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Magic!
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Magic! (stylized in all uppercase)[4] is a Canadian reggae fusion band from Toronto. Based in Los Angeles,[5] the band comprises lead vocalist/guitarist/producer Nasri Atweh, guitarist/keyboardist Mark "Pelli" Pellizzer, and bassist Ben Spivak. Active since 2012, the band is signed with Latium, Sony, and RCA Records, releasing their debut studio album Don't Kill the Magic in 2014, their second studio album Primary Colours in 2016, and their third studio album Expectations in 2018. They are best known for their hit single "Rude", which charted at No. 1 in several countries worldwide, including the US and UK.
Key Information
The band is heavily inspired by the Police and Bob Marley and the Wailers. They are known for having a signature reggae-influenced pop sound.[6]
History
[edit]Early years
[edit]All members of the band are from the Toronto area of Canada.[7] The lead singer of Magic!, Nasri, had worked with and written songs for different pop acts prior to the start of the band, mainly alongside Adam Messinger, together known as the Messengers. He met Mark Pellizzer in the studio and within a week they wrote the song "Don't Judge Me" for Chris Brown. Nasri described the chemistry between himself and Pellizzer as "different than writing chemistry, it was more artistic." A few weeks later, while Mark was playing a reggae tune on the guitar, Nasri suggested starting a band like "modern-day Police."[8][9]
Next to join the band was Alex Tanas. He and Mark Pellizzer knew each other since they both had been members of the Justin Nozuka band for several years.
Finally, Ben Spivak joined the band in May 2013. Prior to joining Magic!, Spivak had been playing with the Toronto-based Julian Taylor Band,[10] releasing "Never Gonna Give You Up"[11] in 2012. Julian Taylor and Jeremy Elliot had enjoyed success playing in Staggered Crossing with "Further Again" hitting #6 in 2001 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart.[12]
2013–15: Don't Kill the Magic
[edit]Magic!'s debut single "Rude" was released on October 12, 2013. The song peaked at number six on the Canadian Hot 100 and also proved a great international success, topping the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom and peaking within the top ten of the charts in Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden.
"Don't Kill the Magic" was released as the second single from the album on April 4, 2014, peaking at number twenty-two on the Canadian Hot 100 and fifty-three in Australia.
The band released their debut album Don't Kill the Magic on June 30, 2014. The album peaked to number 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart and number 6 on the Billboard 200.
On October 7, 2014, "Let Your Hair Down" was issued to contemporary hit radio by RCA Records as the third single from the album (the second to be released in the US). It peaked at number 20 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart. The official music video, directed by David Rousseau, was published online on October 31, 2014.
Magic! was among the performers at the 15th Annual Latin Grammy Awards held on November 20, 2014. Marc Anthony joined the band on stage for a special performance of "Rude".
On November 23, 2014, Wyclef Jean and Magic! performed together at the 42nd American Music Awards.
From February until June 2015, Magic! opened for Maroon 5 in North America and Europe on their Maroon V Tour. The band also had additional solo gigs.
In March 2015, Magic! won two Juno Awards - for Breakthrough Group of the Year and Single of the Year, out of five nominations. Adam Messinger won the Juno Award for Producer of the Year.
In April 2015, "No Way No" was released as a single.[13] It peaked at number 23 in Canada. The official video had been uploaded on YouTube since March 2, 2015.
On June 13, 2015, the band was part of the line-up at the Pinkpop Festival.
On June 22, 2015, Magic! was awarded the International Achievement Award by SOCAN at the 2015 SOCAN Awards in Toronto.[14]
On July 1, 2015, Magic! performed at Canada Day in Ottawa, and later performed at the Coca-Cola Stage at the Calgary Stampede on July 12, 2015.
On July 17, 2015, Magic! released a new single, "#SundayFunday"; this ended up being a non-album single.
2016–17: Primary Colours
[edit]On March 25, 2016, Magic! released their first single from their second album Primary Colours, called "Lay You Down Easy", this was a collaboration with Sean Paul.
On the evening of June 18, 2016, Magic! released their second single from "Primary Colours" called "Red Dress". The song was premiered on Apple's radio station Beats1. The band first heard the song premiered as they were broadcasting a Facebook live video to their fans.
On the morning of June 20, 2016, Magic! was part of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's #LiveUnlimited, they broadcast a live rehearsal video to Facebook to raise money for MDA.
