PREMIERE: Macy Kate Turns the End of a Toxic Relationship Into Triumph With New Song ‘Sugar’
Macy Kate has been one of our favorite artists for years, and she's back with a new and empowering sound. Her latest release, "Sugar," is the perfect example of how she uses music to tell powerful stories while putting herself first.
Inspired by the end of a real toxic relationship, Macy Kate penned this track not just to move past it, but to triumph in it and show other young women that they can do the same. For the big premiere, we got the chance to ask Macy exactly how it came to be, and here's everything she told us.
Sweety High: What was the songwriting and recording process behind "Sugar"?
Macy Kate: The songwriting process is always very therapeutic for me. Whenever I write, I always feel so relieved after. Like a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. With this song, in particular, I feel it represents strength and how I overcame a situation. Turning that situation into art was amazing for me.
SH: What does the song mean to you? Was it based on moving past a real relationship?
MK: This song means a lot of things to me! I want to listen to it when I'm turning up, I want to listen to it when I'm angry, I want to listen to it when I'm driving. It's generally about a very toxic relationship I was in. It took a lot out of me. I was cheated on, body shamed, mentally abused and manipulated. I let the truth speak for itself and turned the situation into a positive one. Every time I'm in a bad situation, I always move silently and let the truth uncover itself and turn my anger into art.
SH: What are your personal favorite ways to move on from a bad situation and embrace the positive?
MK: Turning your emotions into art. That's always been my way of coping with things. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing! It helps a lot though. I always recommend therapy as well for mental health purposes. Even if you turn those emotions into art, there will always be those emotions in the back of your mind that will haunt you. Going to therapy is always a good option.
SH: Was writing and recording this song an empowering experience for you?
MK: So empowering. Being a female in such a male-dominated industry, it's very hard to speak your mind without being put down. I was in the studio by myself when I wrote this and I was asking myself, "What would Beyoncé do right now?" and that's when "Sugar" was born!
SH: Do you have a favorite lyric from the track?
MK: "We all got issues, mine was being with you." Because it's true!
SH: It seems Alice in Wonderland was a big influence in the music video. Why did that seem like the perfect theming for this music video?
MK: I have always loved fantasy world-style videos. I love glam, I love imagination and I love a twist. The song's track is very dark and mysterious. I thought the Alice in Wonderland theme was a perfect mesh of mysterious but still light and fun. I didn't want the video to be as dark as the song. I love the clash of fun and mystery.
SH: Do you have a favorite memory from shooting the music video?
MK: I always love getting glammed up! My glam team is so awesome. I styled myself for the video and I love doing that. Being creative with fashion is always my favorite thing to do. So styling the video was definitely my favorite part.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
MK: I hope this song reaches women who may feel powerless and used. Know who you are and always be honest. The truth always comes out in every situation. Stay true to yourself and keep it moving. Karma comes in many ways and sometimes it is through art.
Want to find out what other great music is out this week? Click HERE to read our interview with New Rules on their new song "Really Wanna Dance With You."