Our most beloved disco revivalists Midnight Magic are back out of nowhere with not one but two brand new tracks!!! The unparalleled Tiffany Roth and her reliable crew are serving us a double dancefloor feast. The spell-binding "Give Me Life" is a sonic cocktail of house, the Magicians' horn section's signature embellishments and those sublime vocal harmonies and melody twists reminiscing the band's phenomenal club delicacy "Trouble T" which I selected as my 2014 Track of the Year here. And to think that's only a b-side!!! The summery and super-catchy A-side "Give Me a Reason" is an 80's flavoured synth-pop groove which already sounds like a Midnight Magic classic. It will no doubt sound equally charming in a live setting.
Check out also the video for "Down Delay" which the band premiered here back in January.
I am extremely honoured to have this planet's number 1 disco collective - the inimitable Midnight Magic premiering their brand new video here on my carousel of tunes! The seductive slow-motion synth disco moment "Down Delay" is taken from their epic disco funk odyssey of an album "Free From Your Spell" which landed at the podium of my Top 20 Best Records of 2016. Very impressed with "Free From Your Spell" I have written up this saucy love letter to the band around the same time. The aptly sensual video stars Midnight Magic's phenomenal vocalist Tiffany Roth and was directed by the singer's long term friend and collaborator Dawn Carol Garcia.
Midnight Magic are playing Rough Trade NYC this Saturday. Get your tickets HERE.
Summer 2010 was when Planet Music was first introduced to Midnight Magic. The arrival of the perennial bona fide disco anthem “Beam Me Up” was a sonic statement that echoed across underground dancefloors all over the globe. The band’s phenomenal debut single, released by Munich’s Permanent Vacation, was accompanied by Jacques Renault’s instantly anthemic remix and the song remains a truly authentic disco classic, reviving the genre’s vitality for the XXI century.
The vibrant mélange of space, afro and cosmic disco may have dominated this nine-person dance troupe’s first EP “What The Eyes Can’t See” but it was the undeniable synth-pop coolness of “Calling Out” which attracted the most attention.
“Drop Me A Line” quickly became Midnight Magic’s signature track with its delicious array of vintage synthesisers, delectably ever-changing melody and yet another exhilarating vocal performance from the band’s incomparable diva Tiffany Roth. Following the release of the single featuring mixes by an entourage of first class electronic producers (The Juan MacLean, Mano le Tough and Steffi) the Brooklyn disco funk ensemble dropped their highly anticipated debut LP, collaborated with Tommie Sunshine on the euphoric “I Found Love” and went on to support Holy Ghost! and Cut Copy during their tours.
The self-released “Walking The Midnight Streets” was a sleekly produced decadent explosion of hedonistic beats, rich horns, tropical flavours, early electro and slow-motion disco moments. A unique collection of songs, some of which could easily have passed for genuine lost gems from the 70’s or 80’s. The title track stands out as one of the prime examples of Roth’s exquisite and impressively wide-ranging vocal acrobatics.
Keeping continuously busy with countless dj sets, hi-energy gigs and remixes (for La Roux, Cut Copy, Holy Ghost!, Azari & III, Kamp! among others) Midnight Magic managed to return with some of their most sophisticated, if slightly darker, productions on their “Vicious Love” EP released in 2014 via Soul Clap Records. “Trouble T” was arguably the band’s most compelling composition at the time. An utter masterpiece beguiling the listeners with its impeccable vocal harmonies, a mosaic of fascinatingly unpredictable melody twists and the aura of an immediate dancefloor essential for all the underground disco aficionados. No wonder SHREM'S CAROUSEL OF ÜBER NERDINESS chose it as the 2014 Song of the Year in our annual countdown.
2016 sees Midnight Magic ready to enchant us once more with the much-anticipated birth of their 2nd studio album, the wondrously eclectic "Free from Your Spell". Going back to their roots in Los Angeles, Morgan Wiley and W. Andrew Raposo, alongside the rest of the boogie nonet, have prepared a refined feast of genre-bending songs. Tiffany Roth is confidently on top of her vocal game, somehow even more versatile than before, exploring the lower registers of her one of a kind voice like in the sensual “Malibu Fun”. The ravishing horn section is back. So are the imminent midnight stompers like the irresistible opening track “I Gotta Feeling” or the impossibly joyous, trumpet-laden “Dark Thunder” – your future party playlist must-have, a track which could be interpreted as a subtle homage to Grace Jones’ “Feel Up”. “Dark Thunder” is an amalgamation of 80’s disco, early house and summery dub, which fittingly introduces the next track, the exotic, quasi-reggae, sunshine-dipped moment that is “Black Cherry”. Almost Oriental with its clarinet solo, the song fades away hypnotically as if taken from some mysteriously unreleased David Lynch movie… It would sound spectacular live at Silencio should the band ever plan to return to the Parisian club.
