing amazing things and like writing hits for Beyonce. It's
(06:06):
crazy and I'm like, it's so awesome. But yeah, So
from Atlanta, I actually started auditioning for reality shows because
I just felt like I was boxed in in Atlanta
in a way. So I was like, I feel like
I need to like figure out how to get to
l A. And I was like, I'll just start auditioning
for reality shows. So I auditioned for reality shows like
(06:28):
what kind of reality shows, American Idol, The Voice, all
of that. And also all while I was doing that,
I also had my YouTube channel happening, so I had
reality shows contacting me as well to audition. Because reality
shows are not always stand in line an audition. It's
like you'll get called in and be like, hey, can
(06:48):
you come auditions. So I ended up lanning this reality
shows called Rising Star, which brought me to l A.
And I was out here for three months staying and
they put us in this amazing hotel is called the
SLS and and it was just like that fancy for
a show. We're literally living there for like three months.
That's insane. And yeah, I was at the pool over.
(07:10):
I was like, I had to be like fourteen fifteen,
You're living at the fucking s l S as a
fifteen year old. My mom was loving it too, she was,
I mean, I was a minor, so I had to
have my parents. That's hilarious. Yeah, we were like, we're
just balance. So yeah, it gave us like a weekly allowance.
(07:30):
Was great. But anyways, yeah, that was an amazing experience
as well. I mean, I think when you're in when
you get into the reality show world and the TV
side of things, it's a lot different than like traditional
music industry. It's like very staged and all of that.
I definitely found myself through reality shows, I think too.
(07:52):
A lot of like experiences that I experienced at a
really young age to you know, be documented and comparing
like where I am, um, where I was when filming
those and then where I Am now was just like
really dope to look at. So yeah, once I went
through the reality show, it kind of gave me like
a another platform on top of YouTube to like bounce
(08:13):
off of. And then at the same time, I was
still just trying to like figure out how to get
in touch with the executives and all that. So I
was going I was going to music conferences as well.
So in Florida and Atlanta, there are a lot of
music conferences and a lot of executives that are there,
so I would pull up, I would like try and
make relationships, and I ended up making this really dope
(08:34):
relationship with Reverb Nation and the owner of Reverb Nation,
and he was like, oh, we had a band cancel
on this opening night of this conference was called Driven
Music Conference, and he was like, do you want to
come perform for like all the executives at the executive dinner?
And I was like duh, And I ended up performing
there that night. Florida's A and R was at the
(08:55):
executive dinner. I ended up leaving super fast because I
had to show the next day. So he apparently was
trying to find me after the dinner ended up not
connecting at all, and he had sent someone out to
like go to my show. The next day, this girl
came to my show and was like Florida's and R
has been trying to like find you for Like, was
(09:15):
that the craziest thing to hear? Yeah, because I'm like,
when you're doing stuff, you feel like nobody's watching, when
really there are people in silence watching you at all times.
And that was like a crazy moment because I'm like
I was feeling like no one was like getting what
I was doing. At the time, I was like, I
feel like run down. I was like sixteen seventeen, and
(09:38):
I had been doing this for like not super long,
but like five years felt like a long time for me,
And especially when you're so young, it's like your whole
high school career basically, so you've given up normal high
school things to pursue this passion. So yeah, that does
seem like a really long time. Yeah, so that hindsight,
(09:59):
it's not that long the career of somebody, but for
that age, yes, I was like getting impatient and and
then to hear that was like, Wow, this is like
it's really dope to have recognition finally, So I ended
up meeting with the A and R after the conference
and he brought me to the studio Flow heard me
(10:19):
live on the piano as well. I didn't have any
original music at the time because I was doing covers
on YouTube and I think I had like five six
hundred thousand followers at that point. He signed me on
the spot, and then two weeks later I was on
tour with him, which was crazy. Was on tour with
him for two years after That was the most influential
time of my career. I think even when as I grow,
(10:41):
I think that will still be the most influential time
was being on tour with him because I literally learned
I was his like guinea pig the entire tour, like
I was his shadow. I was watching his interviews, his
you know, performances, as rehearsals. I mean even in the studio,
like when we had time off, I would be in
l A with him as well, just the studio with
the whole team and watching you know him take meetings
(11:04):
at Atlantic and like movie meetings, like behind the scenes stuff.
