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{{Short description|American psychedelic folk rock group}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = White Magic
| name = White Magic
Line 9: Line 10:
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| alias =
| origin = [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]], United States
| origin = [[Brooklyn]]
| genre = {{hlist|[[psychedelic folk|Psychedelic]]|[[folk rock]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[psychedelic folk|Psychedelic]]|[[folk rock]]}}
| years_active = <!-- {{start date|YYYY}}–{{end date|YYYY}} (or –present) -->
| years_active = <!-- {{start date|YYYY}}–{{end date|YYYY}} (or –present) -->
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| current_members = [[Mira Billotte]]
| current_members = [[Mira Billotte]]
| past_members = }}
| past_members = }}
'''White Magic''' is a [[psychedelic folk|psychedelic]] [[folk rock]] group formed in [[Brooklyn]], New York City, and led by singer/guitarist/pianist/composer Mira Billotte.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/12/AR2007121202332.html Dank and Dreary, It Was White Magic's Night to Howl.] ''[[The Washington Post]].'' 13 Dec. 2007.</ref> Billotte performs under this moniker both with accompaniment or solo, using a [[daf]], [[shruti box]], and singing [[a cappella]]. She is a modern [[trobairitz]] and, invoking both traditional and experimental folk, White Magic's sound ranges from loud psychedelia to meditative trance.
'''White Magic''' is a [[psychedelic folk]] rock group formed in [[Brooklyn]] and led by singer/guitarist/pianist/composer Mira Billotte.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/12/AR2007121202332.html Dank and Dreary, It Was White Magic's Night to Howl.] ''[[The Washington Post]].'' 13 Dec. 2007.</ref> Billotte performs under this moniker both with accompaniment or solo, using a [[daf]], [[shruti box]], and singing [[a cappella]]. Invoking both traditional and experimental folk, White Magic's sound ranges from loud psychedelia to meditative trance.


==History==
==History==
White Magic's original lineup was formed in 2003, after [[Mira Billotte]] moved to [[New York City]]. Billotte composed the songs, sang and played guitar and piano. [[Miggy Littleton]] ([[Blood on the Wall]], [[Ida (band)|Ida]]) played drums, and [[Andy MacLeod]] played guitar.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = True to moniker, White Magic enjoys good luck|url = http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-09-17/entertainment/0409160445_1_white-magic-drag-oldham|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> Before White Magic, Billotte played drums, sang, and composed with her sister [[Christina Billotte]] ([[Autoclave (band)|Autoclave]], [[Slant 6]], [[Casual Dots]]) in [[Quix*o*tic]].
White Magic's original lineup was formed in 2003, after [[Mira Billotte]] moved to [[New York City]]. Billotte composed the songs, sang and played guitar and piano. [[Miggy Littleton]] ([[Blood on the Wall]], [[Ida (band)|Ida]]) played drums, and [[Andy MacLeod]] played guitar.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = True to moniker, White Magic enjoys good luck| date=17 September 2004 |url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/09/17/true-to-moniker-white-magic-enjoys-good-luck/|access-date = 2015-09-16}}</ref> Before White Magic, Billotte played drums, sang, and composed with her sister [[Christina Billotte]] ([[Autoclave (band)|Autoclave]], [[Slant 6]], [[Casual Dots]]) in [[Quix*o*tic]].