The album Primary Colours was released on July 1, 2016.
On July 2, Magic! released a special version of their song "No Regrets" in memory of the victims of the shooting on June 12, 2016, at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
On March 10, 2017, they released a new collaboration with Matoma and D.R.A.M. called "Girl at Coachella" on digital and streaming services.[15]
In October, they premiered their new single "Darts in the Dark."[16]
2018–21: Expectations
[edit]After some touring, they released a new single called "Kiss Me" on June 8, 2018.[17]
Their third studio album Expectations was released in September 2018.
2022–present: Inner Love Energy
[edit]In February 2022, the band announced the departure of drummer Alex Tanas.[18]
A month later, the band announced the release of their future projects.[19]
In September 2022, they released their first single since 2018 called "Aint Got Nothin' Figured Out" followed by "Inner Love Energy" two months later.
Their fourth studio album Inner Love Energy was released in April 2024.
Collaborations
[edit]Magic! is featured on Shakira's "Cut Me Deep", a track from her self-titled album, released in March 2014 and on a track on One Love, One Rhythm, the official 2014 FIFA World Cup album titled "This Is Our Time (Agora é a Nossa Hora)" released in April. They are also featured on Sun Goes Down, a track on David Guetta's album Listen, which also features Sonny Wilson on the hook, as well as production from Showtek.
Band members
[edit]- Nasri – lead vocals, guitars, piano (2012–present)
- Mark "Pelli" Pellizzer – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (2012–present)
- Ben Spivak – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2013-present)
Former
[edit]- Alex Tanas – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2012–2022)
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAN [20] |
AUS [21] |
JPN [22] |
NZ [23] |
SWE [24] |
UK [25] |
US [26] | |||||||||
| Don't Kill the Magic |
|
5 | 66 | 70 | 30 | 25 | 19 | 6 | |||||||
| Primary Colours[29] |
|
19 | — | 114 | — | — | — | 124 | |||||||
| Expectations[30] |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Inner Love Energy[31] |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||||||||
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAN [20] |
AUS [21] |
AUT [32] |
DEN [33] |
GER [34] |
JPN [35] |
NLD [36] |
NZ [23] |
SWE [24] |
UK [37] |
US [38] | |||||
| "Rude" | 2013 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Don't Kill the Magic | ||
| "Don't Kill the Magic"[47] | 2014 | 22 | 53 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Let Your Hair Down" | 20 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| |||
| "No Way No" | 2015 | 23 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| ||
| "#SundayFunday"[49] | 72 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |||
| "Lay You Down Easy" (featuring Sean Paul) |
2016 | 36 | 91 | — | — | — | 51 | — | — | — | — | — |
|
Primary Colours | |
| "Red Dress" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| "No Regrets" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| "Girl at Coachella" (with Matoma featuring DRAM) |
2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||
| "Darts in the Dark" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Expectations | |||
| "Kiss Me" | 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Expectations" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| "Ain't Got Nothin' Figured Out" | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||
| "Inner Love Energy" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Inner Love Energy | |||
| "Ballerina" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| "Good Feeling" | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Sunflower Fields" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||||||||
As a featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEL (Vl) [50] |
BEL (W) [51] |
FRA [52] |
GER [34] | |||
| "Sun Goes Down" (David Guetta and Showtek featuring Magic! and Sonny Wilson) |
2015 | —[A] | —[B] | 37 | 67 | Listen |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | ||||||
Other appearances
[edit]| Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Cut Me Deep" | 2014 | Shakira | Shakira |
| "This Is Our Time (Agora É a Nossa Hora)" | — | One Love, One Rhythm – The 2014 FIFA World Cup Official Album | |
| "What We Said" | 2017 | Shakira | El Dorado |
Notes
- ^ "Sun Goes Down" did not enter the Belgian Ultratop 50, but did chart at number 16 on the Flemish Ultratip chart.
- ^ "Sun Goes Down" did not enter the Belgian Ultratop 50, but did chart at number 2 on the Wallonian Ultratip chart.
