Maceo is Confident That He’s Chasing the Right Light in Debut Album, That of a Moth - @millibell
“ At the end of the day, we are all just moths chasing the moonlight.”
Originally from LA, the Orlando-based artist, Maceo is giving us what needs to be given when it comes to hip-hop and R&B and has listeners gravitating towards a new style of music here in our city.
In his first ever album, That of a Moth - originally released in December 2020 - he has proven to himself and his fans that chasing the dream of becoming an entertainer is what feels right to him.
During my interview with him, I was curious to why the moth? He shared with me the story behind the it and compared our inner passions to the moonlight it chases after. “Moths fly around lights because they think are going towards the moonlight. So everything in their being is telling them that they are doing the right thing but its just...the wrong light. They are literally doing everything they are supposed to but it's not the place for them.
I kinda saw that as us people - or atleast me. Nobody knows what the fuck we are really doing. I damn sure don't. I just know the feeling and for better or worse I often times just chase that feeling. Even if it's the wrong one to chase. I think it's just human. Trial and error. At the end of the day we are all moths trying to chase our moonlight.”
Landing opposite to the arrogant side of a fence, the Moth Man unassertively boasts about his musical abilities. “I take pride in my artistic and music flexibility. I can do a whole R&B or rap album then do a metal or funk album right after and it would be just as good if not better. I feel like I have the talent to do whatever I want. Alongside music, I'm an actor, director and a writer. I honestly don't think anyone is touching me in the field of creativity and building songs/projects/worlds both musically or visually.”
And as humble as they come, the empath creative shares stories of personal experiences in his album, offering music that not only makes a crowd move, but gives encouragement to those going through everyday life challenges. “I make music that I wish I could hear or music that a kid like me when I was a kid could listen to and feel seen. I take from my experiences and speak on things that I don't hear many of my peers or people that look like me speaking about. Just being the person to tell someone that "It's ok" and "I see and feel you". Talking about my depression or suicidal thoughts or even just heartbreak in a way that is digestible for everyone. Songs you can have fun with a D take at face value or dig deeper and see the deeper shades of color. All that but also...have fun and boogie.”
Inspired by artists such as Donald Glover, Frank Ocean, and D’Angelo, to name a few, the soulful lyricist brings us a unique sound that ranges from pleasant high notes to strong lyrical punchlines.
When it comes to stage performance, that’s where he finds himself dancing in the moonlight. He recalled one of his best live show that had the crowd’s eyes on him. “In February of 2020 I played a sold out show for The Social. I had my band and vocalist as I usually do but the energy was insane. The crowd was probably the loudest and most attentive they were all night. That includes for the headliner who they paid to be there, who also was after me. To see the whole crowd singing with me and just stopping to hear them sing, seeing everyone dancing with their friends and loved ones. Just seeing it effect everyone. The energy shifted in the room when I got on stage and it is a night I will never forget.”
You can catch Maceo working on his next project, Moth Man, which is the Part 2 to That of a Moth. Don’t forget to follow him on Instagram to learn more!
-Millie B.