The subsequent lineup consisted of Billotte, "Sleepy" [[Doug Shaw]] ([[HighLife]], [[Gang Gang Dance]]) on guitar,<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic {{!}} SPIN|url = https://www.spin.com/2006/11/white-magic/|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Tim Koh]] ([[Ariel Pink]]) on bass,and alternating drummers [[Tim Dewitt]] ([[Gang Gang Dance]], [[Dutch E. Germ]]), Jesse Lee ([[Gang Gang Dance]]), and [[Jim White (drummer)|Jim White]] ([[Dirty Three]], [[Cat Power]], [[Nina Nastasia]]).<ref>{{Cite news|title = A Little Folk, a Little Rock and a Lot of Minimalism|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/06/arts/music/06magi.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 2007-01-06|access-date = 2015-09-16|issn = 0362-4331|first = Ben|last = Ratliff}}</ref> [[Tim Barnes]] ([[Silver Jews]]), [[Samara Lubelski]], and [https://pirecordings.com/artist/Shahzad_Ismaily Shahzad Ismaily] have also played with White Magic for subsequent recordings and live shows.
The subsequent lineup consisted of Billotte, "Sleepy" [[Doug Shaw]] ([[HighLife]], [[Gang Gang Dance]]) on guitar,<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic {{!}} SPIN|url = https://www.spin.com/2006/11/white-magic/|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Tim Koh]] ([[Ariel Pink]]) on bass, and alternating drummers [[Tim Dewitt]] ([[Gang Gang Dance]], [[Dutch E. Germ]]), Jesse Lee ([[Gang Gang Dance]]), and [[Jim White (drummer)|Jim White]] ([[Dirty Three]], [[Cat Power]], [[Nina Nastasia]]).<ref>{{Cite news|title = A Little Folk, a Little Rock and a Lot of Minimalism|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/06/arts/music/06magi.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 2007-01-06|access-date = 2015-09-16|issn = 0362-4331|first = Ben|last = Ratliff}}</ref> Tim Barnes ([[Silver Jews]]), [[Samara Lubelski]], and Shahzad Ismaily<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pirecordings.com/artists/shahzad-ismaily/|title=Shahzad Ismaily|publisher=}}</ref> have also played with White Magic for subsequent recordings and live shows.


White Magic joined the [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]] roster in 2003, and in 2004 released''Through The Sun Door'' EP to general critical praise.<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic: Through the Sun Door EP|url = http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8780-through-the-sun-door-ep/|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> They garnered attention when the song “Don’t Need” appeared on the compilation The Golden Apples of the Sun (Bastet) curated by [[Devendra Banhart]] in 2004. Drag City released the band's debut full-length album Dat Rosa Mel Apibus (The Rose Gives The Bees Honey) -- a reference to the [[rose cross]]-- in 2006,<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic: Dat Rosa Mel Apibus|url = http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9690-dat-rosa-mel-apibus/|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> followed by 2007’s Dark Stars EP, with critical praise from [[Spin (magazine)|Spin Magazine]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic, ‘Dark Stars’ (Drag City) {{!}} SPIN|url = http://www.spin.com/2008/01/white-magic-dark-stars-drag-city/|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>
White Magic joined the [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]] roster in 2003, and in 2004 released''Through The Sun Door'' EP to general critical praise.<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic: Through the Sun Door EP| website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |url = http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8780-through-the-sun-door-ep/|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> They garnered attention when the song “Don't Need” appeared on the compilation The Golden Apples of the Sun (Bastet) curated by [[Devendra Banhart]] in 2004. Drag City released the band's debut full-length album Dat Rosa Mel Apibus (The Rose Gives The Bees Honey) -- a reference to the [[Rose Cross]]<ref>{{Cite web|title = Dat Rosa Mel Apibus|url = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Cross#/media/File:Fludd_summum_bonum.jpg}}</ref>{{Circular reference|date=May 2019}}—in 2006,<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic: Dat Rosa Mel Apibus| website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |url = http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9690-dat-rosa-mel-apibus/|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> followed by 2007’s Dark Stars EP, with critical praise from [[Spin (magazine)|Spin Magazine]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic, 'Dark Stars' (Drag City) {{!}} SPIN|url = http://www.spin.com/2008/01/white-magic-dark-stars-drag-city/|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>


White Magic recorded the song “Long Time Ago” with [[Hal Willner]], [[Saturday Night Live]]’s musical director, for the compilation [[Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys]] produced by Willner and conceived by [[Johnny Depp]] and [[Pirates of the Caribbean (film series)|Pirates of the Caribbean]] Director [[Gore Verbinski]].
White Magic recorded the song “Long Time Ago” with [[Hal Willner]], [[Saturday Night Live]]'s musical director, for the compilation [[Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys]] produced by Willner and conceived by [[Johnny Depp]] and [[Pirates of the Caribbean (film series)|Pirates of the Caribbean]] Director [[Gore Verbinski]].