The ever so diverse moods of "Free from Your Spell" make it a seductive journey. With each song mixed seamlessly into the next, the record coalesces into one long disco odyssey, reminiscing Giorgio Moroder and Donna Summer’s concept albums "Four Seasons of Love" and "A Love Trilogy". The rare groove of “Own Me”, the meticulous, multi-layers of “Down Delay”, the bouncy, throbbing beats of “Sea Of Love” and “Bad Foot” with its funk à la Paisley Park, would be to name just a few of the LP’s highlights. Moods, genres and styles intertwine like an aural kaleidoscope, the album electrifying with its striking harmony. Whilst exuberantly borrowing from past decades, "Free from Your Spell" more than holds its own as a self-assured, innovative body of work.
Midnight Magic’s "Free from Your Spell" is an offer one can’t refuse. An attractive deal in the form of disco escapism, travelling through its various shades, emotions and incarnations, a comprehensive revival of the genre for modern ears. It’s Studio 54. It’s Moroder, Amanda Lear, Gino Soccio and Grace Jones. It’s a whole palette of 1980’s r’n’b and cosmic funk. Despite all the music references of past eras "Free from Your Spell" is very much a current album, a mature demonstration of genuine skills in songwriting, a multi-instrumental banquet of sounds, a coherent collection of ambitious dance tracks and a beautiful celebration of eclecticism. Add to this some of Tiffany Roth’s most memorable vocals to date and you arrive at one of the year’s most exciting releases. There is a strong reason for both “midnight” and “magic” in the name of the band after all.
Order your vinyl copy of "Free from Your Spell" HERE
The wait is officially over! This planet's most authentic disco ensemble of the modern era, the stupendous Midnight Magic return with the irresistibly anthemic "I Gotta Feeling" which announces their hotly-anticipated new LP "Free From Your Spell" scheduled for release via Soul Clap Records 18th November. The single is an imminent dancefloor-ready midnight stomper, an eruption of the outfit's signature joyous vibes, ravishing brass section, retro-flavoured synths and those impeccable, inimitable vocals by Tiffany Roth who's at the top of her game once again. Nick Monaco and Jacques Renault deliver official remixes of "I Gotta Feeling" which drops 21 October. Roll on autumn disco moments, it's never too late for a brand new contender for The Album of the Year. High expectations!
Here are two previous Nick Monaco/Jacques Renault affairs taken from Midnight Magic's back catalogue to soothe that wait for the new remixes to arrive...
I have been following Midnight Magic's sounds almost religiously since they dropped their bombastic and instantly anthemic debut 12" "Beam Me Up". The one that included that legendary Jacques Renault remix. This Brooklyn cosmic disco ensemble with the charismatic and vocally sensational Tiffany Roth then continued to spoil us with numerous records, EP's and an exuberant debut LP via a whole array of cult labels, the likes of Scion Audio/Visual, Soul Clap and Permanent Vacation. Now that Midnight Magic are starting their mini tour in Europe and the band is in the middle of recording their 2nd album I thought it would be rather fitting to go over their vibrant catalogue of songs so far and cherry-pick the ones I admire the most.
I adore music surprises like this. Here we are getting spoiled with Midnight Magic's brand new, fresh slice of nu disco "Night Flight" which arrived pretty much out of the blue. The cosmic disco ensemble from Brooklyn has been responsible for delivering the sauciest, the most flamboyant and the most genuine disco sounds of the modern era for a good few years at this stage, never going below the most excellent standard with either of their releases. The band's phenomenal lead singer Tiffany Roth, the contemporary empress of disco, stands out among my favourite vocalists out there next to Róisín Murphy, Steed Lord's Kali and Jessie Ware. And she has delivered another stellar vocal performance here! "Night Flight" announces the release of Midnight Magic's upcoming 5-track EP of "eclectic disco bliss", their first one for Soul Clap Records. The single is out now on Beatport!
Permanent Vacation has also just dropped a delicious compilation of remixes from "Midnight Creepers". Here's Hugh Mane's take-on the title track.
This fabulous track was originally released as part of Midnight Magic's dazzling "What The Eyes Can't See" EP back in 2011. The song was then deservedly added to the Brooklyn disco ensemble's "Midnight Creepers" compilation (out now via Permanent Vacation) which combines the finest moments of their debut record "Walking The Midnight Streets" and the previously mentioned EP. This stupendous live rendition of "Someone's Watching Me" echoes some of the darker, grittier corners of early 80's post-punk and space disco. Tiffany Roth's voice remains one of most unique, powerful and goosebump-causing vocals among all the divas of the current dance & electronica scene globally. I'd absolutely love them to release this version!!!
I've got two sensational live tracks by two biggest heroes on the disco reinventing scene at the moment. I have been continuously praising both Midnight Magic and Escort for the past few years. They're both based in Brooklyn. They both had an astonishing run of excellent singles and EP's. They are both blessed to feature two incredibly talented and charismatic female vocalists: Tiffany Roth and Adeline Michèle. Finally, both bands are about to drop their brand new albums. Midnight Magic's debut album "Walking The Midnight Streets" is definitely the most anticipated record in 2012 in my books, roll on 14th November! "Same Way I Feel" serves as a very delicious appetiser before we get to indulge in the whole record. Huge expectations! "As for the fabulous Escort, this 17 piece disco orchestra is about to treat us to a vibrant collection of remixes from their self-titled first album, with mixes from Greg Wilson, JKriv, Max Essa and Ewan Pearson among others. Here they are covering Gino Soccio's cult record "Dancer" in a rather spectacular way. This will be such a discolicious winter time!
