"I wasn't expecting to be a singer," Macy Gray says, "much less as popular and successful as I've been lucky enough to be."

Born in Canton, Ohio, singer-songwriter Macy Gray originally moved to Los Angeles to study filmmaking at USC, where her classmates included Judd Apatow and the late John Singleton. But Gray got really involved in music, going on to experience massive success with her megahit, "I Try," and she's continued making music since. Now, Gray is back with Ruby, her 10th full-length studio album. The Current's Mary Lucia recently spoke to Macy Gray about her career and about the new album, which was produced by Johan Carlsson.

The lead single, "Buddha," reflects Gray's take on life. "Buddha, one of his most signature quotes, is 'Concentrate the mind on the present'," Gray explains. "I think that's a really powerful way to live.

"'Buddha' was actually one of the most natural songs that came on the album," Gray continues. "The hook came to me right away … I sang it right away, so it was kind of meant to be."

The track also features guitar work by Gary Clark Jr. "I had already met Gary Clark Jr. at the Afro Punk Festival in Brooklyn," Gray recalls. "Johan had put this fake guitar solo on the bridge, and we were talking about who we could get to play the guitar and I thought of Gary. I sent him the song, he went into his studio and sent it back within three days."

Gray has tour dates scheduled in October across the eastern United States, and she's already working on two new music projects. "From day one, I just always had fun making music, it was just the best time of my life," she says. "I get onstage, and that's just the best time of my week. … It's one of those things I can't get enough of."

Use the audio player above to listen to Mary Lucia's conversation with Macy Gray — including Macy's recollection of a her elementary-school classmate, Brian Warner, aka Marilyn Manson.

Produced by Luke Taylor. Engineered by John Miller and Ben Tolliday.

External Link

Macy Gray - official site

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