In 2007, Mira Billotte recorded [[Bob Dylan]]'s "[[As I Went Out One Morning]]" on the soundtrack album for the [[Todd Haynes]] film [[I'm Not There (soundtrack)|I'm Not There]] on [[Columbia Records]]. In [[USA today]], Ken Barnes stated that: "... the soundtrack was a winner, featuring such gems as...Mira Billotte's As I Went Out One Morning and the first official release of Dylan's own, stunning version of the title track.”<ref>{{Cite web|title = Don't turn a deaf ear on these films - USATODAY.com|url = http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-01-30-soundtracks-side_N.htm|website = usatoday30.usatoday.com|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>
In 2007, Mira Billotte recorded [[Bob Dylan]]'s "[[As I Went Out One Morning]]" on the soundtrack album for the [[Todd Haynes]] film [[I'm Not There (soundtrack)|I'm Not There]] on [[Columbia Records]]. In ''[[USA Today]]'', Ken Barnes stated that: "... the soundtrack was a winner, featuring such gems as...Mira Billotte's As I Went Out One Morning and the first official release of Dylan's own, stunning version of the title track.”<ref>{{Cite web|title = Don't turn a deaf ear on these films - USATODAY.com|url = http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-01-30-soundtracks-side_N.htm|website = usatoday30.usatoday.com|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>


They also appeared on The Wire magazine’s "Wire Tapper" compilation along with [[The Slits]]’ “Earthbeat.”<ref>{{Cite web|title = The Wire Tapper 16 - The Wire|url = http://www.thewire.co.uk/audio/the-wire-tapper/the-wire-tapper_16|website = www.thewire.co.uk|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> White Magic was named a 'best new band' by [[The Village Voice]] in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Best new band {{!}} WHITE MAGIC {{!}} Arts & Entertainment {{!}} Best of NYC® {{!}} Village Voice|url = http://www.villagevoice.com/best-of/2008/arts-and-entertainment/best-new-band-6445302|website = Village Voice|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>
They also appeared on The Wire magazine's "Wire Tapper" compilation along with [[The Slits]]' “Earthbeat.”<ref>{{Cite web|title = The Wire Tapper 16 - The Wire|url = http://www.thewire.co.uk/audio/the-wire-tapper/the-wire-tapper_16|website = www.thewire.co.uk|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> White Magic was named a 'best new band' by ''[[The Village Voice]]'' in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Best new band {{!}} WHITE MAGIC {{!}} Arts & Entertainment {{!}} Best of NYC® {{!}} Village Voice|url = http://www.villagevoice.com/best-of/2008/arts-and-entertainment/best-new-band-6445302|website = Village Voice|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>


They toured extensively headlining in the U.S., UK and Europe, and opening for like-minded musicians including [[Animal Collective]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = WHITE MAGIC {{!}} First Avenue|url = http://first-avenue.com/performer/white-magic|website = first-avenue.com|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Sonic Youth]], [[Joanna Newsom]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = Julian Cope presents Head Heritage {{!}} Unsung Forum {{!}} joanna newsome/6 organs on tour in uk|url = https://www.headheritage.co.uk/headtohead/unsung/topic/22466/|website = Julian Cope presents Head Heritage|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> and [[Will Oldham]].<ref name=":0" /> White Magic performed at many music festivals, including five of the [[All Tomorrow's Parties (music festival)|ATP (All Tomorrow’s Parties)]] festivals, each curated by artists, [[Sonic Youth]], [[Godspeed You! Black Emperor|Godspeed You Black Emperor]], [[Stephen Malkmus]], [[Slint]] and [[Dirty Three]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic|url = http://www.atpfestival.com/artist/whitemagic|website = All Tomorrow's Parties|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>
They toured extensively headlining in the U.S., UK and Europe, and opening for like-minded musicians including [[Animal Collective]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = WHITE MAGIC {{!}} First Avenue|url = http://first-avenue.com/performer/white-magic|website = first-avenue.com|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Sonic Youth]], [[Joanna Newsom]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = Julian Cope presents Head Heritage {{!}} Unsung Forum {{!}} joanna newsome/6 organs on tour in uk|url = https://www.headheritage.co.uk/headtohead/unsung/topic/22466/|website = Julian Cope presents Head Heritage|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> and [[Will Oldham]].<ref name=":0" /> White Magic performed at many music festivals, including five of the [[All Tomorrow's Parties (music festival)|ATP (All Tomorrow’s Parties)]] festivals, each curated by artists, [[Sonic Youth]], [[Godspeed You! Black Emperor|Godspeed You Black Emperor]], [[Stephen Malkmus]], [[Slint]] and [[Dirty Three]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic|url = http://www.atpfestival.com/artist/whitemagic|website = All Tomorrow's Parties|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>