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Nominated work | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | MuchMusic Video Awards | "Rude" | International Video of the Year by a Canadian | Nominated |
| Teen Choice Awards | "Rude" | Choice Music: Song Group | Nominated | |
| Choice Summer Song | Nominated | |||
| MAGIC! | Choice Summer Group | Nominated | ||
| American Music Awards | "Rude" | Single of the Year | Nominated | |
| 2015 | Juno Awards | MAGIC! | Breakthrough Group of the Year | Won |
| Fan Choice Award | Nominated | |||
| Songwriter of the Year | Nominated | |||
| "Rude" | Single of the Year | Won | ||
| Don't Kill the Magic | Pop Album of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Billboard Music Awards | MAGIC! | Top Duo/Group | Nominated | |
| "Rude" | Top Radio Song | Nominated | ||
| The SOCAN Awards | MAGIC! | International Achievement Award | Won |
Notes
[edit]There has been at least one significant remix of "Rude". A remix by Russian-born German producer/DJ Zedd was premiered in his set at Lollapalooza 2014. It was released on 2 September 2014, Zedd's 25th birthday. Zedd had said, "I'm gonna give myself a birthday present and release my remix of 'Rude' on my bday, sept 2nd!"[53] He also released official, completed full-length audio on his Soundcloud on 28 August 2014, which garnered nearly 400,000 plays within 24 hours. While the original was still in number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100, there was speculation that release of the remix on mainstream music outlets online would assist the original song in maintaining its position on the chart.[54]
References
[edit]- ^ "Charli XCX, Tove Lo, and Other Hit Artists Made 2014 an International Year for Pop". Billboard. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
- ^ Litovsky, Dina (10 September 2014). "Fashion Week Parties: Night 6". The New York Times. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
- ^ "Magic!". RCA Records. Sony Music Entertainment. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ^ "MAGIC! – Bio". ournameismagic.com. Sony Music Entertainment. Archived from the original on 7 October 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
- ^ "Instagram".
- ^ Trust, Gary (June 15, 2014). "Ask Billboard: MAGIC!'s 'Rude' Revives Reggae". Billboard.com.
- ^ Vevo (2014-08-18), MAGIC! - Vevo News Interview, retrieved 2016-10-07
- ^ Mansfield, Brian. "On the Verge: Guys of Magic! aren't 'Rude' at all". USA Today. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
- ^ Sang, Zach (22 April 2014). "MAGIC! Interview". Youtube. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
- ^ "Julian Taylor". www.juliantaylormusic.ca. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ "- YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ Andrew Courtice (2009-01-29), Staggered Crossing - Further Again, retrieved 2016-10-07
- ^ "News: Magic! To Release New Single 'No Way No'". 15 March 2015.
- ^ "2015 SOCAN Awards - SOCAN". Archived from the original on 2017-08-02. Retrieved 2016-06-06.
- ^ "Girl at Coachella (Feat. DRAM) - Single by Matoma & Magic". iTunes. 10 March 2017.
- ^ "MAGIC! Releases New Single "Darts in the Dark" Today".
- ^ "MAGIC! Releases New Single & Music Video for "Kiss Me" Today".
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/100044213720334/posts/502645267885926/?d=n[user-generated source]
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ7dKJD35EM[user-generated source]
- ^ a b "Discography Magic!". Canadian Hot 100.
- ^ a b Peak positions for singles in AUS:
- For all except noted: "Discography Magic!". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien.
- For "Don't Kill the Magic" (single): "ARIA Report 1259" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-04-16.
- For "Lay You Down Easy": Ryan, Gavin (April 2, 2016). "ARIA Singles: Lukas Graham '7 Years' Is 7 Weeks at No 1". Noise11. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
- ^ "マジック!の作品".
- ^ a b "Discography Magic!". New Zealand Charts Portal. Hung Medien.
- ^ a b "Discography Magic!". Swedish Charts Portal. Hung Medien.
- ^ "2014 Top 40 Official Albums Chart UK Archive". Official Charts Company. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
- ^ "Magic! Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
- ^ Cross, Alan. "Weekly Music Sales Report and Analysis: 09 July 2014". ajournalofmusicalthings.com. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
- ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on July 2, 2016.
- ^ "Primary Colours by MAGIC!". iTunes Store (New Zealand). Retrieved June 16, 2016.
- ^ "Expectations by MAGIC!". iTunes Store (AU). Retrieved August 3, 2018.
- ^ "Inner Love Energy by MAGIC!". iTunes Store (AU). Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ "Discographie – Magic!". austriancharts.at (in German). Austria: Hung Medien. 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ^ "Discography Magic!". Danish Charts Portal. Hung Medien.
