Music needs highs and lows, and MACEY, the musical alter ego of Harry Parsons, lays his soul bare on every song.
Since emerging with raw tales of loss and longing, his honest storytelling has struck a chord with listeners. Juggling a coffee shop gig with a music career that’s steadily gaining momentum, MACEY’s dedication is as real as it gets.
His latest EP, how to say goodbye, was a gutsy step forward for the Auckland-based artist, representing his most mature work yet. Digging into his UK roots for inspiration, MACEY leaned into fresh collaborations and let go of negativity, crafting an intimate, soul-stripping record that hit hard.
While many chase streams and charts, MACEY focuses on something deeper. He’s proof that while hardships shape you, they don’t define you. —Sarah Downs
Read an exclusive interview with MACEY below. Check out the full Future of Music 2025 list here.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: How was 2024 for you? What were your biggest achievements and favourite moments?
MACEY: 2024 was a massive year for me, I’d just released my debut album and was in the midst of writing the new one. I then headed off to London in May for a few months to write music and work with artists/producers over there. I even managed to make it to Ireland for a few days, finishing off ‘before you have to go’ which came out later that year.
Speaking of, I released a follow-up EP called how to say goodbye. A little collection of songs, three from the UK trip and one older one I made in NZ. I also had the pleasure of performing at BIGSOUND 2024, about a month before the EP was released. It was such a great experience and something I’d been working towards for a while. Yeah, I didn’t really stop until around Christmas time – a short break with the family before heading down to Gisborne to play New Year’s Eve at Rhythm & Vines, Aotearoa’s biggest festival. WHAT A YEAR!!!
Music is an increasingly crowded and competitive field. What’s one thing that makes you stand out from other artists?
I agree, there are so many talented artists, songwriters, and producers… Even in Aotearoa alone it can be hard to break through. I would say my lyrics maybe, or even just my experience. I’ve been cracking on with this mission/passion/adventure for a long time now, written loads of songs, and had a whole other version of me with music out there. There’s been many attempts to find myself, and I’m still not there, but I think that maybe that’s what works for my art.
What’s coming up for you in 2025 and beyond? Any big shows, notable releases?
