Very pleased to bring you our conversation with the one and only - The Magician. And what better day to post our interview than the release of his now iconic, monthly ‘Magic Tape’ – today marks the 19th straight month he has released an hour-long improv set of his favorite tracks, all the while traveling the globe and delivering indescribable live performances. If you haven’t been touched by The Magician‘s work yet (or if you’re a longtime fan or anywhere in between), come on inside and check out our interview with Stephen, as well as download his free Magic Tape 19.
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The Interview:
1. We have been have been avid fans since your days with Aeroplane, but please let the fans know something about yourself and how you started as a producer.
Magician: I started learning to DJ first. In 1988 I received 2 turntables, a mixer and a record collection from my uncle who was quitting his DJ career. Since that time, I bought tons of records every weeks to finally have the chance to play them in a small bar in the South of Belgium. I had been resident DJ every Saturday for 4 years there, and I was playing alone from 9 pm until 5 am. I learned a lot on how to make people dance. Then I started to organize monthly parties with 2 friends – we booked international and national djs.. I’ve met lots of people who gave me the opportunity to play in bigger clubs and festivals in Belgium and France. A bit later, I’ve met Vito (Aeroplane) and we started to make music together.
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2. When you were working on it in the studio, did you expect your Lykke Li remix to get the attention of millions of listeners?
Magician: Not at all. When I had a listen to the original, I was like.. yes, that chorus is very strong and epic! I knew that it was a big chance to gain attention of fans and listeners if i made something good. I said yes to the label to remix it.
They send me the stems, and I played piano around the verse and chorus. I made everything pretty quick, it was so inspiring to work with Lykke’s vocals! Then Peter Yuksek and I did the final mix in his studio.
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3. You’ve been busy traversing the globe this year and have earned the reputation of quite the showman. What have been your more memorable shows of 2011 and what was the weirdest thing you’ve seen while playing a show?
Magician: The most memorable shows were Camp Bisco festival, Kitsuné night at XOYO in London, Solar Festival in Holland, Libertine Supersport in Brussels, the US tour, the Mexican tour, Australian tour, and many more. I try to enjoy each gig as much as possible.
The weirdest thing happened in Bern (Switzerland) when I was playing and somebody threw a liquid/gel to my face. I felt down, couldn’t see anymore, and couldn’t breath properly. I had to stop playing and they brought me to a hospital. Hopefully that product wasn’t dangerous for my eyes and skin.
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4. I imagine plenty of artists submit you their exclusive tracks for your magic tapes, but how do you find time to sift through the tracks you want in your monthly mixes?
Magician: I make a new folder every month, where I put everything I buy, I find, and receive. The final selection comes when I make the magic tape. I put it together 2 hours prior to put it on soundcloud. It’s all about a feeling…
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5. Do you have a specific drink you enjoy before going on stage?
Magician: A long shot of vodka Grey Goose or a bottle of Moët & Chandon.
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6. What mixing equipment do you prefer when playing live sets?
Magician: A standard equipment, 3x CDJ 2000 Pioneer & DJM 800 Pioneer.
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7. Any plans for an album or EP release in 2012? Or the possibility of more shows in the US?
Magician: I’m working on The Magician’s second single, another EP with Peter (Yuskek) and on a special compilation. The Magic Team is also working on a visual for the shows. For sure, I’ll be touring the US in 2012 but I don’t know exactly when yet.
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8. What is your opinion on the Stop Online Piracy and Protect IP acts being debated in US Congress right now?
Magician: It is actually a jungle on the net. SOPA is a little bit too excessive but some things need to be more controlled which could be helpful for artists.
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9. Bonus question: if we were to send you a PBJ tanktop, would you wear it?
Magician: No, I only wear shirts and costumes. Sorry! (Shucks!)
The Magician at work @ Camp Bisco X
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Magic Tape 19
We have been covering these Magic Tapes for so long, I can’t even gather words to describe how special his sets are anymore. Listen thoroughly, download, and if you like what you hear, check out the rest of his Magic Tapes on his soundcloud. You might also want to follow his Twitter, Facebook, or Tour Dates for the latest Magic updates. Enjoy!
The Magician – Magic Tape 19 [free mix]
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PB&J <3′s The Magician
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the magician is so cool! and you are a good writer