- ^ a b Peak positions for singles in GER:
- For "Rude": "Magic!: Rude" (in German). Offizielle Deutsch Charts. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
- For "Sun Goes Down": "David Guetta & Showtek feat. Magic! & Sonny Wilson: Sun Goes Down" (in German). Offizielle Deutsch Charts. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
- ^ "Magic! - Chart history - Billboard". Billboard.
- ^ "Discography Magic!". Belgian Charts Portal. Hung Medien.
- ^ Peak positions for singles in U.K.:
- For "Rude": "Official Singles Chart UK Top 100 – 26th July 2014". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
- ^ "Magic! Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
- ^ "Canadian single certifications – Magic! – Rude". Music Canada.
- ^ "Chartwrap 02 DECEMBER 2013". Archived from the original on 12 November 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "Certified Awards" (enter "Magic" into the "Keywords" box, then select "Search"). British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Gold & Platinum". Archived from the original on 2016-08-17.
- ^ "Gold & Platinum".
- ^ "Gold & Platinum".
- ^ "06 JANUARY 2014". Official NZ Music Charts. Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on 12 November 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
- ^ "RIAA – Gold & Platinum Searchable Database – July 27, 2022". riaa.com.
- ^ "iTunes – Music – Don't Kill the Magic – Single by MAGIC!". iTunes. 4 April 2014. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Canadian single certifications – Magic!". Music Canada.
- ^ "#SundayFunday - Single by MAGIC!". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. 17 July 2015. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
- ^ "ultratop.be - David Guetta & Showtek feat. Magic! & Sonny Wilson - Sun Goes Down" (in German). ultratop.be via Hung Medien. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ "ultratop.be - David Guetta & Showtek feat. Magic! & Sonny Wilson - Sun Goes Down" (in French). ultratop.be via Hung Medien. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ "lescharts.com - David Guetta & Showtek feat. Magic! & Sonny Wilson - Sun Goes Down". lescharts.com via Hung Medien. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ "@zedd – I'm gonna give myself a birthday present and... – EnjoyGram". 28 November 2018.
- ^ "ZEDD REMIX OF MAGIC!'S "RUDE" TURNS THE SLEEPY SONG INTO A FIST-PUMPING DANCE ANTHEM — LISTEN". EDM Nations. Archived from the original on 2014-09-03.
External links
[edit]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Magic!
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Early years
Magic! was formed in Toronto in 2012 by Nasri Atweh, Mark Pellizzer, and Adam Messinger, who connected through their collaborative songwriting sessions as part of the production duo The Messengers. Atweh, a Toronto native with a background in production and songwriting as part of the duo The Messengers, had already established himself by contributing to tracks for artists including Justin Bieber's My World 2.0 and Chris Brown's F.A.M.E., the latter earning a Grammy for Best R&B Album in 2012.[5] Their partnership gained momentum when Pellizzer played a reggae-inspired riff during a session, prompting Atweh to propose forming a band that fused reggae rhythms with pop sensibilities, drawing from influences like The Police and Toronto's West Indian music community. Messinger, Atweh's longtime collaborator, contributed to production, keyboards, and co-writing from the band's inception.[6][5] In 2013, Atweh, Pellizzer, and Messinger expanded the group by recruiting bassist Ben Spivak, who had previously backed Jason Mraz, and drummer Alex Tanas, known for his work with Nelly Furtado, both fellow Toronto musicians.[7] This completed the core lineup, allowing the band to shift from individual songwriting projects to collective performances and recordings in the local scene. Early activities centered on developing demos that highlighted their reggae-pop sound, including the foundational track "Rude," which emerged from a late-night writing session between Atweh, Pellizzer, and Messinger.[5][8] Leveraging Atweh's and Messinger's production expertise—honed through work on pop hits for acts like Pitbull and Jason Derulo—the band created material that extended their songwriting for other artists into original band compositions.[5] These pre-debut efforts, rooted in Toronto's vibrant music ecosystem, soon attracted attention from industry players, culminating in initial label interest from Latium Entertainment ahead of their formal signing.[9]2013–15: Don't Kill the Magic
