The Magician steals the show with release of Magic Tape 100
Hailing from either Belgium or a galaxy far far, The Magician has been affixing his magic touch to a catalog of songs that span the likes of Soul to pop for over a decade. From chart peaking synth-pop ballads such as Sunlight with Years & Years to dance hit Shy featuring Brayton Bowman, its no wonder the DJ-Producer has amassed a cult-like following in and out of the House scene. 2021 was lucky enough to be graced by yet another release, Magic tape 100, that follows the Renaissance EP of 2020. The newest project combines The Magicians signature touch with modern evolutions of drum and pop in collaboration with a roster of well-loved producers and DJ’s. The sound, which can only be fully described as anomalistic, is the ideal pick-me-up in a world gone dreary. Earlier in the year the single One Vibration featuring CLYPSO, a consonance of bubblegum electric sound, was met with much approval by fans and new listeners alike. The Magician himself sat down to answer our burning questions and provide some insight into the new works.
What was the creative process behind putting together Magic Tape 100?
I wanted to celebrate the 100th edition of my Magic Tapes by releasing an album compilation with only new music made for it.
For this I have asked the producers and dj friends I featured the most throughout the years and with who I’m friend with to make an exclusive track for Magic Tape 100. It makes for an incredible reunion.
When you compare the new release to Renaissance, how would you say your style changed between the two?
I would say the chords are slightly different but give the same type of emotion. What is very different between both are mostly the drum sounds and groove. The vocals has a very different vibe as well.
But this doesn’t mean that my style has changed because I don’t stick to a specific genre. It’s a mix of many influences from the past and present and it's always evolving.
Where do you look for influence when it comes to music?
In front of a piano, on a flight watching through the window or listening to old records. Mostly peaceful moments.
Is the amount of positive feedback to your music when you create a ‘hit’ still surreal to you?
I make music for people, I share my emotions through it, and I like to think that people feel the same emotions at the same time as me when they listen to my music.
I don’t sing, so melodies, chords, harmonies, arrangements are the ways I found to express myself.
That's why I’m always deeply touched by the feedback people give to my music, should they be good or bad.
Is there any piece of the project specifically that you are particularly proud of or excited about?
The whole Magic Tape 100 project is an accomplishment, and I’m very proud of it. You know Magic Tapes are not a simple mixtape of tracks found in the charts. It’s a real process of searching new or not yet released music every month, and sharing it to people for them to discover new artists and new music..
I’m thankful to all those artists who have been keen on making an exclusive track for the Magic Tape 100. It shows a kind of respect and true understanding we share amongst ourselves.
Magic Tape 100 is now available on all streaming platforms.
photo credit: Olivier Truyman
