Andy Shauf’s The Magician explores a third person take on what is going on inside the mind of a magician as he is about to pull off his climatic trick – and that’s exactly what it is, a trick. The trick involves facing death, a real nail biter that only a magician would be able to escape. He disappears and audience is moved to the edge of their seat in anticipation. The trick is only as good as it’s reveal as that’s what the audience wants to see. Anyone can disappear, but not everyone can reappear. However, by contrast, the opening lyrics of the song are self-reflective of the magician, “do you find its gets a little easier each time you make it disappear.”
What brings this concept together a song is the writing behind the lyrics, a bit of mystical strings, unexpected clarinet and driving piano that keeps the intensity moving. These song elements are exactly how a magician wants you to feel during a performance: engaged, curious, and open. The vocals sway over top like a magician on the stage: his moves are confident and direct, but somehow impromptu. These motions are really only part of the act though, taking your direction away from what’s really going on right in front of you. Can you see it?
You can learn more about Andy Shauf here:
About the curator - Nick Malpezzi
Nick Malpezzi is a lover of nature, cats, beer, and music. When he’s not at his day job he is recording artists, working on films, writing music, taking pictures and enjoying life. He believes complexity is derived from simplicity, which is seen in his musical tastes and original productions.