In 2013, Magic! signed a deal with Sony Music International following a supporting tour for Matisyahu, partnering with Latium Entertainment and RCA Records for distribution in the United States.[10][9] The band, originally formed in Toronto, relocated to Los Angeles to establish a creative base and facilitate their growing international ambitions.[11][12] The group recorded their debut album, Don't Kill the Magic, in Los Angeles, with production primarily handled by band member Adam Messinger.[13] Released on June 30, 2014, through Latium Entertainment and RCA Records, the album debuted at No. 6 on the US Billboard 200 and peaked at No. 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart.[12] It blended reggae fusion with pop elements, exemplified by tracks like "No Way No," which highlighted the band's upbeat, rhythmic style.[14] The lead single "Rude," released digitally in October 2013, gained massive traction in 2014, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks and reaching No. 1 in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries across more than 35 markets worldwide.[5] Its official music video, directed by James Lees and premiered on December 5, 2013, featured the band performing in a backyard setting, amassing millions of views and contributing to its viral spread.[15] The song's success was bolstered by strong radio airplay, including dominance on US pop and adult contemporary stations, driving its crossover appeal.[16] To promote the album, Magic! embarked on extensive tours across North America and Europe in 2014 and 2015, including headline shows, festival appearances like Fashion Rocks, and opening slots for artists such as Jason Mraz and Maroon 5, solidifying their live presence amid the single's global breakthrough.[17][18]2016–17: Primary Colours
In April 2016, Magic! announced their second studio album, Primary Colours, which was recorded earlier that year in Los Angeles and Toronto, emphasizing themes of love, relationships, and positivity through personal songwriting.[19] The album was released on July 1, 2016, via Latium Records and RCA Records, featuring 10 tracks that blend reggae fusion with pop elements to convey uplifting messages about emotional vulnerability and joy in connections.[20] Building on the success of their debut album Don't Kill the Magic, Primary Colours explored more introspective yet optimistic narratives, such as in the title track, which reflects on the foundational colors of a partnership.[21] The lead single, "Lay You Down Easy" featuring Sean Paul, was released on March 24, 2016, and debuted at number one on the Billboard Reggae Digital Songs chart.[19] It peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and number 91 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while also charting in international markets including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.[22] Follow-up singles included "Red Dress," released on June 17, 2016, which highlighted flirtatious romance over bouncy rhythms, and "No Regrets," issued as a single on October 14, 2016, with its music video premiering shortly after.[23] Album tracks like "Have It All" and "Fire Me Up" further emphasized upbeat reggae rhythms and harmonious instrumentation, contributing to the record's cohesive, feel-good vibe.[20] Amid the album's promotion, Magic! released a special acoustic version of "No Regrets" on July 2, 2016, dedicated to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, which claimed 49 lives on June 12.[24] The band shared the track on their official YouTube channel, urging fans to donate to a GoFundMe fund supporting the victims' families and affected community, framing the song's message of living without remorse as a tribute to resilience and remembrance.[24] To promote Primary Colours, the band undertook various activities, including live performances at major festivals such as the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in May 2016, where they debuted album material to enthusiastic crowds.[25] In 2017, they expanded outreach with a European headline tour, performing in cities across the UK, Germany, and France to showcase the album's singles and deepen their international fanbase.2018–21: Expectations
The recording of Magic!'s third studio album, Expectations, took place in 2017 and 2018 at Messinger Sounds in Toronto, Canada, as well as Ox in the Box in North Hollywood, California, and WhatChuTalkinBout Studios in Sherman Oaks, California.[26] Released on September 7, 2018, via RCA Records, the album marked a transitional phase for the band, shifting toward more introspective reggae-pop themes centered on personal relationships and emotional vulnerability.[27] Frontman Nasri Atweh described the project as an unprecedentedly conceptual effort, with each track delving into specific facets of romance, such as disappointment and living in the moment, while incorporating lush, symphonic production elements that contrasted with the band's prior upbeat reggae fusion style.[28][29] The lead single, "Kiss Me", premiered on June 8, 2018, and was accompanied by an official music video directed by the band.[30] Written and produced by Magic! alongside Adam Messinger, the track highlighted the album's romantic introspection and achieved strong radio play in Canada, ranking as a top add for multiple weeks and earning a spot among CBC Music's top 100 Canadian songs of 2018.[30][31][32] Other standout tracks, such as "Core" and "More of You", exemplified the record's blend of reggae rhythms with pop sensibilities and darker lyrical undertones, contributing to its overall narrative of life's emotional complexities.[33] Critical reception acknowledged Expectations as an evolution from the band's earlier, more lighthearted reggae-pop sound seen in albums like Don't Kill the Magic and Primary Colours, praising its maturity while noting mixed results in execution.[29] AllMusic awarded it a 6 out of 10 rating, highlighting the album's ambitious scope but suggesting it occasionally lacked the infectious energy of prior releases.[26] The global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted promotions in 2020 and 2021, leading to delayed tours and a pivot to virtual performances and social media interactions to sustain fan engagement, though the band maintained stability through these adaptations.[27]2022–present
