In many aspects, MACEY is doing very well. He just released his second album, ONCE, and is signed to Warner Music New Zealand. He has almost 30,000 monthly listeners — and counting — on Spotify. He played a packed-out show in his hometown for Live Nation’s Next On series last week.
But even he’s not immune to the tough reality of our current live music scene.
MACEY is the latest guest in our Making Music, Making Ends Meet series, focused on ANZ musicians during the cost-of-living crisis.
“[…] it’s hard to sell tickets,” he admitted. “We’re doing our best, but I’m having to post every day, which is fine. I mean, most artists are probably in the same boat at my level. But even trying to get a tour going down to Christchurch or whatever would be impossible because of the cost of it.”
Just before ONCE dropped, Aucklanders like MACEY — real name Harry Parsons — were deeply concerned about the news that beloved Karangahape Road venue Neck of the Woods might close its doors for good; it was eventually given an immediate future through an incredible week of community action.
MACEY told us that he’s played Neck of the Woods “a few times” before, including an “opening slot” when he was in his late teens.
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“A lot of my friends DJ there too. I never thought that place would shut down. I’m sad about it, but I also think new generations often create new spaces,” he said. “I remember when the Kings Arms [in Auckland] went, that was my favourite venue. I saw Mac DeMarco there and that had been around for bloody yonks. So the fact that we’ve raised $150,000 for Neck of the Woods… I think we’ll be alright.
MACEY continued: “My bigger concern is whether people are still going out to see local artists. The culture is getting worse because people only really go to a show now if it’s someone from out of town.
“The culture of going to see local acts that aren’t these huge things… people are less inclined for. Because they think, “Oh, they’re here all the time, I don’t need to go see that.”
Read his full feature here.
MACEY’s Once is out now.
