A typical morning at the studio started with a text from Anya Antonavich:
“Is that Macy Gray email for real?” I wasn’t sure—but they were playing at the Canton Palace that night. So I checked the inbox and sure enough, there was a message from Alex Lebowitz, an engineer and producer out of L.A. at Revolver Recordings.
Tracknotes
When Macy Gray’s Team Walked Through Our Doors
A quick phone call later, I learned Alex was also Macy Gray’s tour manager and producer. They needed a space to track the very next day.From the first conversation, I had a good feeling. I was looking forward to seeing what kind of magic might unfold in our space.
Twenty-four hours later, Alex arrived with Macy’s musical director Justin Clemons and guitarist/composer Sebastian. Their task: recut Macy Gray’s hit Beauty in the World for an upcoming documentary. They already had Macy’s vocal—now they were going to build the entire song around her performance.
What followed was one of those sessions you don’t forget. Watching three young professionals pour themselves into their craft—creating, revising, pushing, yet always with joy and respect—was inspiring. They worked hard, but more than that, they worked thankfully.
Eight hours later, the track was complete. They packed up and headed for a 4 a.m. bus call (Broe Davis stayed with them through the night—I went to bed, because I’m not that young anymore).
Before leaving, they went out of their way to thank us for the space, the sound, and the support. Their gratitude reminded me of something a Chicago friend once told me:
“Showing respect to every artist usually works out okay.”
That’s what I want for this studio—that every artist who walks in gets treated like they’re Macy Gray.
Thank you, Alex, Justin, Sebastian and Macy for letting Realgrey be part of your story.
Alex Lebowitz at the desk during the tracking of "Beauty in the World"
Sebastian signs the door after laying down some sweet acoustic
Justin Clemens, Musical Director, signs the door after bringing a new rendition of "Beauty in the World" to life.