Ken Macy: Winner, Best Blues/R & B Act, Best Solo Act


First off, give me 5 words to describe yourself as a performer.

Fun, energetic, unpredictable, honest, passionate


First song you heard that you wish you’d written?
There’s a lot, but currently I’d have to say “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” by The Jayhawks. Has a 60s feel to it and the lyrics are great!

What’s your favorite form of exercise to keep in shape for performing?
Eating hamburgers.

Which comes first in your creative process ~ lyrics or music?
It’s split 50/50.

Best movie ever about the music industry/a band?
“This Is Spinal Tap.” It’s so funny and it really touches upon the ridiculousness and small details about being in a band/being a rock star. The amps go to 11!

A lot of people think the word “groupies” has a negative connotation. What word would you use instead?
EnthusiasticFemaleFans.

Dream endorsement would be…?
Any endorsement. Free stuff is awesome!

Writing, performing, recording, drinking, groupies ~ what’s your favorite part about being a musician?
Writing and performing songs that connect with people. It’s a great feeling when people enjoy what you have written, recorded and performed.

Most underrated musician of all time?
Mike Campbell from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Great guitar player!

If you were deserted on an island and only had 3 albums to listen to, what would they be?
Tom Petty ~ Full Moon Fever, The Jayhawks ~ Hollywood Town Hall, Stevie Wonder ~ Definitive Collection

Have you ever karaoked? If so, how drunk were you and what was your song of choice?
Once. I sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen at this bar. It was pretty funny. I didn’t realize how hard the song was to sing until about ? of the way through. It was like I ran a marathon.

If you could swap places with any famous musician for 24 hours who would it be and what kind of damage would you cause?
Probably David Lee Roth from Van Halen (back when they started). He looked like he had a great time onstage and I’m sure he had fun offstage. Plus it’d be cool to do splits and ride around on a huge inflatable… microphone.

Have you ever had stage fright/forgotten the words/music/etc while on stage? If so, how’d you handle it?
I think every musician at some point flubbed lyrics onstage. The best part is what the performer does with the flub. That makes it memorable, fun and interesting. I will usually add a joke line about something that’s going on in the room or in pop culture and that usually saves me and the song.

What do you appreciate most about the Central MA music scene?
The diverse groups that are in one small area. If you look around New England, it’s pretty remarkable that we’re surrounded by such amazing talent.

Anyone you’d like to thank for anything?
I’d like to thank my fans for they’re constant love and support. You guys rock!

Next gig is where and when?
Please check www.kenmacymusic.com for all gigs.