In 2012, White Magic performed at both the [http://lafolkfest.com/?p=1571 New Folk Festival at Zorthian Ranch] in Los Angeles, and at the Quiet Festival in Portland,Oregon. In 2013, Mira Billotte performed for the live score of Jem Cohen’s film, "We Have an Anchor",<ref>{{Cite web|title = Jem Cohen: Punk-Rock Nature|url = http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/jem-cohen-punk-rock-nature|website = The New Yorker|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> singing her own compositions at the [[Brooklyn Academy of Music]], along with members of Godspeed You Black Emperor, Guy Picciotto ([[Fugazi]]), and Jim White of Dirty Three.<ref>{{Cite news|title = ‘We Have an Anchor,’ a Film With a Live Score|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/28/arts/music/we-have-an-anchor-a-film-with-a-live-score.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 2013-09-27|access-date = 2015-09-16|issn = 0362-4331|first = Jon|last = Pareles}}</ref> This performance was repeated in March 2015 at both the Barbican Theater in London<ref>{{Cite web|title = Members of Godspeed, Fugazi and Dirty Three soundtrack Jem Cohen film in London next year - The Wire|url = http://www.thewire.co.uk/news/34536/godspeed-fugazi-dirty-three-soundtrack-london-jem-cohen|website = www.thewire.co.uk|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> and the [[Sonic Protest|Sonic Protest Festival]] in [[Paris]].
In 2012, White Magic performed at both the New Folk Festival at Zorthian Ranch<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lafolkfest.com/murder.html?p=1571|title=The New Los Angeles Folk Festival|website=lafolkfest.com}}</ref> in Los Angeles, and at the Quiet Festival in Portland, Oregon. In 2013, Mira Billotte performed for the live score of Jem Cohen’s film, "We Have an Anchor",<ref>{{Cite magazine|title = Jem Cohen: Punk-Rock Nature|url = http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/jem-cohen-punk-rock-nature|magazine = The New Yorker| date=10 October 2013 |accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> singing her own compositions at the [[Brooklyn Academy of Music]], along with members of Godspeed You Black Emperor, Guy Picciotto ([[Fugazi]]), and Jim White of Dirty Three.<ref>{{Cite news|title = 'We Have an Anchor,' a Film With a Live Score|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/28/arts/music/we-have-an-anchor-a-film-with-a-live-score.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 2013-09-27|access-date = 2015-09-16|issn = 0362-4331|first = Jon|last = Pareles}}</ref> This performance was repeated in March 2015 at both the Barbican Theater in London<ref>{{Cite web|title = Members of Godspeed, Fugazi and Dirty Three soundtrack Jem Cohen film in London next year - The Wire|url = http://www.thewire.co.uk/news/34536/godspeed-fugazi-dirty-three-soundtrack-london-jem-cohen|website = www.thewire.co.uk|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> and the [[Sonic Protest|Sonic Protest Festival]] in [[Paris]].


