Midnight Magic is a cosmic disco ensemble with a desire to make you, the listener, and the rhythm, become one. Anchored by New York City underground dance music vets Morgan Wiley and W. Andrew Raposo, and powered by vocal temptress Tiffany Roth, the band’s size matches their larger than life sound, ranging anywhere from four to nine people. The singles “Beam Me Up” and “Drop Me a Line”, along with their star studded remix treatments, solidified Midnight Magic as an underground nightlife staple. 2012’s Walking the Midnight Streets marked the group’s full length debut; an expansive record that introduced fans to a wider variety of the band’s abilities. After touring in support of Holy Ghost and Cut Copy, the band returns with Vicious Love. This EP marks a departure into the darker realms of dance music, and will be released on Soul Clap Records this October with Soul Clap, No Regular Play, and Dimitri from Paris providing remix treatment.
Midnight Magic will be playing with La Roux at Concord Music Hall on October 1.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. My name is Tiffany Roth, I’m a Sagittarius, I sing in a band called Midnight Magic, I’m an obsessive thrifter, I’m a real fake redhead, I collect vinyl, and I love peanut butter banana smoothies.
What are some recent, upcoming or current projects you are working on? Midnight Magic is knee deep on working on our second album, that we pray will come out by next summer. I personally, am working on nailing a perfect Peg Bundy look for my everyday vibe. I’m not joking
What are you currently watching on Netflix/what’s on your Netflix queue? In my queue top 4: 1. Can’t Buy Me Love — Classic! I’m so excited to re-visit! I know it’s gonna hold up.
2. The Source Family — this was recommended to me. I believe it’s about some kinda hippie cult in West Hollywood in the 60’s, that’s my home town!
3. Death Race 2000, It’s got David Carradine in it, & it’s a sci-fi; I bet this is gonna rule.
4. Miami Vice – The O.G. series. I’ve started to watch this, and the music & fashion are insane! If you’ve never seen, I highly recommend!
How has living in NYC affected your music? NY is zooming with energy. It’s hard to not feel the electricity. Playing your music live in NY informs you how audiences react to slow & sexy, or fast & fierce. It’s a challenging, honest city that’ll tell you when you suck, or when you’re on to something. It’s impossible to not be shaped by the energy of this place.
If you had to explain your music to a stranger, what would you say? I would describe our music as the soundtrack to a psychedelic, space horror disco haunted house with humor and a touch sexual.
What musicians are influencing your work right now? Pollyester from Munich, they are AMAZING! Miami Drive, Hess is More, Listening Center, Charles Bradley, The System, The Knife, Museum of Love!
What was the last show you went to that stuck out to you? Last summer we had the pleasure of playing with one of our favorite bands Pollyester. They are so amazing live! They are that kind of live band that is so musical and funky, and contagious. I’m a huge fan! More recently, I had the great fortune to get to see The Knife when they came to NY. I never expected for them to possess me! I was completely lost in their show. It was such a transcendental experience. I lost my mind in a really good way.
What is your snack/beverage of choice when recording? I love me some coconut water! A Cliff Bar is very handy & oh so delicious for snack time. Andrew always keeps some kind of fancy nut around the studio. The last variety were macadamia. There’s also a pizza spot a block away from the studio which rules.
What do you do when you’re not working on music? When I’m not working on music, I DJ. I also watch a ton of drag queen makeup tutorials on youtube. I thrift when I can. I enjoy reading. I threaten to go to the beach, but I NEVER make it.
What are you really excited about right now? All the bands in question four (see above). Going on tour with La Roux! EEEeeeeeeeee! The ‘I am Divine’ documentary on Netflix! The fact that Halloween is almost here. The black velvet turban I just scored at a thrift store!
If you hadn’t become a musician, what do you think you’d be doing? I think I’d own a vintage clothing shop. Maybe I’d be a make-up artist. I could see myself owning a midnight movie theater, where we sell booze & delicious snacks. Or, I’d own a rollerskating rink that also doubles as a music venue, the concession stand would sell In & Out knock off burgers for $2 & orange Fanta.