And I was like, this is so crazy, Like it's
literally preparing me for what It's just kind of priceless,
like you can't pay for that type of training, I
feel like, and and he wasn't even considering it training.
But in my head, I was like, this is like
boot camp for me because he had made it and
(11:24):
he you were basically able to see every aspect of it,
from media training and being able to do a proper
interview to the amount of hours he probably put into rehearsal.
What was a common misconception that maybe you had at
the time something you thought about the music industry that
after being with Flow change your perspective on it. I
think it was his ability to always like be on.
(11:48):
In my head, I didn't realize like when you are
that known. He had just released My House and it
went straight to number one, like at the time that
I was on tour with him, so he always constantly
had to be on, like all the time. So when
we were walking out in l a, like I would
be in like sweats and like a sweatshirt and he
(12:10):
would like be like, you have to go change because,
like I'm going to tell you, like, this is not
how you have to always be dressed looking ready like
all the time. And it was true because every time,
even when we were just trying to go for breakfast,
like he was constantly being like stopped or you know,
like taking meetings like in the middle of the day.
It was just like stuff like that where I had
(12:30):
no idea. I was like, I really, you know, you
really need to be on at all times. In a way, though,
I do think it's important to be real with your
audience as well though, but he was definitely a really
like dope person to be around when you know, he
was like constantly being pulled and pushed in different directions,
(12:51):
but he always was like dressed, ready to go all
the time, which was like a huge learning experience for me.
So he basically went to Flow University, learned what you
had to learn, and then and then after that, my
contract just ended. It was a mutual thing. He was
an artist and you know, had to do his own thing.
(13:11):
Was just so busy, and I was like, I just
really need to focus on my stuff. I learned so
much from him and that experience. You know, a lot
of things in between as well. There were good times,
bad times, but at the end of the day, I
feel like I learned so much from that situation. I
ended up moving on was independent for like a year
and a half after that, um, and that's when I
(13:33):
met you, right, Yes, so I finally got to release
my own music. It was crazy because that through that
whole deal, I hadn't released anything, which was really frustrating
for me. I was learning so much and I felt,
you know, like I was on tour touring Wembley Stadium
like the biggest crowds I've ever been in front of ever,
and I just hadn't released anything, and I was still
(13:56):
feeling like I hadn't shown or got and to prove
myself to anyone. Not that that was the goal, but
I just was feeling like I needed to speak my mind.
And that's frustrating. I mean, especially you. It's your passion
to be an artist and you're of course you're learning
and it's invaluable, but you're seeing someone else put content
out and music out and you're just like, I want
(14:18):
to do that too, exactly. So, and then even the
artists we were doing shows with it was like up
and coming artists as well, and you know, he was
also watching, you know, the way that they were doing
things as well for my career as well. So so yeah,
after that was independent for a while, released my own music,
you know, through my channel and stuff. I ended up
(14:39):
petting like a million subs during that point. That's that's crazy,
by the way, to have a million subscribers. It's really
hard to get to that point on YouTube. I feel
like that's the threshold. Once you hit a million, it's like, Okay,
you're legitimately you have a presence on YouTube. How was
that for you? Well, I mean it took all that time,
from like when I was in Atlanta all the way
(15:00):
until the beginning of this year. What do you think
helps your YouTube channel grow? What was there a spike
in growth? It wasn't a slow and steady climb. It
was a slow and steady climb. Like there was no
like of course there were like the viral cover videos
and like because my main content was cover music. It
was always the main source of content was music, which
(15:22):
I'm really proud that I stuck with that like my
entire YouTube career, because now I'm like, they're wanting original
stuff because of the renditions that I would make, they
were so different from the originals. They almost sounded like
totally different. So they're like, we need the original stuff.
