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Really Not Radio: Good day Maclyn Lucille tell the viewers, "Where You At" lol All jokes aside Where are you from?
Maclyn Lucille: Hey! I was born in Detroit but I am a proud Clevelander! 216 baby! Haha.
Really Not Radio: CLEVELAND!!! What's the music scene like there? Are there a lot of venues for up-and-coming artists to perform?
Maclyn Lucille: The music scene in Cleveland, right now, is CRAZY! I mean with MGKs recent signing, by the way congrats and shout out to him, with Cudi and Chip! Eyes are on Cleveland right now, and I plan on being next! Haha! There are A LOT of live venues in Cleveland, you just have to know where to go. Almost every nightclub has a stage, and is willing to book artist under the right circumstances. Plenty of Jazz venues like the famous “Night Town,” and like I said, anywhere with a stage, haha. Cleveland loves music.
Really Not Radio: Sounds like an artists dream!!! I first learned about you from one of your many YouTube videos. It's been exciting for me to watch you go from singing in your bathroom without effects...then it progressed to songs with reverb to singing in the studio. lol My question is how did you get to the point you are now? Did the videos help you to get discovered?
Maclyn Lucille: Oh wow, that’s so cool! I always wondered if people would notice that little transition, im finding people ‘like’ the kind of raw aspect of my first videos but the ones in the studio mic get A LOT more views! I started my YouTube when I went to college, it was all about putting SOMETHING out so everyone could hear me sing, if they hadn’t already, also as another marketing tool, and it turned out to be a little bigger then me and my team thought, haha. The same people who suggested I start the YouTube are who I would say ‘discovered’ me so no, however, people who would have NEVER seen me have heard me now because of Youtube. Different writers and producer, even some who’ve written and produced some of the songs I was covering which is awesome!
Really Not Radio: Okay, I get it makes sense. YouTube furthered your reach, but you were already ON or discovered when you started the YouTubery...cool. You've covered many great artist songs. Who are the most influential to you for wanting to pursue music?
Maclyn Lucille: I would have to say Alicia Keys was the first artist to inspire my pursuit for the industry. I seen an amazing biracial woman with an amazing voice, still being true to her self with the braids and all this and I was like wow! That could be me. Musically I am inspired by SEVERAL artist, several genres, so I could make a list for days! Haha.
Really Not Radio: ahaha girl I hear ya and YES Alicia Keys is a fav of mine as well for many of those same reasons. At what age did you realize you wanted to be the star that you are?
Maclyn Lucille: Ha, thanks! I don’t think I'm quite a star yet! But, I realized I wanted to be a star when I was 12 years old, I had been singing for a while with a youth choir called “The Singing Angels” and I just won my first solo, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland. I always loved singing, but the first time I sang alone to a crowd and heard and seen people stand and applaud and cheer for me, that’s when I knew, haha sounds a little self absorbed now but that moment changed me, I knew I never wanted to do anything else but feel that from people, that love people will show you when you share your gift!
Really Not Radio: Now, that would be a video I would want to see! Someone in your family must have recorded your Over the Rainbow performance :-) What is one thing that you've taken from the experience from attending Berklee College of Music?
Maclyn Lucille: One thing that Berklee really taught me was, if you really want this you have to work hard. I MEAN HARD! Berklee was not an easy experience for me, but I grew so much as a musician, not to mention it was the first time being away from home, I was really doing what I always said I would. I did something, in retrospect was probably dumb haha, but I did something great and I really took a chance with Berklee. I didn’t apply to any other colleges out of high school, I was totally committed to going to Berklee, I set a goal and accomplished it. Berklee was a great learning experience if anything.
Really Not Radio: That's awesome Maclyn. I bet Berklee would be tough, but it shaped you for what to expect with a career in music. I can tell you are very goal-oriented. What are some things you wish to accomplish in the next year?
Maclyn Lucille: Thank for the compliment! Ha! Its funny you ask because like I just said, I set a big, somewhat crazy goal and I reached it! Ever since I was little I’ve made goals and had dreams that a lot of people might be afraid to try to go after, but I feel if I don’t set a goal I won't know where I’m going or what I’m working for! As far as 2012 goes, this year is going to be AMAZING! Im already getting booked for shows this summer and the ball is rolling! I plan on FINALLY releasing my first project! My goal is to drop my mixtape this summer! I can't even begin to explain how excited I am for this! A lot of people have been waiting and I can't wait to share it! Im so stingy with my music, haha, but I want to make sure everything I release is as perfect as possible! 2012 is THEE year.
Really Not Radio: Yesssss....we can't wait for a mixtape and I know I will have it rotation for weeks LOL What pushes you to achieve your dreams/goals?