In July, 2015, White Magic released “I’m Hiding My Nightingale” EP on Leaving Records.<ref>{{Cite web|title = WHITE MAGIC f. ARIEL PINK "I’M HIDING MY NIGHTINGALE" (CAN/INNER SPACE)|url = http://larecord.com/listen-2/2015/03/31/white-magic-f-ariel-pink-im-hiding-my-nightingale-caninner-space|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Ariel Pink]] played guitar accompaniment for the title track.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Exclusive Track Premiere and Interview: White Magic|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jl-sirisuk/exclusive-track-premiere-_b_7756228.html|website = The Huffington Post|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard Magazine]] reviewed the track favorably, saying ”White Magic is a lot of things -- dark, hopeful, mystical, yearning -- but it's never not lovely….”<ref>{{Cite web|title = White Magic Conjures Hope on 'Runaway,' Tease New EP|url = http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/uncharted-territory/6598040/white-magic-conjures-hope-on-runaway-tease-new-ep|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Interview (magazine)|Interview Magazine]] reviewed the track and its music video the month of its release.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Exclusive Video Premiere: 'Runaway,' White Magic|url = http://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/exclusive-video-premiere-runaway-white-magic/#_|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>
In July, 2015, White Magic released “I'm Hiding My Nightingale” EP on Leaving Records.<ref>{{Cite web|title = WHITE MAGIC f. ARIEL PINK "I'M HIDING MY NIGHTINGALE" (CAN/INNER SPACE)|url = http://larecord.com/listen-2/2015/03/31/white-magic-f-ariel-pink-im-hiding-my-nightingale-caninner-space|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Ariel Pink]] played guitar accompaniment for the title track, a cover of an early [[Can (band)|Can]] song .<ref>{{Cite web|title = Exclusive Track Premiere and Interview: White Magic|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jl-sirisuk/exclusive-track-premiere-_b_7756228.html|website = The Huffington Post| date=9 July 2015 |accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard Magazine]] reviewed the track favorably, saying ”White Magic is a lot of things -- dark, hopeful, mystical, yearning -- but it's never not lovely....”<ref>{{Cite magazine|title = White Magic Conjures Hope on 'Runaway,' Tease New EP| magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |url = http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/uncharted-territory/6598040/white-magic-conjures-hope-on-runaway-tease-new-ep|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref> [[Interview (magazine)|Interview Magazine]] reviewed the track and its music video the month of its release.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Exclusive Video Premiere: 'Runaway,' White Magic| date=13 July 2015 |url = http://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/exclusive-video-premiere-runaway-white-magic/#_|accessdate = 2015-09-16}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==

;Albums
⚫
*''Dat Rosa Mel Apibus'' (2006, Drag City)

;Extended plays
*''Through The Sun Door'' EP (2004, Drag City)
*''Through The Sun Door'' EP (2004, Drag City)
⚫
*''The Golden Apples of the Sun'' compilation (Bastet)
⚫
*''Wire Tapper'' compilation (2004, The Wire Magazine)
⚫
*''They Keep Me Smiling'' compilation (2004, UUnited Acoustic Recordings)
*''Songs of Hurt and Healing'' split EP with [[American Analog Set]] (2005, Ouch!)
*''Songs of Hurt and Healing'' split EP with [[American Analog Set]] (2005, Ouch!)
⚫
*"Long Time Ago" on the ''Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys'' compilation (2006, Anti)
⚫
*''[[Katie Cruel]]'' Single (2006, Drag City)
⚫
*''Dat Rosa Mel Apibus'' (2006, Drag City)
*''Dark Stars'' EP (2007, Drag City)
*''Dark Stars'' EP (2007, Drag City)
⚫
*''I’m Hiding My Nightingale'' EP (2015, Leaving Records)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stonesthrow.com/store/ep/white-magic/i-m-hiding-my-nightingale|title=White Magic - I'm Hiding My Nightingale - Stones Throw Records|website=www.stonesthrow.com}}</ref>

;Singles
⚫
*"[[Katie Cruel]]" single (2006, Drag City)
*"New Egypt" 1-song release, limited to 1000 cds (2008, Southern)
*"New Egypt" 1-song release, limited to 1000 cds (2008, Southern)
*''White Widow'' Single (2011, The Mysteries)
*"White Widow" single (2011, The Mysteries)
*''Out Beyond The Moon'' on LAMC#6 split 7" with [[Cass McCombs]] (2013, Famous Class Records)
*"Out Beyond The Moon" on LAMC#6 split 7-inch with [[Cass McCombs]] (2013, Famous Class Records)

⚫
*''I’m Hiding My Nightingale'' EP (2015, [http://www.stonesthrow.com/store/ep/white-magic/i-m-hiding-my-nightingale Leaving Records])
;Compilation appearances
⚫
*''The Golden Apples of the Sun'' compilation (Bastet)
⚫
*''Wire Tapper'' compilation (2004, The Wire Magazine)
⚫
*''They Keep Me Smiling'' compilation (2004, United Acoustic Recordings)
⚫
*"Long Time Ago" on the ''Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys'' compilation (2006, Anti)