And sometimes it's hard for cover artists to stray away
(15:43):
from covers because the audience is so used to hearing
renditions of songs and stuff. But luckily my audience was
like so for me putting out original content, so that
was really exciting. It was a steady build though. It
was like eight nine years of work and it wasn't
like a, oh, I'm gonna do this prank and I'll
(16:05):
get a million followers overnight. No, it took like so long,
which but that's I feel like that's what creates longevity though,
because it's like the whole theory of it's a race,
it's a marathon, not a race. So it's okay, so
you get a million followers overnight or doing a prank,
but then what right, and you're not curating a real
fan base. And I'm kind of grateful that it didn't
(16:26):
take off overnight because I don't like think I would
know how to utilize everything, and like not that I'm
like slow with doing things, but I'm just like, I'm
I'm very grateful that it happened to the way it
did because I feel like I would just be so
overwhelmed with what was going on and everything, and I'm
just like really glad it happened that way because I
(16:48):
have time to prepare and think about things. So now
when something does happen overnight, I know how to like
bounce off of it and take advantage of it. So
and even in the last year, I would say, you've
evolved so much as an artist. You had that time
to curate the audience and not really like rush because
if if people's first impressions of you were a couple
(17:10):
of years ago, you're not the artist that you were
a couple of years ago. No, Yeah, and I mean
I also signed to a brand new label at the
end of last year, which was a big deal, very
exciting because you were independent, which obviously affords you a
lot of freedom. But yeah, being with the label is
obviously great. It's because it's just awesome to have like
(17:31):
a team that believes in you so much. At the
end of last year, I signed with rebeca music group
who connected me with Empire. So Tina Davis was she
was shown my music and vibe actually, and she really
loved it, ended up wanting to sign me. And I
was signed an Empire in November last year. So it
(17:52):
took this whole year too to come up with the
EP and so many songs were written, so many songs
were recorded, and it was just an amazing experience because
this was this was another part of my career that
was like, Okay, I'm like in the game now, like
as far as music was because YouTube was like, I
know how this works, but when it comes to like
(18:15):
actual music business, being in the commercial world, it was
like I was. It was my first time being in
riding camps that were just dedicated to me. Like I
would walk into the studio see a whiteboard with like
my name on it, with like all the BMG writers
who were coming in, and the scheduling and everything seems
so organized. I was like, this is so crazy to
(18:37):
me that I don't have to do this by myself now,
not that it's anyway, you know, taking advantage of a situation,
but it's like this is just so too. I mean,
you know how to do all the things yourself, which
I think is invaluable. And I think that's good that
you didn't have that right away, because now you know
how to do every piece of the puzzle and we
(18:57):
appreciate it. Yeah, yeah, you appreciate it. But now, ow,
it's really nice. I'm assuming because I've been in that
position to as an on air talent, being the editor,
being the producer, being the writer on my own stuff.
And it's nice to just kind of show up and
do your talent, do your thing, not that you can't
do the other stuff or that you don't want to
do the other stuff, because it's fun. Sometimes. I'm sure
you're gonna want to write and produce your own songs
(19:19):
and even edit your videos stuff. And you were telling
me you're still editing the music for this, and it's
not all of the work taken over. I'm still writing
the songs very hands I'm still yeah, I'm very hands on,
but it's you know, it's just so it's like we
lifted off of your shoulders, like you know, and the
whole team Empire has just been so freaking amazing. Like
(19:43):
the support and the team that are behind every single
move that I make is just awesome. And you know,
they still let me have it my creative you know
mind work through every move that I make. But they
have their opinions and they're like, you can be an artist,
and we're so just friendly, but like we're going to
give you our opinions, and I value their opinions because
(20:03):
they're so amazing and just have done so many dope
things with dope artists, but they still let me be
an artist. So I'm just I'm super grateful for that.
