In this KGNU Studio Session, singer-songwriter Macy Todd joins host Indra Raj for a warm and insightful conversation about her musical journey, creative process, and forthcoming debut album Pocket Change. Originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia, and now based in Austin, Macy shares stories of her early musical influences, growing up in a gospel-loving household, and how artists like Brandi Carlile shaped her songwriting. She performs several original tracks live in the studio, including “Denim,” “Casualties and Coca-Cola,” “Pocket Change,” and “Red, White, and Me,” offering listeners a preview of the heartfelt and introspective work that defines her upcoming release. Macy also discusses the visual storytelling element of the album, her collaborations, and how platforms like TikTok have helped her connect with a growing fanbase.
Indra Raj: You’re listening to KGNU Community Radio. My name is Indra Raj, and I am pleased to have in the studio artist and songwriter Macy Todd, coming here from Austin. Welcome, Macy. So we’re going to talk all about you and what you’re up to, but let’s start with some music.
Macy Todd: Let’s do it. This first one is called Denim. It’s part of my debut album, and it’s already out, so we can listen to it anywhere.
(plays music)
Indra Raj: That’s Macy Todd, live in the KGNU studios. What a nice way to start. So I would just love to know—what is your story as a musician? How did you get to where you are now with writing music, performing, and everything currently?
Macy Todd: I live in Austin now, but I grew up in a town called Lawrenceville, right outside of Atlanta. I’ve always been part of a really musical family. My dad, funny enough, was a dancer and singer on cruise ships, which is how my parents met. They both worked on cruise ships.
Indra Raj: What did your mom do?
Macy Todd: She was an activity girl. She would lead sports and teach aerobics to people. They fell in love, she got pregnant while still working on the ship, and eventually, they moved off the ship and had a bunch of kids. They moved to Atlanta when they had me. My dad is an incredible singer and dancer, so music was always encouraged in our household.
We also grew up in the church. My dad was a big gospel and funk fan, and he had his own little gospel band when he was younger. So from an early age, they threw me into music at church. That’s where I got my bearings.
When I was about 13 or 14, I heard Brandi Carlile for the first time and I lost it. I thought, “I need to learn how to play guitar and sing like that.” Her voice was just incredible. I studied her so much, and eventually realized that her songwriting was just as amazing. She really inspired me—both to find my own voice and to write songs.
Indra Raj: And I noticed you’re playing a classical guitar with nylon strings.
Macy Todd: Yes! I used to play a Taylor when I was really young—my first guitar. Then, randomly, I liked the sound of classical guitars, so I started putting nylon strings on it—which I’m pretty sure is really bad for the guitar.
Indra Raj: Who cares?
Macy Todd: Exactly! I fell in love with that sound and just kept doing it live. Eventually, I realized I should stop damaging my Taylor and just get a nylon-string guitar. They’re actually a lot cheaper.
Indra Raj: They also have a slightly larger fingerboard. I taught myself guitar at one point, and I always felt like the larger fingerboard was challenging—but the nylon strings are easier to press.
Macy Todd: Yes, the calluses don’t get as bad. But I really like the texture of it and the way it sounds with my voice. I actually play part of my set with a rubber bridge guitar, which is really cool. I plug it into an electric amp, so I play more like an electric guitar. Then I switch back to this acoustic during another part of the set.
Indra Raj: As I was listening to you, it brought out almost a ukulele sound, which gives you that island vibe. But your sound is definitely indie rock, so it’s a really cool marriage of sounds.
Macy Todd: Thank you! That last one was the first song I wrote that basically inspired what my album has come to be. I credit that to moving to Austin. It was the first song I recorded when I moved there, and it felt like a beautiful landing spot. I just became so inspired and felt like I got back to my roots a little bit. Being from Georgia, Texas kind of feels like home to me.
Indra Raj: We want to talk more about what you’re up to musically and your new album, but why don’t we hear a couple more songs before that?
Macy Todd: For sure. This next one is called Casualties and Coca-Cola. My music video comes out tomorrow, so by the time you hear this, you can check it out.
(plays music)
This next one is called Pocket Change, which is also the name of my album.
(plays music)
Indra Raj: That was Pocket Change from Macy Todd, live in the KGNU studio. So that’s the title track from your forthcoming album?