In February 2022, after a decade with the band, drummer Alex Tanas announced his departure for personal reasons, with the core lineup continuing as Nasri Atweh, Mark Pellizzer, and Ben Spivak, supported by Adam Messinger's production and multi-instrumental contributions.[34] The band shifted focus to new material, announcing their fourth studio album, Inner Love Energy, in late 2022, with recording sessions emphasizing themes of self-love, positivity, and inner energy to inspire listeners amid global challenges.[35] Released on April 5, 2024, via independent label MAGIC! Music, the album features nine tracks blending reggae fusion with pop elements, marking a renewal following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.[36][37] Preceding the album, MAGIC! released the lead single "Ain't Got Nothin' Figured Out" on September 16, 2022, a reflective track exploring uncertainty and growth that garnered attention on streaming platforms.[38] This was followed by the title track "Inner Love Energy" on October 21, 2022, which served as an anthem for emotional resilience and became a cornerstone of the album's promotional campaign.[39] From 2024 into 2025, promotional efforts centered on digital streaming and social media to reach global audiences, with the album achieving steady plays on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, while the band resumed live performances post-pandemic to reconnect with fans.[40] Notable activities included the Inner Love Energy Tour dates in Asia and South America in August 2025, such as shows in Tokyo and alongside Cidade Negra, alongside a North American appearance on November 15, 2025, supporting LMFAO at the Clearwater Casino Resort in Suquamish, Washington.[17][41] As of November 2025, MAGIC! remains active with Nasri Atweh, Mark Pellizzer, and Ben Spivak as core members, with no new album or major projects announced beyond ongoing touring and occasional single releases, focusing on sustaining their catalog's legacy while exploring independent distribution.[1]Collaborations
Magic! has engaged in several high-profile collaborations throughout their career, often blending their reggae fusion style with other artists' projects to expand their reach. Lead vocalist and producer Nasri Atweh, working under the production duo The Messengers with Adam Messinger, contributed songwriting and production to tracks for major artists both before and after the band's formation in 2012. Pre-formation credits include co-writing and producing Jason Derulo's "The Other Side" from the 2013 album Talk Dirty, which peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped establish Nasri's reputation in pop-R&B circles. Similarly, they co-wrote Pitbull's "Feel This Moment" featuring Christina Aguilera from the 2012 album Global Warming, a global hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.[42] Post-formation, the full band featured on Shakira's self-titled 2014 album with "Cut Me Deep," a reggae-infused track that showcased Magic!'s harmonious vocals and guitar work alongside the singer's pop sensibilities.[43] This partnership continued on Shakira's 2017 album El Dorado, where Magic! appeared on "What We Said?"; the album won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album, highlighting Nasri's production role and the band's vocal contributions.[44] In 2014, Magic! collaborated with David Guetta and Showtek on "Sun Goes Down," providing lead vocals for the electronic dance track from Guetta's album Listen. The song reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart and number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100, introducing the band to EDM audiences.[45] The band also contributed to the official soundtrack for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with "This Is Our Time (Agora é a nossa hora)" on the compilation album One Love, One Rhythm – The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Album, performed in English and Portuguese to celebrate the event in Brazil.[46] Within their own discography, collaborations like the 2016 single "Lay You Down Easy" featuring Sean Paul from Primary Colours exemplified group features that infused dancehall elements, peaking at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and enhancing their reggae-pop crossover appeal.[47] In the 2020s, Magic! maintained visibility through selective partnerships, including Nasri's featured vocals on Cash Cash's "Call You" from the 2018 EP Love Problems (extending into ongoing promotion), and appearances on pop compilations that revisited their hits. These high-profile partnerships, spanning pop, EDM, and Latin genres, significantly boosted the band's international exposure, with cumulative streams exceeding billions and Grammy recognition underscoring their production impact.[48]Artistry
