Billboard Dance charting producer, song-writer and global DJ Macau and Grammy-nominated powerhouse vocalist Tabitha Fair have joined forces to release their latest dance single, “Fly” (Potent Mixes). Intended to inspire everyone to be the best version of themselves, the uplifting end-of-summer anthem features Fair’s soaring vocals that have also been featured on stages alongside Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Sting, Snoop Dogg, John Legend among numerous other legendary acts.
In addition to the single, “Fly” has also been released as a two-part Fly Remixes collection, which include 16 remixes by, among others, internationally acclaimed DJs Bruno Knauer, Pumpkin Spice and Bugie, as well as Grammy-winning producer Hex Hector. The “Fly” single and Fly Remixes Part One and Part Two are available now on all streaming platforms. Popwrapped caught up with the two incredibly talented artists to learn more about how this dynamic duo came together to create such an uplifting, energetic song.
Congratulations on your new collaboration single, “Fly”! What was your inspiration for the song and how was the co-writing process?
Macau: In 2019, I was living in San Francisco. I was moving from Brazil. I decided to take a sabbatical year, a break to explore new directions in my music and in my life too. First, I was introduced to Vargas a.k.a. LP, who is the executive manager of “Fly”, and this is our first track together. Actually he hired me to produce remixes for great artists, like the duo BlissBliss. Then he suggested that I put my creativity out and produce one of my original songs. LP made the right connection between Tabitha and me.
I had an unfinished song called “Fly”, then via conference calls during isolation we decided to get it done. “Fly” was inspired to give hope, spread love, and unite people during this crazy time we’re living in. It’s purposely made to be an uplifting track. And working with Tabitha is like flying to a dream trip. Her indestructible pop vocal captured the right energy the song needed.
Tabitha: Thank you so much! We wrote “Fly” right in the middle of the pandemic. I think both me and Macau were ready to get on the other side of Covid so that we could get out and play music again. Our inspiration was just that. Nothing better than totally letting go on stage, singing, dancing and connecting to the audience. “Fly” is a freedom anthem. Everyone’s invited to the party and allowed to be whoever they are, a celebration of all humanity. The co-writing experience was effortless. Macau is such a confident but yet humble person and artist. Took us no time to write and record the song. That’s when you know the chemistry is right!! I am looking forward to more more more with Macau!
With both of you being so well-established and accomplished in your respective careers, what made you decide to work together?
M: “Fly” is my open door to pop dance music – actually a watershed in my life. I’ve always been producing Tribal House tracks, which I am still doing, but I really felt the need to focus on something different. That’s how it all started. As soon as I met Tabitha, I recognized that she’s the one. She has a brilliant background but more than that, her voice is extremely powerful and “boom!” we had a match! There’s also a resounding passion in her voice, and when she sings, naturally evokes that feel-good vibe. The lyrics also connected us immediately through the same feeling, to give hope to people.
T: Our friend and Executive Producer LP Vargas connected us. He made it all happen.
Macau, you’ve had a #1 hit on Billboard’s Dance Chart as well as 6 other Top 20 Billboard hits. How does “Fly” compare to your past Billboard-charting songs?
M: Under the name of Altar, which is my duo with the Brazilian producer VMC, we’ve always been producing one specific genre, that is Tribal House. We played in some circuit parties, and important LGBTQI+ events around the globe. The year was 2007 to 2015, and Billboard’s Dance Charts were really into Tribal. But the world changed, and so do I. Then I thought that I need to create something plural. A track people can connect easily, a feel-good music. That’s why I love the ’80s, I remember that we were living in simpler times, all together dancing in the clubs. Then I thought: this is what people need now. “Fly” for me is a dance pop song that has a mission to unite people. We all need to be together rather than turning against one another.
Tabitha, you’ve performed or recorded with literally a “Who’s Who” of major acts throughout your career including Lady Gaga, Elton John, Amy Grant and Stevie Wonder. Which of the artists did you find the most inspiring to work with and why?
T: I have a few. My faves are Sting and Amy Grant. Sting is such a gentleman’s gentleman and literally my favorite artist of all time. Some of my most memorable shows are with him. Amy Grant is literally the kindest, most humble artist that I’ve worked with. She’s effortless on stage. You feel like you’re in her living room when she’s performing on a world stage. She’s my hero.
You’ve also released a two-part collection of “Fly” remixes. The list of producers includes Grammy-winning Hex Hector and Latin Grammy-nominated Robert Eibach among others. What was the process like working with such an esteemed group of people?
M: It’s such a great honor to have all those brilliant minds producing our song. LP joined talented producers that could express their vision with freedom. We all love the results. When you listen carefully to all 16 remixes, both parts one and two, you can identify a diverse flavor added to the track. I have to say thank you to each one of them: Hex Hector, Robert Eibach, LRDZ, Julian Marsh, Bruno Knauer, Edson Pride, Pumpkin Spice and Bugie Matsushita. They definitely made us fly.
T: The process was pretty exciting!! All of the remixes are so unique to the different producers. Such an honor having such legendary artists on “Fly”!!!
A lot of artists say that the pandemic forced them to be more creative and/or produce a lot more music while sheltering at home. How did the pandemic affect your careers over the past year and a half?
M: Definitely the pandemic has had a huge impact on the music scene. A lot of friends and artists I am in contact with are struggling due to the pandemic to today. I feel lucky because I’ve continued focusing on music during the lockdown. My new ideas haven’t just flown towards producing new music, but also towards writing something unique and different lyrics from what I got used to. Besides all the losses, and my thoughts really go out to all the people and families, I tried to occupy my mind with some productive tasks. I have to confess that I enjoyed the down time. It was a reboot in my creative process. I had time to enjoy nature, family, play some video games, and to study new techniques in music production and songwriting.
T: The pandemic certainly shifted and changed my live work. Tours and shows were the main things affected in my world. A lot more virtual recording, writing sessions and artist development were done, which made me think outside the box over the pandemic, for sure.
Do you plan to perform together in the future?
M: I can’t wait to perform together with Tabitha. It’s what we are here for, right? Parties and clubs are open now and we are ready for this. Let’s fly!
T: Yes we do. Hopefully in the very near future.
What are your plans musically for the rest of 2021 going into 2022?
M: Go back to the dance floors, clubs and events. I am also producing a couple of songs; one is with the singer Jeanie Tracy and there’s more to come in 2022. As the song says: “We are gonna fly, fly, fly together.”
T: Some touring, a Christmas single release entitled “Healing Of The World,” my own potential Christmas show based out of Oklahoma, writing and artist development opportunities.
Give “Fly” a listen below and for more information on Macau and Tabitha, visit Macau’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and Tabitha’s website.
