Since releasing his first music in 2016, Mac Ayres has been remarkably prolific, delivering three full-length albums and two EPs that have solidified his place as one of R&B’s most compelling singer-songwriters. His latest project, "Cloudy," takes a step back to revisit those formative years. By digging into his SoundCloud archive, Ayres unearths some of his earliest tracks and reintroduces listeners to the raw, soulful sound that first captured attention.
A Glimpse into Early Inspiration
The songs on "Cloudy" date back to 2016, a time when Ayres was on the brink of dropping out of his songwriting major at Berklee College of Music in Boston. These early tracks reflect his struggle with uncertainty, anxiety, and the desire for stability. “I had no idea what was next for me,” Ayres shared in an interview. “I was ready to find another avenue in music, whether it was teaching or being a bar musician like I was in high school. I was down to keep that going.”
Revisiting the SoundCloud Era
"Cloudy" isn’t just a revisit to his SoundCloud days; it’s a deliberate step into that era. Ayres explained that this project felt more like a compilation than a traditional album. “I made the last five albums with the goal of having an album at the end,” Ayres said. “These songs are all old and from the SoundCloud time of my life. Not only did I not think I was making an album, I thought nobody would ever hear them.” This makes "Cloudy" distinct from his other works, preserving those early sounds as a piece of musical history.
An Intimate Performance at LPR
To celebrate the release of "Cloudy," Ayres performed an intimate piano-and-mic set at New York City’s Le Poisson Rouge (LPR). “It’s a really important part of my artistry,” he told Billboard. “That was the most fun to get back to. This has been a very musically liberating experience.” The set allowed Ayres to recapture the freedom he experienced during his years as a bar musician, sharing tracks from "Cloudy," his notable hits, and a few covers that reflected on his musical journey.
Capturing Lightning in a Bottle
Ayres decided to keep the original vocal takes from these early sessions, maintaining the magic of those demo recordings. “I think there’s a lot of magic in what some people would call the 'demo track,’” Ayres explained. “I’m not in the business of making a perfectly polished thing. I’m in the business of catching lightning in a bottle and making sure that when you’re listening to it, you can hear all of my stuff that I put into it emotionally and spiritually.” By preserving those original takes, Ayres captured the raw, unfiltered essence of those early songs and the emotional weight that comes with them.
Musical Evolution and Self-Reflection
Ayres reflected on the sonic impulses that shaped these songs, noting that compared to his last record, "Cloudy" feels more wordy and contemplative. “Some of the songs on this project are literally five words total; it’s just a hook or a musical motif that just feels good,” he shared. “It’s almost like it’s teaching me to go back to my impulses a little bit.” This approach allowed Ayres to distill his songs down to their core, capturing the emotional essence without overcomplicating things.
A Journey Through Memory Lane
Revisiting these early tracks brought back vivid memories of Ayres’ time at Berklee. “I was learning how to produce for myself at the time; I was in a new relationship; I was in the process of calling my entire family (who are all lawyers) and telling them that I was dropping out of school,” Ayres recalled. “It was a lot of uncertainty. I didn’t know what was next. It was a very leap of faith moment for me; I trust myself. To this day, I trust the work that I put in, and everything worked out for me.” These songs not only capture the musical journey but also tell the story of Ayres’ personal evolution.
Memories of Berklee and Musical Influences
One of Ayres’ most poignant memories from that time was riding his bike to school while listening to the first NxWorries album. “I used to ride my bike to 'Get Bigger / Do U Luv’ all the time,” he said. “That album did so much for me, not only as a writer but also in the way I treated myself and my dreams. .Paak was really talking hit shit on there; Knxwledge is one of my favorite producers. I always think about that kid on the bike and how badly he wanted to make art. He’s still an important part of me today.”
Preserving a Legacy for Fans
For fans who have been with Ayres since those early SoundCloud days, "Cloudy" serves as a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a way to honor the foundation of his artistry while also introducing new listeners to those early sounds. Ayres explained, “I’m paying homage to the people who have stuck around as long as they have. For them, 'Cloudy' is old and nostalgic; they have their own memories attached to it. At the same time, there’s people who may have just heard me for the first time yesterday and Cloudy is what they’ll hear. It’s an important little square on my quilt of artistry.”
Cloudy as a Reflection of Where He’s Headed
Ayres views "Cloudy" as a snapshot of his musical journey. “I feel like 'Love Somebody' is probably in that group of songs,” he said. “Even songs like ‘She Just Wanna See Me Right Now,’ pay homage to all of my favorite genres of music. There’s jazz, hip-hop elements, R&B influence, folksy singer-songwriter stuff. And melodically and lyrically, it’s a big mush of all the people that inspire me.” These tracks are a testament to where Ayres is headed as an artist, blending various influences into a cohesive sound that feels fresh and nostalgic at once.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Ayres is already looking ahead to 2025, planning to take "Cloudy" on the road. “At the end of November, I’m going to Europe for a couple of days and opening for Keshi,” he shared. This tour promises to be a continuation of Ayres’ journey, giving fans an opportunity to experience those early sounds live.