And then we're here now and I think I've I've
really written and recorded the best music I've ever done
so far in my career. I'm really excited to put
it out the rest of it. It's so excited for you.
(20:24):
We are going to talk about the single, but I
just want to touch on because a lot of artists
who are listening to this, they may be indie right
now and grappling with the idea of signing with the label,
but there's so many stigmas with signing with the label
versus being independent. What has been your experience overall in hindsight?
Were there are things that you had to adjust to
that We're like, any challenges with signing with the label
(20:46):
versus being independent. There's an obvious thing where you don't
have to answer to anybody when you're independent, but then
when you're with a label, there's so many perks that
come with it too. What was the biggest adjustment for you.
The biggest adjustment I think was really being open to
other people's opinions on things. When I was independent, it
was like me and my management R and R, who
(21:09):
have been with me forever, just us discussing, you know,
what I wanted. And then now it's like, okay, well
I have to Now I have a team which I
value so much and love and respect. Now it's like, okay,
well we want to try this and do this and
do this, and then I'll oversee it and I'll make
a couple of comments and stuff, and that was That
(21:31):
was kind of the biggest adjustment I think was really
having so many people, you know, so many cooks in
the kitchen, but like I definitely they let me have
the final say of things. But I'm just I think
that was the biggest adjustment. Was having a lot of
other people involved, which is an amazing thing, but definitely
(21:52):
having to work with other people on creatives and stuff
like that. It's been what's been your favorite thing about
ending with a label? Favorite thing? Just like the team,
having a like a support system, just having like a family.
And honestly, Empire is like such a dope label label
(22:15):
because they consider like their artists family. Like Ghazi wants
to meet with every one of his artists that he
signs before signing them, like he doesn't just want to
sign them on the spot and not meet them. So
I felt, really, you know, it felt good to have
someone who actually cared and just isn't there for like
numbers and stuff, music farm, farm factory, where it's just
(22:37):
pumping out whatever they think about. They actually, yeah, I
want to have a relationship. And and Tina Davis is
my an R, and and she is just so she's
doing more than what an ant R should be doing. Really,
she's just literally like so hands on and like so awesome.
And then you know, like I have my project manager
(22:59):
and like you know so many different people that are
in charge of different things, and you know, a person
who like has my studio schedule, and like it's just
awesome to have a team behind me that's like for
me and so many dope creative ideas happening. Just so
happy for you to be signed by them. Was it
just like a pinch me moment? Yeah, I mean I
(23:19):
know who they have signed and I it's yeah, it's amazing,
and it's it was mostly driven towards like the urban,
a lot of hip hop, a lot of rappers, a
lot of R and B. So to come into the
label as a pop artist was really dope because I
think I also have a you have an R, but
(23:41):
you have an urban vibe. Yeah, I do, and I
like I love that about my voice and also my
style is is I was. I grew up in a
you know, I came up in the music industry and
in R and B and like trained in Atlanta. Yeah,
it was dope. It was really really dope to to
be in that environment. So to come into the label
(24:03):
as well having a pop side now to the label
is like really really cool, just like spreading into different
areas and branching into like different genres, like they have
country now they have you know, a whole Asian market
and and K pop and like so many different genres now.
It's like really cool to see them growing. I remember
(24:23):
hearing about Empire when I was in Atlanta when I
was like thirteen, and I was like, Okay, it's cool
there like a distribution company, and it was cool to
see them. And now the fact that they have like
a whole to like so many different locations and like
a whole like building, it's like crazy. And and I
respect Ghazi and what he's built and like it's been
just so so cool to see somebody who's so artist friendly,
(24:47):
because not a lot of people are like that, and
I've been in situations where it's like not like that
at all, and it's really cool that I hear that
a lot in the music industry, especially people who signed
the labels. It's like the worst. Yeah, And I just
think having someone at the head of the label who
wants to be personal, personable with all artists that he signs,
(25:08):
it's just so amazing. Sorry, I just got so shocked
and I tried to throw some gum away and it
like slowly fell out, and I looked at Alison and
she was like, slowly put it back in. Whatever it happened.