Musical style
Magic! is primarily known for their reggae fusion sound, blending traditional reggae rhythms with pop, R&B, and rock elements to create an accessible, upbeat style characterized by infectious grooves, prominent horns, and lyrics centered on positivity and relationships.[49] Central to their signature sound are lead vocalist Nasri Atweh's smooth, versatile delivery—ranging from soulful coos to belted choruses—paired with guitar-driven melodies and danceable offbeat rhythms, as exemplified in the hit "Rude," which features a lite-reggae pulse and a skanking guitar line for broad radio appeal.[50][7] Their production emphasizes live instrumentation, including real guitars and horns over synthesized beats, to maintain an organic feel while incorporating subtle electronic touches for contemporary polish. Over time, the band's style has evolved from the high-energy, party-oriented reggae-pop of their 2014 debut Don't Kill the Magic, which leaned heavily on summery, horn-laden anthems, to a more refined and varied approach in Primary Colours (2016), tightening their fusion with confident, ultra-summery tracks that balance pop hooks and reggae riddims.[50] By their third album, Expectations (2018), they shifted toward introspective tones, reducing reggae dominance to explore eclectic pop structures with Beatles-inspired ballads and conceptual depth drawn from personal relationships, blending synthetic drums with band-driven essence.[28] This progression continued in Inner Love Energy (2024), embracing anthemic indie pop-reggae fusion with funky rock edges and mindfulness-themed positivity, further emphasizing emotional grooves over strict genre boundaries.[35][51] Their sound draws comparisons to modern reggae-pop acts like those echoing The Police's new wave-reggae hybrid, prioritizing catchy, feel-good accessibility that has sustained their presence in contemporary music.[50][49]Influences
The music of MAGIC! draws heavily from reggae icons like Bob Marley, whose classic reggae sound infused the band's fusion style with rhythmic positivity and soulful grooves.[52] Similarly, the reggae-rock fusion pioneered by The Police, particularly Sting's melodic approach, shaped their pop-inflected reggae, providing a blueprint for blending upbeat rhythms with accessible hooks.[53] Modern influences, including Stevie Wonder's soulful optimism, further contribute to their feel-good vibe, evident in tracks that emphasize joy and resilience.[54] Lead singer Nasri Atweh, a Palestinian-Canadian songwriter and producer, brought a unique perspective from his work with pop artists such as Justin Bieber on hits like "As Long As You Love Me" and Pitbull, blending polished production techniques with reggae elements.[53] Guitarist Mark Pellizzer's background in Toronto's vibrant music scene added layers of funk and jazz-inflected grooves, drawing from soul and R&B traditions to enrich the band's instrumental texture.[55] Bassist Ben Spivak incorporated R&B bass techniques honed from touring with artists like K-OS, contributing to the rhythmic drive that underpins their sound.[7] Drummer Alex Tanas, influenced by Stevie Wonder's transition to jazz-fusion and R&B, helped solidify the band's eclectic percussion style.[56] Formed in Toronto's diverse multicultural environment, which exposed the members to a wide array of global sounds, MAGIC! relocated to Los Angeles to refine their craft, absorbing the city's pop and production influences while retaining their Canadian roots.[52] This cultural blend manifests in their lyrics, which often explore themes of love and positivity—such as seeking familial approval in "Rude"—while touching on social issues like cultural expectations in relationships.[57] Songs like "No Regrets" reflect personal growth and optimism, channeling the uplifting spirit of their reggae forebears into contemporary narratives of hope and connection.[21]Band members
Current members
Nasri Atweh, born January 10, 1981, in Toronto, Ontario, to parents of Palestinian descent, serves as the lead vocalist, guitarist, pianist, primary songwriter, and producer for Magic!. Prior to forming the band in 2012, Atweh gained prominence as a songwriter and producer, co-writing The Script's hit "Breakeven," which peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2010. His multifaceted role has been central to the band's reggae fusion sound, contributing lyrics and production to all major releases, including the global No. 1 single "Rude" from their 2014 debut album Don't Kill the Magic. Atweh's Palestinian-Canadian heritage and early exposure to diverse musical influences, including R&B and pop, inform his songwriting approach, emphasizing themes of love and positivity. Mark "Pelli" Pellizzer, born