Macy Todd: Yes, it is.
Indra Raj: Tell us about this album—how it’s coming together and when it’s coming out.
Macy Todd: This song really represents a lot for me—like anything in life that I’ve wanted and gotten. I think anyone can relate to the idea that nothing is ever as good as your wildest dreams. Maybe you got a degree and ended up in a career that’s not quite what you imagined. That’s what I liked about the concept.
This album came together so easily. In my twenties, I was constantly trying to figure out my life and my sound. I think being in your twenties can lead you to force things to the point where they lose all joy. But this music wasn’t like that—it was effortless. I’m now in my late twenties, and I feel like everything came together beautifully. That’s kind of the lesson of my twenties: the things I thought were the biggest deal turned out to be nothing but pocket change. When you carry things lightly, they become more beautiful.
Every time I talk about this album, it takes on a new meaning for me.
Indra Raj: Yeah. It just speaks to how art is iterative—it changes and evolves.
Macy Todd: Exactly.
Indra Raj: So when is the album coming out?
Macy Todd: That’s a great question. I’m shooting for sometime in the fall, and if not, then hopefully by the new year. I have some really great summer-feeling songs I want to release individually. I’ve been slowly putting out songs from the album over the past year, and I’ve had such a great response.
One girl in particular—her name is Natalie Srap—reached out as a fan of Pocket Change. She’s based in Nashville and is an incredible creative director and videographer. She offered to do a visual for Pocket Change. I was supposed to film something in Austin with friends, but I told her to listen to the whole album. She loved it and said she wanted to creative direct the entire thing.
We clicked immediately—it was like she could read my mind. We started filming last month and did five videos. I’m heading back later this month to do more.
Indra Raj: Wow. So it’s really coming together in all these different ways. Have a couple singles already been released?
Macy Todd: Yes, one has, and by the time the album comes out, there will be a handful of unreleased songs too. Right now, I’m enjoying putting out one song at a time and focusing on each.
Indra Raj: What platforms are you connecting with fans on the most? The music industry is always changing.
Macy Todd: Unfortunately, it’s been TikTok for me.
Indra Raj: Yeah.
Macy Todd: I’ve found so many friends through that platform. It takes time to figure out how to communicate on it, but I’ve gotten into a rhythm. What I contribute is connecting with the people it’s meant to reach. It’s been really cool to watch.
Indra Raj: Yeah, it’s a vehicle if nothing else—a way for people to hear and respond.
Macy Todd: Exactly. But the challenge is, sometimes a single or a snippet goes viral, and then there’s nothing else behind it. I’m trying to create a whole album, a full story with videos and visuals.
Indra Raj: And that’s rare these days. If nothing else, it sounds like something you can really treasure for the rest of your life.
Macy Todd: It’s a whole body of work for me. Some people have one song that blows up and that’s their path. But I’ve loved the art and the complete vision of everything. As I keep putting music out, people will always have something to go back to. I won’t be stressing to suddenly make an album—it’s already there. So it’s been really good.
Indra Raj: Why don’t we hear one more piece of music, and then we’ll let our listeners know how they can follow your work.
Macy Todd: Yes! This one is called Red, White and Me. I like to dedicate it to anyone with a birthday around a major holiday—like myself. I was born on July 5th, and everyone’s always out of town or forgets. So this is my way of making sure no one forgets—ever again.
(plays music)
Indra Raj: Macy Todd, it’s been so wonderful to have you in the KGNU studio.
Macy Todd: Thank you for having me.
Indra Raj: Please let our listeners know how they can keep up with your shows, new music, and everything else.
Macy Todd: You can find my music on any streaming platform—just search Macy Todd, M-A-C-Y T-O-D-D. You can find me on Instagram under the same name. And if you want to stay in the loop, I have this thing called The Vault. It’s a texting system you can subscribe to via my Instagram profile.
If I’m in your city or dropping new music, I’ll send a message. Sometimes I’ll even drop unreleased demos. It’s a cool community space. We’re called the Hot Toddies—come join us! It’s free, just requires your phone number.
Indra Raj: Thank you so much, Macy. We look forward to having you back at KGNU the next time you’re in town.
Macy Todd: Absolutely.