It's really it's authentic, it happened. So I want to
talk about your single because i'd heard it before Alison
(25:29):
Brian just heard it and they both loved it. How
has been the response for this single, cry for Help?
I mean, overall, it's been amazing, Okay, Like the response
has been so crazy. I mean, this whole new world
of like TikTok and Triller and like all these new things.
I mean, the algorithm is crazy on TikTok, so the
(25:51):
song has gone viral on TikTok, which is really dope,
which has translated into streams and stuff. It's crazy, like
the behind the scenes were work on like apps and stuff.
It's just so, but how does what how does a
song take off on because okay, so one of my
best friends, her brother had a single and somehow someone
on TikTok got ahold of it and it went viral
(26:13):
and somehow that song just shot to like Spotify top ten.
I think it was like up to four or something.
And it all happened because of TikTok, because of tick.
Like I that was another thing that Empire was like,
you have to make a TikTok and I'm like, I
don't know what the hell can we talk about TikTok.
I don't know what TikTok was. I mean, I get it,
(26:34):
but I don't get it. I get it. But so
baby Ariel was in here and she's like the most
followed person on TikTok. It was musically we did a
TikTok together and to me, and I'm sure I'm missing something,
but it just seems like you're putting a video. Yeah,
there there's no it's literally like there's so many different
things you can do. It's like lip sinking or people
(26:57):
are talking and stuff are like doing a skit or something.
But then it's the difference between doing that on your
insta TikTok. At first, I thought TikTok had all these
and I think they do have special editing features and
they have duets and things like that. Trailler does the
same thing. They have these like special things you can
do that you couldn't do on Instagram. So I guess
(27:17):
that's the thing or the demo that's on TikTok. I
think it might be the demographic that's TikTok because it's
literally like they're young. They're very young. And that's why
I was scared for the song to be on there,
because like it's not a clean song. Just to let
you guys know, the first line is Macy, you want
to take this. I feel very uncomfortable saying it out loud.
(27:38):
It's hey, you want to fuck? Yeah. The first line
is hey, you want to fuck? Like you said no.
But but I'm a mother now I can't say just kidding.
I say the effort for like a down verb adjective
efforts my favorite, but in that context, you're being quite
forward with the fellas. Yes. So with the TikTok market,
(28:02):
they were like, oh, like, I think because you can
choose as an artist, you can choose what part of
the song you want to put in it. And I
was like, okay, well, I'm not going to choose the
part of the song, but that's the part I saw
people doing. Yes, So my label was like, Okay, we're
going to put in like the first line, and then
we're also going to do um the chorus part. And
I was like, all right, see how it goes. So
(28:24):
I did a TikTok myself. I was like one of
the first ones who did the song on TikTok and
I did the first verse and I was like, all right,
let's see how it does. It literally went viral like
two days after. But but is it because you have
a ton of followers on TikTok. I don't though I
made a TikTok like the day the song drops, then
(28:47):
how do people even find it? So the song ended
up it started trending more people, I guess, like one
TikTok person who had like over a million followers like
found the song and did TikTok, and then it was
like people started doing it aft by the way, it
makes sense, like who doesn't want to say, hey, want
to funk? It's like I just said that work. I know.
(29:08):
It's like I feel like this is what like freaking
kids now like high school, they're like this is these
are the type of because honestly, if we want to
really go I don't know if we're going to go
deep into the meaning of the song. I mean, like
the meaning of this song is like there's people online
now a days are they feel like they're so put together,
(29:31):
Like it feels like on the outside it's so put together,
you know, everything seems so perfect and like just when
it's not, and like on the inside, we really just
don't know what's going on behind the scenes, behind the camera.
