Slow Magic hides behind a colorful, somewhat creepy wolf mask. For anonymity, for a phantom-like presence, as a symbolic gesture: it’s tough to be sure. Even the man behind the façade is ambiguous on the subject. To be fair, that’s the point. Slow Magic, the multi-instrumentalist and electronic music mixer, rejects a built-in persona. Whoever Slow Magic is, the figure itself is meant to be a construct, an “imaginary friend.” With his new album, How to Run Away, he creates a foggy, late-night and confused world in which he is the friendly stranger hovering above it all.
We asked a few questions ahead of tonight’s visit to The Frequency.
What is Slow Magic? If you had to explain to someone like me who never really listens to electronic music, why you love it, what would you say?
“Slow Magic is music by your imaginary friend. I like any kind of music that can explore the boundaries of what people have never heard before, and electronic music seems to do that the most. … I grew up trying to play as many instruments as I could collect. I don’t necessarily consider myself a part of one scene or genre of music. I think my music is electronic as a result of recording and making it all myself in my bedroom.”
How does the mask transform who you are as an artist? Does it give you a sense of humility to be unknown?
“I have a freedom on stage and with the mask. Slow Magic is something that I am and I am not.”
How did you come across the iconic mask that you wear in concert?
“The first mask was designed and created by Jonas McCluggage, a friend of mine. I wanted an imaginary animal that could be the face of the music.”
How does getting older redefine how you feel about your own music?
“Time passing changes the relationship I have with certain songs and music. Songs have a life of their own and they grow and change; it is fun to notice.”
Who are your favorite growing artists today?
“It’s a hard question because I enjoy a lot of music right now. Specifically, some new music by Kate Boy and High Highs are exciting to me.”
Who did you grow up listening to?
“I remember listening to a lot of Beach Boys when I was young. I also listened to a lot of punk and things like that.”
How do you go about song production, specifically in regard to incorporating percussion and keyboards into songs that are centered on electronic beats?
“I use the computer but I also record instruments with it.”
What do you do to fill the time between shows while on tour?
“I’m usually trying to find time to sleep which can be a struggle itself. But I enjoy taking time to find nice places to take photos or explore.”