==References==
==References==
Line 57: Line 66:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.myspace.com/whitemagicmusic White Magic on [[Myspace]]]
* [http://www.myspace.com/whitemagicmusic White Magic] on [[Myspace]]
* [http://punkcast.com/335/ PUNKCAST#335] Live video from Knitting Factory NYC, Sep 27 2003. ([[RealPlayer]])
* [http://punkcast.com/335/ PUNKCAST#335] Live video from Knitting Factory NYC, Sep 27 2003. ([[RealPlayer]])
* [http://www.stonesthrow.com/store/ep/white-magic/i-m-hiding-my-nightingale Stone's Throw]
* [http://www.stonesthrow.com/store/ep/white-magic/i-m-hiding-my-nightingale Stone's Throw]
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2002 establishments in New York (state)]]
[[Category:2002 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:American folk rock groups]]
[[Category:American folk rock groups]]
[[Category:Drag City (record label) artists]]
[[Category:Drag City (record label) artists]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2002]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2002]]
[[Category:Musical groups from New York City]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Brooklyn]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from New York (state)]]

Latest revision as of 20:42, 9 September 2024

White Magic
Billotte in 2003
Background information
OriginBrooklyn
Genres
MembersMira Billotte

White Magic is a psychedelic folk rock group formed in Brooklyn and led by singer/guitarist/pianist/composer Mira Billotte.[1] Billotte performs under this moniker both with accompaniment or solo, using a daf, shruti box, and singing a cappella. Invoking both traditional and experimental folk, White Magic's sound ranges from loud psychedelia to meditative trance.

History

[edit]

White Magic's original lineup was formed in 2003, after Mira Billotte moved to New York City. Billotte composed the songs, sang and played guitar and piano. Miggy Littleton (Blood on the Wall, Ida) played drums, and Andy MacLeod played guitar.[2] Before White Magic, Billotte played drums, sang, and composed with her sister Christina Billotte (Autoclave, Slant 6, Casual Dots) in Quix*o*tic.

The subsequent lineup consisted of Billotte, "Sleepy" Doug Shaw (HighLife, Gang Gang Dance) on guitar,[3] Tim Koh (Ariel Pink) on bass, and alternating drummers Tim Dewitt (Gang Gang Dance, Dutch E. Germ), Jesse Lee (Gang Gang Dance), and Jim White (Dirty Three, Cat Power, Nina Nastasia).[4] Tim Barnes (Silver Jews), Samara Lubelski, and Shahzad Ismaily[5] have also played with White Magic for subsequent recordings and live shows.

White Magic joined the Drag City roster in 2003, and in 2004 releasedThrough The Sun Door EP to general critical praise.[6] They garnered attention when the song “Don't Need” appeared on the compilation The Golden Apples of the Sun (Bastet) curated by Devendra Banhart in 2004. Drag City released the band's debut full-length album Dat Rosa Mel Apibus (The Rose Gives The Bees Honey) -- a reference to the Rose Cross[7][circular reference]—in 2006,[8] followed by 2007’s Dark Stars EP, with critical praise from Spin Magazine.[9]

White Magic recorded the song “Long Time Ago” with Hal Willner, Saturday Night Live's musical director, for the compilation Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys produced by Willner and conceived by Johnny Depp and Pirates of the Caribbean Director Gore Verbinski.

In 2007, Mira Billotte recorded Bob Dylan's "As I Went Out One Morning" on the soundtrack album for the Todd Haynes film I'm Not There on Columbia Records. In USA Today, Ken Barnes stated that: "... the soundtrack was a winner, featuring such gems as...Mira Billotte's As I Went Out One Morning and the first official release of Dylan's own, stunning version of the title track.”[10]

They also appeared on The Wire magazine's "Wire Tapper" compilation along with The Slits' “Earthbeat.”[11] White Magic was named a 'best new band' by The Village Voice in 2008.[12]

They toured extensively headlining in the U.S., UK and Europe, and opening for like-minded musicians including Animal Collective,[13] Sonic Youth, Joanna Newsom,[14] and Will Oldham.[2] White Magic performed at many music festivals, including five of the ATP (All Tomorrow’s Parties) festivals, each curated by artists, Sonic Youth, Godspeed You Black Emperor, Stephen Malkmus, Slint and Dirty Three.[15]

In 2012, White Magic performed at both the New Folk Festival at Zorthian Ranch[16] in Los Angeles, and at the Quiet Festival in Portland, Oregon. In 2013, Mira Billotte performed for the live score of Jem Cohen’s film, "We Have an Anchor",[17] singing her own compositions at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, along with members of Godspeed You Black Emperor, Guy Picciotto (Fugazi), and Jim White of Dirty Three.[18] This performance was repeated in March 2015 at both the Barbican Theater in London[19] and the Sonic Protest Festival in Paris.