And I know it sounds it's like overdone and cliche
to say, but it's like it it's not always perfect,
Like it's not always how it seems. Cry for help
(29:55):
is like I don't have my ship together. I don't
have everything perfect or in line or anything. I am
going through ship. I'm may be depressed some days, I
may not be like I'm not all perfect and dope
as I may seem, um, and it's just a cry
for help. Like I feel like people think they're alone
(30:18):
in it, and like at times I feel like I'm
alone with you know, my struggles and my day to
day feelings and personally, and you know, I have so
much happening in like my business life. I don't really
like take a second to stop and reflect on everything
that I've done behind the scenes and like what I've
been through and like just really sat and been like whoa,
(30:41):
Like this is all it's success. I think it's I
think it's hard. There's like a lot of layers to it. One,
if you are somebody who's considered a public figure, you're
obviously have an online presence, which means you're obviously online,
which means you're seeing other people's online stuff and no
one's putting out there. Oh I just went to my
sixth meeting where nobody signed me. Like, no one's saying that,
(31:04):
but what they are posting is their shoe at Universal
Music being like meetings, So that's what you're seeing, but
you're not seeing that after that meeting and they didn't
get a call back. No nobody says that, so we
even I even see like people borrowing like cars and
(31:28):
like clothes and like taking pictures in it as if
it's there's and like really they could like look like
the richest, most happiest person online when really they are not.
They could be like living in a on account or
something that annoys me beyond and like I'm just like
(31:48):
I wonder what's going through their mind when they're like
they come home and they're off all of that, like
cry for help. The song is like what I think
about is like maybe that it's like what is really happening,
Like they don't really have their ship together, you know.
But the problem is it's like a it's a bad
(32:09):
cycle because those people are trying to catch up with
the other people, but the other people are trying to
catch up with also might not really have it together.
So like there's this vicious cycle of seeing that person
as a lambo. I need to have a lambo, so
let me rent a lamba with that I should be
paying rent with just for this Instagram blex. And then
you go home to your ten roommates and your shitty
(32:31):
apartment and you're like, okay, so now I'm getting likes,
but now what So it's just like a bad site,
and the people were looking up to it's not what
it seems either, like even the people if you're looking
up to a celebrity who has all the designer clothes,
you're not realizing, like designers are giving those clothes to
those celebrities for free, not that they can't afford it,
but it's like everything is so unrealistic and unattainable. And
(32:56):
I get that, I hear that. I think it's really
I wish and I hope for like the next generation,
Like I think about my son. This is gonna sound
really cheesy, but I'm sad for like the kids coming
up in this I mean too, Like that's I think.
I think also with the kids that are on TikTok
and like all of those types of people, they didn't
(33:18):
they didn't they don't know any difference, Like they don't
they didn't grow up playing outside or you know, doing
normal kids stuff. It's like all digital now, which it's
a blessing and also occurs because I mean people literally
can now make a living off of posting and social media.
(33:38):
But then also the the sad part is like how
like I look at videos now and I'm looking at
these couples and like these family channels, and I'm like, so, like,
how much of this is like real? I'm hearing so
many drama stories about things happening, and I like, so
what do I believe in? What do I not? Like?
(33:59):
It's really true? And I think I think the solution
to it all, which no one's ever going to band
together and do this, is just to keep it real.
Because at the end of the day, digital is great.
