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Magdalena Bay


Formed: 2016
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Genre: Synthpop
Years Active: 2016 -
Meaning of the Name: Named after a former work colleague known as Maggie Bay.
Core Members: Mica Tenenbaum, Matthew Lewin
Way of Working: Collaborative

Essential Releases

Magdalena Bay - Mercurial World

Mercurial
World (2021)

Vibrant electro-pop with synths to spare.

Magdalena Bay - Imaginal Disk

Imaginal Disk (2024)

More alternative. Concept album. Critically-acclaimed.


Weaving together themes of paranoia with bubbly pop melodies, Magdalena Bay are an engaging duo who have a natural chemistry that comes from being high school friends and romantic partners. However, their synthpop is a sugar-coated pill with an easily digestible exterior.

Underneath the exuberant vocals and undeniably catchy, '80s-inspired synths is lyrical content about the loss of identity and simulated worlds that reflect present concerns about life spent online and in front of screens. "Too much watching TV, it's gonna rot you from the inside out" (from 'Watching T.V.').

Their retro-futuristic aesthetic moves beyond the mere pastiche of acts like Cannons, by evoking fears of controlling authorities in a digital age, as shown in the lyrics for 'Fear, Sex': "I'll surrender to the voices in the end. Shoulda known those dirty bastards would put wires in your head."

Their latest release, Imaginal Disk, is a concept album about the character 'True', who breaks free from her programming in a fantastical world to rediscover what it means to be human. To put it another way, she touches grass. On the album cover, a metallic hand inserts a CD, or an "imaginal disk" into her head.

This image, of being controlled by information entered into the brain, is so vital to their work they recreate it at their live shows, spending money on a performer when they could have hired an extra musician. Crucially, for Magdalena Bay, the visuals enhance concepts already found in their music.

Bouncing cyberfunk pulsates alongside the imagery. Its intriguing mystery gradually revealing itself with each listen. They even incorporate elements of prog rock, with its dramatic crescendos and distinct stages that lends itself well to storytelling and heighten the themes of information overload and self-discovery.

Despite having worked together since high school, Magdalena Bay are still at the beginning of their career and have already found a cult of loyal fans. There's surely more from them to come.


Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?
65

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.
70

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.
70

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.
95

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?
35

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.
90

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.
90

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.
75

Singing

i Technical attributes.
85

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.
90

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?
80

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.
80

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.
85

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?
60

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.
50

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.
65


Commercial & Critical Success

Awards

Certifications

Charts

Critics >>>

  • NME: Imaginal Disk - Best Albums of 2024: #5
  • Rolling Stone: Mercurial World - Best Albums of 2021: #13
  • Stereogum: Imaginal Disk - Best Albums of 2024: #5

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