I grew up in the spoken-word community. Before everybody had a home studio, or before we could get booked for shows, open mics were the only way to be heard by other people. It really gave me a chance to develop as a performer. Reading a piece of poetry with no beat in front of 20 people is way more challenging than rocking for 10,000 people.
MacklemoreThis moon man right here stands for a lot more. This is the most important record out of all of them. Gay rights are human rights, there is no separation.
MacklemoreAs a white male in America, I have privilege. As a white male who happens to be an artist with a fan base, I have a platform to spread awareness about that privilege. However, songs about race and privilege are very difficult to A) write and B) dissect as a listener. They're heavy.
MacklemoreI find that when I put my spiritual life first, the rest of my life is easy. When I put my career first, that's when I have problems.
Macklemore