Online is great. You know, like you could have a
hit out. You don't need a label, you could have
a great voice, put your ship out there and be
the number one person on Spotify tomorrow because the internet
(34:20):
is the ultimate equalizer, Like you don't need labels, you
don't need big managers or agents. So it's a huge
blessing and I love digital for that reason. What I
don't love it for is all the fake flexing. It
bothers me beyond, and that's what I want cry for
help to. You know, although it is vulgar and and
raunchy in a way, I do want people to see
(34:41):
beyond that and just know that there are people that
are being real and like showing you that they don't
have their ship together and stuff and I think that
song is what you know, relates, it relates to that
and just lets people know they aren't alone. So yeah,
it's really it's a really great song. It's unfiltered, it's
(35:04):
super real, and it is the tone of the other
music that you plan to release, going to kind of
like piggyback off of that general vibe. Yeah, there are
a lot of in the my project coming up the EP,
there's just it's all honesty, and I mean since I
released Vibe, I've been through I mean even since I
(35:25):
wrote Vibe, which was like two years before I released it,
I've just grown so much. I've been through so many
situations and relationships and situation ships and you know, I
mean there's there was so much to talk about. So
there's definitely a lot of honesty and also like you know,
(35:46):
having fun and and you know, living life and stuff,
because I feel like that's where I'm at in the
point of my life right now, is just living your
life and being present in moments. And there's a variety
of songs of different cons ups on the EP. Do
you know which one is going to be your next single?
Right now? I'm not allowed to say, Okay, don't say,
I don't say it, but there is a single, yes,
(36:09):
And how do we feel about this single? I'm really excited.
Is it similar to this one or is it it's
actually different. It's a little bit different. I mean all
of the songs are sort of in the same direction.
I'm a sucker for ballads, so like I have a
voice for ballots, you have to take advantage. I have
to do at least like a couple of ballads. I'm
(36:30):
just so excited for those, really, because it's just it's
a lot of like the words. You may think it's
like it means something about like a relationship or something,
but I really was in the mindset of like something else.
And it's just kind of know when that's going to
be released. I don't have a release date. Don't release date, okay,
but you have to let us know. I will so
(36:54):
back to cry for help. I actually was lucky enough
to get also Snike pick Go the music video, which
is actually finally released by the time this Yeah, so
we can we're gonna say it's out because right today
it's not out, but it's gonna be out. It's gonna
be it is out now, so go check it out,
(37:14):
right now can ever help. Music video now officially out.
It's official, so talk we I just watched it. It
is so good. And I'm not just saying that I'm
a sucker for music videos. I love music videos that
surprised us and shock us. And this music video it's
a shocker, folks. Yes, it's it's amazing. It was directed
(37:36):
by Michelle Parker, who is just so dope. I am
very hands on with my visuals. I came from the
video world. I felt like I literally went through school
just by like being a YouTuber, because you learned so
much about editing and and audio and visuals and like
different like hidden things and videos, and it's just it's
(37:57):
it's a really cool thing to go through as a YouTuber.
So when it comes to my original stuff, I am
very very hands on in the creative process. So this video,
I had an idea, I had a vision. I actually
came to Michelle with a totally different vision for the video.
I like edited a whole piece from like, you know,
different music videos from the past, like Rihanna's videos. I
(38:20):
would like I just edited this whole piece. I was like,
this is what I wanted to look like, just over
the top type of stuff. And then I had like
another idea like later that week, and I was like, well,
what if like we did something with like Barbies or something,
and like I was a Barbie or like, I was
just like thinking of different things to do with like
this whole Barbie thing. So then I got on the
(38:42):
phone with like my whole team and then the director
as well, and she created this like super dope treatment
of like sugar baby vibes, but like psycho vibes. In
the first literally in the first thirty seconds, I look
at mazing. I'm like, you're a psycho in this ship.
And she's like, I mean, you guys have to see it.
(39:03):
I Am not just saying this. You will be you
will be entertained. It's it's honestly, like I just psychotic.
I think I've done that like five million times on
this interview. Like, make sure you guys check it out.
They just have to google it. Right. It's not on
your YouTube channel obviously, right, So it is. Yeah, they
like you put on your YouTube. Yeah, it's gonna be
(39:25):
on my YouTube channel. Oh my gosh, okay, so on
your channel. Yeah, so it's on her YouTube channel. Make
sure you guys check that out. It's very, very very psychotic.