The versatility of Tiffany Roth's voice is second to none. I'm sure you're all fully aware of my Midnight Magic obsession at this stage but I always feel like there can never be enough praising for this Brooklyn disco machine. Especially with the run of excellent tracks, most of which the band tends to generously give away for free. "Diamonds" comes as an exhilarating announcement of Midnight Magic's long-anticipated first solo album, "Walking the Midnight Streets" is shaping to be one my favourite albums of the year. Roth spoils us with a spectacular vocal performance. The second tune "Same Way I Feel" with its instantly recognisable horns, the band's trademark at this stage, is a sassy mélange of nu-disco and funk. One of a kind! And while you're at indulging in those mesmerising new songs, have a look also at a very special exclusive "Perfect Part Playlist" Miss Tiffany Roth herself cherry-picked for my carousel.
I am very proud to present a brand new installment in an exclusive series of "Perfect Party Playlists". You'll all have a unique opportunity to indulge in a vibrantly eclectic compilation of tunes selected by the most discolicious lady out there - Midnight Magic's precious vocalist - Tiffany Roth! It is an ultimate pleasure to have you guest appearing here Miss Roth, especially considering the impact your band has had on my blog for the past two years. I am honoured.
BIO:
Midnight Magic is a nine person ensemble bonded by the unwavering desire to make you, the listener, and the rhythm become one; the secret love children of Donna Summer and George Clinton serving up an orgasmic feast of funk, disco, electro and soul. Anchored by former “H&LA” alumni Carter Yatusake, Morgan Wiley, and W. Andrew Raposo and powered by the enormous vocals of chanteuse Tiffany Roth, Midnight Magic teleported the masses to the dance floor in summer 2010 with their interstellar 12″ “Beam Me Up” on Permanent Vacation. There was no stopping ever since for Tiffany Roth & the boys who were hypnotising dance music lovers all over the galaxy repeatedly with their instantly anthemic singles, "Calling Out", "Drop Me A Line" and their latest effort "I Found Love" being among some of my most favourite and most listened to tracks of the past 2 years...
PERFECT PARTY PLAYLIST by Tiffany Roth (Midnight Magic):
1. Gina X Performance "Nice Mover" - Start a set with this, and you're golden...I mean this woman is fierce!
2. The B-52's "Cake" - Love this song co produced by David Byrne. The B-52's killing it!!
3. Sylvester "I Need Somebody To Love" - One of my all time favorite songs in the world, and one of my biggest influences, SYLVESTER!
4. Deee-Lite "What Is Love ?" - Another huge influence, Deee-lite, but of course!
5. Hott City "Feelin' Love" - This song is so sexy, especially when you pitch it down...
6. Sparks "Number 1 Song In Heaven" - One of my most favorite bands. This is the 3 minute version of the song, but if you can find the extended version, that's what you want! Produced by Moroder...
7. Belle Époque "Miss Broadway" - Belle Epoque are perfection! This woman's voice is amazing!
8. Carly Simon "Why" - Carly brings it in "Why"! I love this video too
9. Eurythmics "Love Is A Stranger" - I love tons of Eurythmics songs, but this one is my all time favorite! This video is everything!!
10. Gary Numan "Films" - Gary Numan, king of new wave. I adore him!
11. Inner City "Good Life" - Inner City breathes life to any and all parties. If you don't like this song, you are dead inside!
12. Something In Spanish "For Slowing Down" - Our NY friends Something in Spanish make some of our favorite music, and this video is amazing grace!!!
13. Ministry "Work For Love" - When Ministry wasn't scary, but awesome...
14. Roxy Music "Angel Eyes" - And of course, no playlist is complete without Roxy Music!Period!
So it's finally here! A brand new discolicious anthem about to happen from the always dependable Midnight Magic crew. The NYC team brought us so far the ubiquitous "Beam Me Up", the astonishing "Calling Out" and the phenomenal "Drop Me A Line" among others in their ever growing catalogue of nu disco classics. Miss Tiffany Roth at the very top of her vocal game again, this woman never fails to amaze me. Turn up the volume and enjoy this vibrant mélange of disco and funk grooves.
Midnight Magic's Tiffany Roth has had a solid spot among my favourite female vocalist for quite some time at this stage. She has just featured on another anthemic dancefloor number this time with a project named Punches which I don't know much about yet to be quite honest.
While browsing through soundcloud I also came across this Midnight Magic track which we're still waiting for the official release of. Praised be the day we finally receive their full debut album. In the meantime check out the funky lushness of "I Found Love" below.:
