“Be yourself. Demand respect and don’t accept anything less!”— Macy Krew’s “Royalty”
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, singer-songwriter Macy Krew is now based out of Nashville, Tennessee.
A recognized alumni of American Idol, her debut music to country radio, “Wherever You Are” and “Playin’ With Fire,” have had an impact in the music industry. Her powerhouse vocals and country twang pair well with the original songs she pens with honesty and attitude.
Kid Rock, Frankie Ballard, Uncle Kracker, Josh Gracin, and Jana Kramer are all Michigan natives like yourself. Which country artists did you listen to growing up in the Great Lakes State?
I’ve always seemed to love country music since I was little. The first country music I remember listening to was Shania Twain. I love the girl power featured in her music but also love all the artists that have come from Michigan!
Auditioning for American Idol, a show you’ve watched since Kelly Clarkson won the first season. Appearing on Clarkson’s television show recently, where she said you’re a ‘spotlight singer.’ How has Clarkson been an inspiration for your music career?
Oh my gosh, being on The Kelly Clarkson Show was a dream come true. I absolutely adore her as an artist, and she’s been another one I’ve listened to since I was a little girl. She has such a powerful presence on a stage and always has been unapologetically herself. She is as genuine as it gets and everything she embodies as an artist; I aspire to be like.
You recently met Carly Pearce, another artist who has inspired you, at the Listening Room Cafe. Pearce started out her career playing at the Nashville venue, same as you. Recently you sold out a show with Taylor Ryan and Gracie Carol. What makes this venue stage so special?
I cannot believe we have sold out The Listening Room THREE times now!!! I’m so proud of that. The audience genuinely loves the stories behind each song. The Listening Room is the most special stage in Nashville, as some of the best songwriters have started there. To sit on a stage where some of your idols started, is such an honor. There is just magic that happens there and I am so grateful to have their support in my music career.
“Royalty.” When you wrote the song (your favorite to date), you took a vision of respecting royalty to never hold back your presence or personality. Loved the lyric, “I’m building my own castle out of all the bricks you threw at me; I survived the war and somehow I still looked like royalty.” Building yourself up with what was meant to tear you down — what inspired that line?
“Royalty” is the song I’m most proud about. It’s everything I hope to be as an artist. The messages I get from fans saying how this has helped them through hard times is so special to me. I want this to be a song people can scream the lyrics to and jam to as loud as they want. Girl power to the max — don’t hold back! Don’t let anyone or anything in your way.
So much of this song is pure honesty. In the music industry and life in general, there are always people and things that will try to get in your way of success. At the end of the day, you’re always going to have people who don’t like you or want to make commentary about the way you live your life, and it’s just not worth your time. I want this to be a song of confidence and self-respect, that shows females especially that you don’t have to hold back your personality. Be yourself. Demand respect and don’t accept anything less!
You shared that a dream of yours is to play the Grand Ole Opry. The shows, which combine rising talent, superstars, and legends, are never rehearsed. What would it mean to you to be invited into the Circle to perform?
I would be absolutely speechless if I ever get the honor to step into the circle at the Grand Ole Opry. One of the first times I ever went to Nashville (before moving here), I got to experience it and I will always remember it. Some of the most talented people in country music have stepped on that stage and it’s definitely on my bucket list/goals list to accomplish in my music career. I wouldn’t even have the words if I could find a way to make this happen someday.
Your 2021 goals included constant gratitude and living in the moment. How has the pandemic changed your outlook on what is most important in your life?
The pandemic has definitely changed a lot of things, especially as an artist. I miss tours. I miss the fans. I miss it all. On the flip side of that, I’m trying to live more in the moment and appreciate the little things. Sometimes life is ‘go go go’ as an artist, so being able to slow down and grow in those moments have been important, too.
Fostering dogs, even becoming a ‘foster fail.’ How did you get started in the program?
I absolutely love dogs and became an ambassador for Nashville Humane Association! I’ve filmed things for them, performed for them, and have loved being a part of their program. When we first moved to Nashville a year and a half ago, I knew I wanted to make a difference, especially in this big program that always had tons of dogs needing love. We have thus far fostered 8 different dogs, all for different reasons and periods of time, and it’s so rewarding. We’ve loved every one of them and it means the world to be involved with NHA. Our last foster we had, Corduroy, we ended up adopting and he is spoiled!
Showing your sister around Nashville ahead of her being your maid of honor in May. How has the wedding planning been going within the pandemic restrictions?
Wedding planning has been interesting in this time to say the least. We are hoping for the best and have an incredible new venue that has backup plans just in case. We are getting married in our home state of Michigan, on the water in Holland. Cannot believe we are less than 2 months away.