June 14, 1980, in Toronto, Ontario, handles guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals in Magic!, while also contributing as a multi-instrumentalist and co-producer. A graduate of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music with a BMusPerf in Jazz Studies in 2004, Pellizzer brings a jazz-infused technical proficiency to the band's arrangements, evident in intricate guitar riffs and keyboard layers on tracks like "Let Your Hair Down." Before Magic!, he collaborated on productions for artists such as Chris Brown and Shakira, honing his skills in blending reggae rhythms with pop sensibilities; his jazz background allows for improvisational elements that enhance the band's live energy and studio depth. Ben Spivak, born January 4, 1983, in Toronto, Ontario, joined Magic! in May 2013 as the bassist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist, providing the rhythmic foundation that anchors the group's groove-oriented sound. Prior to the band, Spivak performed with the Toronto-based Julian Taylor Band, releasing the album Never Slow in 2013, which sharpened his focus on bass lines that drive reggae-pop fusion. In Magic!, Spivak's contributions emphasize steady, syncopated bass patterns, as heard in songs like "No Way No" from their 2016 album Primary Colours, supporting the trio's tight interplay without a permanent drummer. Following Alex Tanas's departure in February 2022, Magic! adapted by operating as a core trio of Atweh, Pellizzer, and Spivak, relying on session drummers for live tours and recordings to maintain their full-band dynamic. This shift has allowed greater flexibility in production, with the members handling percussion elements through programming and guest collaborators on recent releases like the 2024 album Inner Love Energy.Former members
Alex Tanas (born February 28, 1986) served as the drummer, percussionist, and backing vocalist for the Canadian reggae fusion band Magic!, joining at its formation in 2012 alongside Nasri Atweh, Mark Pellizzer, and Ben Spivak.[58][56] Born in Toronto, Ontario, to Ukrainian and Irish parents, Tanas began playing drums at age ten as a self-taught musician and brought a dynamic energy to the band's live performances through his reggae-influenced rhythms.[59][60] He contributed to Magic!'s first three studio albums—Don't Kill the Magic (2014), Primary Colours (2016), and Expectations (2018)—co-writing several tracks and helping shape the group's signature pop-reggae sound.[56] Tanas announced his departure from the band on September 7, 2021, via Instagram, expressing gratitude for the experiences and collaborations without specifying conflicts, indicating an amicable split.[61] The band officially confirmed his exit in February 2022, allowing Magic! to proceed with new projects and a revised lineup for subsequent releases.[51] Following his departure, Tanas has pursued session drumming and solo endeavors, including performing on the track "Brainrot" from grandson's album INERTIA, released in September 2025.[62]Discography
Studio albums
Magic! has released four studio albums, all under RCA Records, with the debut achieving the band's highest commercial success. The debut album, Don't Kill the Magic, was released on June 30, 2014. It debuted at No. 6 on the US Billboard 200, selling 36,000 copies in its first week, and peaked at No. 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album has been certified 3× Platinum in Canada by Music Canada for sales exceeding 240,000 units. Key tracks include the global hit "Rude," along with "Don't Kill the Magic" and "Let Your Hair Be Free," blending reggae fusion with pop elements. The second album, Primary Colours, arrived on July 1, 2016. It peaked at No. 19 on the Canadian Albums Chart and at No. 124 on the US Billboard 200. The record delves into themes of love, redemption, and personal growth, highlighted by singles like "Lay You Down Easy" featuring Sean Paul and "Red Dress." Expectations, the third studio album, marked an introspective shift toward emotional vulnerability and self-reflection, released on September 7, 2018. It did not chart on the US Billboard 200 or reach significant positions on the Canadian Albums Chart. Standout tracks include "Kiss Me" and "Fire Me Up," emphasizing mature lyrical content over the band's earlier upbeat style. The latest release, Inner Love Energy, came out on April 5, 2024, continuing the reggae-pop sound with themes of inner strength and positivity. It did not chart significantly on major Billboard charts and garnered over 50 million global streams in its first year, driven by singles "I'm Rich," "Good Feeling About You," and the title track. As of November 2025, the album has accumulated more than 100 million streams worldwide.| Album | Release date | Label | US peak (Billboard 200) | Canada peak | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don't Kill the Magic | June 30, 2014 | RCA | 6 | 5 | 3× Platinum (Canada) |
| Primary Colours | July 1, 2016 | RCA | 124 | 19 | None |
| Expectations | September 7, 2018 | RCA | — | — | None |
| Inner Love Energy | April 5, 2024 | RCA | — | — | None |