In July, 2015, White Magic released “I'm Hiding My Nightingale” EP on Leaving Records.[20] Ariel Pink played guitar accompaniment for the title track, a cover of an early Can song .[21] Billboard Magazine reviewed the track favorably, saying ”White Magic is a lot of things -- dark, hopeful, mystical, yearning -- but it's never not lovely....”[22] Interview Magazine reviewed the track and its music video the month of its release.[23]

Discography

[edit]
Albums
  • Dat Rosa Mel Apibus (2006, Drag City)
Extended plays
  • Through The Sun Door EP (2004, Drag City)
  • Songs of Hurt and Healing split EP with American Analog Set (2005, Ouch!)
  • Dark Stars EP (2007, Drag City)
  • I’m Hiding My Nightingale EP (2015, Leaving Records)[24]
Singles
  • "Katie Cruel" single (2006, Drag City)
  • "New Egypt" 1-song release, limited to 1000 cds (2008, Southern)
  • "White Widow" single (2011, The Mysteries)
  • "Out Beyond The Moon" on LAMC#6 split 7-inch with Cass McCombs (2013, Famous Class Records)
Compilation appearances
  • The Golden Apples of the Sun compilation (Bastet)
  • Wire Tapper compilation (2004, The Wire Magazine)
  • They Keep Me Smiling compilation (2004, United Acoustic Recordings)
  • "Long Time Ago" on the Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys compilation (2006, Anti)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dank and Dreary, It Was White Magic's Night to Howl. The Washington Post. 13 Dec. 2007.
  2. ^ a b "True to moniker, White Magic enjoys good luck". 17 September 2004. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  3. ^ "White Magic | SPIN". Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  4. ^ Ratliff, Ben (2007-01-06). "A Little Folk, a Little Rock and a Lot of Minimalism". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  5. ^ "Shahzad Ismaily".
  6. ^ "White Magic: Through the Sun Door EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  7. ^ "Dat Rosa Mel Apibus".
  8. ^ "White Magic: Dat Rosa Mel Apibus". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  9. ^ "White Magic, 'Dark Stars' (Drag City) | SPIN". Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  10. ^ "Don't turn a deaf ear on these films - USATODAY.com". usatoday30.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  11. ^ "The Wire Tapper 16 - The Wire". www.thewire.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  12. ^ "Best new band | WHITE MAGIC | Arts & Entertainment | Best of NYC® | Village Voice". Village Voice. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  13. ^ "WHITE MAGIC | First Avenue". first-avenue.com. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  14. ^ "Julian Cope presents Head Heritage | Unsung Forum | joanna newsome/6 organs on tour in uk". Julian Cope presents Head Heritage. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  15. ^ "White Magic". All Tomorrow's Parties. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  16. ^ "The New Los Angeles Folk Festival". lafolkfest.com.
  17. ^ "Jem Cohen: Punk-Rock Nature". The New Yorker. 10 October 2013. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  18. ^ Pareles, Jon (2013-09-27). "'We Have an Anchor,' a Film With a Live Score". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  19. ^ "Members of Godspeed, Fugazi and Dirty Three soundtrack Jem Cohen film in London next year - The Wire". www.thewire.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  20. ^ "WHITE MAGIC f. ARIEL PINK "I'M HIDING MY NIGHTINGALE" (CAN/INNER SPACE)". Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  21. ^ "Exclusive Track Premiere and Interview: White Magic". The Huffington Post. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  22. ^ "White Magic Conjures Hope on 'Runaway,' Tease New EP". Billboard. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  23. ^ "Exclusive Video Premiere: 'Runaway,' White Magic". 13 July 2015. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  24. ^ "White Magic - I'm Hiding My Nightingale - Stones Throw Records". www.stonesthrow.com.
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