I love it. But she's also such a babe through
this psychotic behavior, which I appreciate. I'm going to have
you introduce your song because we're going to play it.
(39:45):
That's how we're rolling out of this, bitch. I'm not
calling you a bit. I'm saying we're rolling out. I
literally think when you were like, I'm gonna finesse and
get your song premiered here, and I was like, I
can't you a bit? And then you were like, I it,
You're not that kind of it. You know you're like
this because I feel like there's like a your bitch
or bitch and that's like the homie bitch. That's like
(40:08):
bitch and it really means I love you. Let's drink
some wine and celebrate. But okay, I'm gonna have you
intro your song because I don't want to do that.
You've you've got to do it and say, you know,
whatever you need to say. But guys, I hope you
enjoyed this interview. I sure did well. Before we leave,
I do want to say I literally met you, like
what was it like two years ago or something like
half ago, and like your support by not even knowing
(40:32):
me that well, Like it's so real, and like I
just appreciate you so much, and like you're like one
of the like literally like the like one of my
favorite radio hosts and like, to be honest, like not
a lot of people will like hop on the bandwagon
and be like I'm here to support you, and I
feel like, oh, I not only hop on I bully people.
I was bullying a big ep at I heart radio
(40:55):
to play your ship like raight up, Like you are
just so like supportive of my career and you don't
even know me that well. It's just like this is
so real, Like I just love it and you can
I feel your vibe and like, well, let me tell
you something about your vibe, Penny. The reason I support
you is because not only are you talent is talented
(41:17):
people are everywhere, but you have something that I hope
people can look up to and aspire to be, Like
because you work hard, are we going to like wear
the tissues? You work hard, You're really talented, and I
think you have a really good head on your shoulders
and you're not above the work, like you've put the
work in. So I want you to get the fifty
Grammys that we talk about because they're going to and
(41:38):
anyway that I can support you, whether it's you know,
doing some kind of weird ship with this computer that's
in front of me and making sure that every song
he thinks he's playing is not actually what it is.
But it's your song. I will figure it out. I'll
make it happen. I'll hire some kind of like computer hacker.
Go ahead, introduce your song. I'm so excited for you
(41:59):
can gratulations total loom. So here we go. You are
now listening to I think this is the first time
it's been on the radio. Hey guys, I am a
c Kate and you are listening to my new single
cry for Help. That wasn't fact though, Hey, I want
(42:32):
to fuck Did I just say that? Oh my god,
I feel stupid. Am I think I made to stop
t buck away. I don't want to drown you. And
my mistake it was saying, don't stand so close somebodys
(43:00):
while my always stuck upon my fucking blue so busy
trying to love the pain? Why am I aspecting like
I'm still cold? In said that this my cry for
he can get you push it together in the grounds.
(43:21):
Everything I try, but this it just sticks for him.
And when the family made guy, I'm trying to trying
to bathe in whatever do I guess get an alive
and give them up. I didn't push it together. Consider
(43:41):
that this is my cry for help again, I got
no keys, just let me in and the yolka and
he plays it feels like I'm never done scream Why
am I always stuck up on my fucking brog? So
(44:04):
where is he trying to mount the pain? Why am
I always said, Tony come stick coldish? Consider that this
was perfectly sticking rush it together in the produce every day.
Try this just stakes forever. And when the family did go,
(44:28):
it's where I try to believe me. What the funny
do I guess get an early evential evening is getting
rush it together? Consider that this is my cright for help.
You see that this repart. You see that this why
(44:57):
am I always stuck up on my bucking bro up loose?
So there's a trying amount the pain. Why am I
always saying that I come selling cold? Consider that this
my cry phone can think they get muship togetherful in
the prodest livery thing true, But this one just takes
(45:21):
for him, and when the funny guys trying to believe
it try whately do I guess getting out of your
giving push aga. Consider that this is my cry for
help behind the influence of the production of I Heart
(45:42):
Radio and t DC Media.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!