Maclyn Lucille: The people around me push me. The idea that this is my destiny pushes me. I never want to let anyone down. To put on my people, for my team, to make everyone else’s life better, my mom's life, my friends, I want everyone to experience this BIG dream I have! Sometimes it's hard for me to ‘self-motivate,’ unfortunately I’ve always been the type to need a little push, that extra text ‘Hey, get up and go to the gym,’ haha, so knowing there are people counting on me, that want me to succeed and know I can, pushes me to work harder. This is my destiny and it must be fulfilled!
Really Not Radio: AMEN! I TOTALLY understand. I LOVE IT! So early in your career and you've already achieved major accomplishments. I mean performing for President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is like whoa, and singing the national anthem for the Cleveland Cavaliers game!!! How did you prepare for those events mentally and performance wise?
Maclyn Lucille: Looking back, I honestly cannot tell you how I worked up the gusto, haha. I mean every time I am given an opportunity, a big opportunity like that, it’s almost surreal. For the duration of, rehearsals, preparing or the actual performance it’s like an out of body experience. I can be a pretty insecure person, seeking approval, like most women, but when I am on stage, when I’m performing its [like this is where I] belong. I can’t see myself doing anything else, so confident. I try to go into every performance telling myself , “You betta kill this shit!” haha.
Really Not Radio: AHAHAHA right murdah dem LOL What's a typical day like in the life of Maclyn Lucille?
Maclyn Lucille: A typical day? When I’m not working, I honestly don’t do much, I try to go to the gym and much as possible, but I like a lot of alone time. That’s why I love working! Recording and being busy and going to events, its like my livelihood, and when I’m not doing that I’m a pretty chill person.
Really Not Radio: Sounds refreshing and there's nothing like a lil "me" time! Who are some producers you are working with currently, and what music producers would you love to collaborate with in the future?
Maclyn Lucille: Oh man, let me answer the second part of your question first! Honestly, number one on my list is Timbaland! Oh my, if I had that opportunity I’d jump on it! That would be crazy crazy for me! Also, Kanye, if I he produced and collabed with me on a track I would be in musical heaven! Ha! As far as producers I’m working with now, a lot of producers I work with are from Atlanta or Cleveland! From Dez, to Knes, to my wonderful friend Frank T. Stein! He produced ‘Bouncer’ for me and ‘Still Beating’ 2 of my favorite songs I’ve recorded!
Really Not Radio: If you speak it and write it and work towards you will get those collabs with Tim and Kanye...I believe it. Where does the inspiration come from for you when songwriting? Where do you find yourself writing a majority of the time or does it vary whenever, wherever, whatever? lol
Maclyn Lucille: Like I said before, I like a little push, so when I’m songwriting I like to do it with another person, co-writing. I’m so inspired but other peoples talents and views and energy that in order for me to completely elaborate on my thoughts, ideas, feeling, or emotion for a song I need someone who understands me. I’m not always good at putting my ideas and thoughts into words, creatively that fit the music. If it was up to me entirely every song I record would be an emotional long ballad, haha, and that’s not always right.
Really Not Radio: LOL that's funny aint nothing wrong with the good ballad haaa, but I hear ya. Meeting of the minds are wonderful especially when creating because you never know what will be the outcome. It's exciting. Is it all work and no play for you right now or a nice balance of both? Since I see you just got back from Vegas!!!
Maclyn Lucille: Yes and no. While we did kick it in Vegas, haha, most of my time there was filled with ‘work.’ Lucky for me, I LOVE what I do. I said before when im not working I don’t do much, but working for me is fun! I love my ‘job’ as an artist and entertainer! So I guess you could say it’s the perfect balance of both.
Really Not Radio: I always say it's all about balance in life. Share with the viewers any last words you want us to know about Maclyn Lucille.
Maclyn Lucille: Where do I start, haha. Well, MacLu is hard to put into a box. Its hard to categorize me as an artist, and I believe that’s what sets me apart. I genuinely love singing, to sing and be heard, if nothing else I will always be passionate when I sing, whether it’s a cover for youtube or a performance in Vegas. My goal is to express my passion and make you feel it every time I open my mouth. Pop song, ballad, or an Itlian Aria, haha. My passion is real.
Really Not Radio: OMGah crazy...I would love to hear you sing an Aria. You would kill it so effortlessly. Whoa...crazy I can really envision it now. ahahaha I'm having a moment don't mind me! Lastly, tell the viewers the best way to keep in touch with you to support you, and let us know about any upcoming events, projects, etc. to look out for.
Maclyn Lucille: Ok, ready?
Itunes: MaclynLucille
JUST TYPE MACLYN LUCILLE! Haha.
Be on the lookout for my first project/mixtape summer 2012!
Thanks and SHOUTOUT to Really Not Radio!
Really Not Radio: Okaaaaay GOOGLE ME haaaa Yeah you are all over the web LOVE IT! Maclyn Lucille, thank you sooo much for spending your time sharing with us. It was a pure joy for me, and I wish you much more success and I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more of you ALLLLLL OVER THE PLACE!