In this city rich in history and culture, it is no surprise that an astounding amount of talent grows here. Stevie Mackey is no exception. From Oakwood College to the Hollywood Stars, his career has flourished while his foundation remains firm in his gospel upbringing in sweet home Alabama. Nadia Kidd interviews her God brother as he gives us a glimpse into his successful career as a musician and vocal coach working with icons like Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and many more.
I can clearly recall one of our earliest interactions as kids. You used to sit in the back pew after service and seemed to really be studying the hymnals. Quiet just like me, but I couldn’t stop thinking-he’s interesting. When did you know that you had this passion for music?
I remember being 5 or 6 and having favorite songs like most kids, but I was kind of obsessed with certain songs and cords. I would listen to my parents sing-they both sang in church and also in select groups so music was just all around me. I know music is special to most children, but it was an obsession of mine as a kid.
When we were young you would always talk about singing background for larger artists. It’s my understanding our dear friend Lisa Vaughn was one of the people that exposed you to the world of background singing.
She sure did! Lisa had been singing background for major artists for decades so she definitely got me in to the scene. I was in my early teens and she would bring me to her rehearsals. I’d just sit and watch artists like Chaka Kahn and Earth, Wind and Fire create beautiful music. I loved it.
It sounds like you got a real look at what it takes to make music at an early age.
Exactly, I’ve always admired the people behind the scenes in music, the background singers, the band, the producers, the people who made the music happen and made the stars come to life.
Okay, fast forward and you’re an adult and you’ve decided, THIS is what I want to do. Tell me how that went?
When I moved back to California after college I just started singing all the time. I would go to all the jam sessions, meet all the session musicians and jump on stage when I could. I really liked being in the background versus being in the front and I was making friends with all the singers. One day I got a call from Mervin Warren and he asked me how my site reading was. When I told him my reading was good he invited me to sing background on a couple of songs. And yeah, so my first real studio session was for Whitney Houston’s Christmas album, ‘One Wish.’ I couldn’t believe that I would get paid for this. I was even more excited of course and that led to me wanting to do more studio sessions and get more involved in the process. it wasn’t until I got fired from my “job job” that I started vocal coaching. I had to get serious about it because now I had bills to pay!
You have a strong BEAUTIFUL voice on your own. So what made you sing background and become a vocal coach instead of pursuing your own solo singing career?
It’s mainly because I come from a family of teachers and preachers. I grew up singing spiritual music and didn’t really have a desire to sing secular music as a soloist. I just couldn’t see myself being the main person on stage and I genuinely like working with people. I coach because I’m really good at coaching and I find my motivation in helping others. More and more, I’d like to make a range of albums of all different types of music and the path I’ve decided to take allows me the freedom to follow my heart when it comes to music.
I remember being in California during those early years of you vocal coaching and I happened to be visiting the day you got the call to work for The Voice. How was that moment for you?
Yessss! I was so excited. I had been doing vocal coaching but I wanted a “real job,” I wanted to work at a studio. A friend I sang with on the praise team at my church brought me that opportunity about 10 years ago now. Funny, I was actually just at The Voice last week. The same band is still there, a tight nit group much like family. I was singing with Reba, Snoop and lots of other artists, so much fun!
What was your role at The Voice?
My main job was singing background and supporting the band. We would bring in other friends or contract singers for choirs and such., and also did some arranging and coaching. My role was pretty much whatever the music needed…. I was there to assist the band with just about everything.
What would you tell someone who is trying to get into this industry?
Know what you want to do. What do you like the most about music? Do you like to listen to it, produce it, sing it, write it? That’s important because there a lot of different jobs in music. Also, you HAVE to love it more than you fear it. It’s going to be scary putting yourself out there and getting rejected with all the negative things people might say. But you have to really love it more than that so you don’t give up on it. Remember there’s someone ahead of you in line and if you’re scared of it someone else will speak up…”I’ll take that chance!” Just know, I will snatch the mic from anybody….like I’m playing basketball! I might not take your gig, or take this or that…I don’t care about all that. I just like to sing! If there’s a mic around I’ll just start going….I will take the mic and just GO!
Who are some of your favorite people that you’ve worked with?
I love singing with my friends that sing like Avery and Amber Riley…My all time favorite I’ve worked with is Chris Martin, head of Coldplay-so kind, giving and brilliant. His songwriting is top of the line. Lenny Kravitz, JoJo, and J-Lo. We’ve become so close, a dear friend it’s like singing with family.
How have you stayed grounded being around so many famous people?
I don’t know if it’s really possible to digest fame. It’s a very weird concept, you have to just think WHY are they famous? Oh because they are a great teacher, or performer or great at whatever…and that’s their gift. FAME is not a gift. They are just like everyone else going to work and living. When you’re around “famous” people and you’re with them one on one, you don’t feel the fame. They feel normal, just like you.
Stevie, what does it feel like to be living your dream?
I think it feels like you’re half grateful but you’re half still not doing enough. I don’t think you’ll ever feel like you’re doing enough in life but at the same time I don’t overwork myself. I like taking time to look back and relax and take time for myself…..I’m good at that. I do give myself breaks.
that's something you need to teach….how to relax. I would sign up for that class!
You know….I don’t know how to teach that, lol. That may come from childhood experiences because I’ve noticed no matter how successful someone becomes the feeling of not doing enough doesn’t go away. But it’s something that’s so important to keep a person level. I work hard when I have to and rest when I need to.
I know music is special to most children, but it was an obsession of mine as a kid.