Our apologies for the lack of contact recently. As we’re sure you realise, getting the new album (and companion DVD) out and promoted has taken a lot of all our energy! The reaction to Metamorphosis has been overwhelming, and has really lifted Magenta's profile, introducing us to a much wider fan base. The recent live gigs have been amazing and, the reaction to playing the new album with the new line up has been fantastic. Kieran and Colin have really found their feet very quickly and added a wonderfully fresh dynamic to the band.
Fan site Update
We have updated the fan site and added a selection of new videos. These include a selection of material that didn't make it onto the Metamorphosis Collection DVD. We will be adding to this in the coming weeks and hope, exclusively, to post extra bits of Metamorphosis that didn’t make it into the final mix. All this can be found at www.magentamembers.co.uk.
Magenta Shop
We have recently added some special offers to the Magenta Shop and will be adding more over the coming weeks.
Forthcoming Live Gigs
Don’t forget that we have another sequence of gigs in July. They are all new venues to the band, so we really hope to see as many of you as possible.
July 19th - Night of the Prog Festival, Loreley, Germany
July 26th - The Peel, Kingston, Surrey
July 27th - The Limelight, Crewe
Don’t forget that we’re also playing the Summers End Festival in Lydney on September 27th. Details about the rest of the line up from www.myspace.com/summersendfestival
Live DVD
Rob is busy mixing and putting the rest of the finishing touches to the footage of the live performance that was recorded for DVD at The Point in Cardiff last November. It’s looking great and we will keep you all fully informed about a release date when it has been decided.
All the best
Magenta
8th May
Upcoming gigs and website update
Hi All
A few updates from the Magenta camp!
Don't forget the upcoming 3 gigs, the Borderline on May 10th, the Robin in Bilston on May 11th and the Point in Cardiff on may 16th. Please note that despite some confusion over tickets the Borderline gig is ON. To buy tickets online go to seetickets.com and search for "magenta Borderline". Support band for the Bilston and Cardiff gigs are the excellent Quecia. www.quecia.com. See you there!
The website has just been updated with pictutes from the CRS Rotherham gig on the Gallery page - and Colin and Kieran's pages have been updated at last!
Also, US fans should note that Metamorphosis is now shipping from Lasers Edge. Details at www.lasercd.com
Best wishes
Magenta
6th April
Metamorphosis Collection DVD, shop and website updates plus two new UK gigs
Hi All
With Metamorphosis now onsale from the Magenta Shop , and getting a very favourable reaction indeed, we have a few news updates for you. To get all the news FIRST and to read what some of our fans think of the new album, as well as having your say, why not join our Official Forum
First of all, we are pleased to announce that The Metamorphosis Collection DVD is now available and shipping from the Magenta Shop.
We would also like to clear up some confusion regarding the two current releases.
The standard CD is only available as a stand-alone product. The Metamorphosis Collection DVD, DOES NOT contain the CD, but DOES contain the 5.1 mix, though you will need a DVD player to listen to it, and a Surround system to get the best of this version.
We have updated the Official Website with a couple of new items. On the Metamorphosis page you can read a review by John Morley, which should give readers a flavour of the album, and we have also posted an interview with Rob Reed by Steve Tomlin, which you can read HERE .
We are pleased to announce 2 new UK gigs this summer, both debuts for us. On our return from the Night of the Prog Festival in Germany, we will play The Peel in Kingston on Saturday July 26th and The Limelight in Crewe on Sunday July 27th. Don’t forget our first gig this year at Herringthorpe Leisure Centre on April 19th where you’ll be able to hear the new album in its entirety along with some older classics!
Finally, don’t forget to check out the 2 new T-shirt designs available from the Magenta Shop . These are stunning new items to tie in with the new CD, and should also be available at the forthcoming gigs. However, as these are limited editions, and sales so far have been brisk, early buying is recommended!
Best wishes
Magenta
1st April
Mr Kyps, Poole Gig cancelled
We regret to announce that, for reasons beyond the bands control, we have had to cancel the Mr Kyps gig on April 20th. We would like to offer sincere apologies to all those that were planning on making the trip and refunds are, of course, available from the venue.
All the other gigs planned this year will go ahead as scheduled, and we're still really looking forward to getting out and playing Metamorphosis for you.
Best wishes
Magenta
31st March
Launch gig, DVD update and clips,and Summers End tickets
Hi All
Many thanks to all of you that came to the Metamorphosis Launch gig in Porth. It was an amazing night and we all had a great time, despite the wind, rain and occasional snow. We’re now really looking forward to our first batch of gigs in April, which begin in Rotherham on April 19th. Pictures from Porth, including the acoustic set before the main performance are now online on the Gallery page . They do, of course, include the first live pictures of Colin and Kieran in action!
Metamorphosis is now in stock at Magenta HQ , and all backorders are now on their way. Initial feedback has been fantastic! The Metamorphosis Collection DVD is still available for order and is due in stock in April. We’ve posted two trailers for it on Youtube Here and Here . One of the clips can also be seen on our home page.
Finally, a quick note to say that tickets for the Summers End Festival in Lydney go on sale on Tuesday April 1st. As well as Magenta, the festival has performances by IQ, Frost and The Tangent. There seems to be quite a buzz about the festival this year, so we suggest you get in quick. Full details from the Festival Myspace Site .
Best wishes
Magenta
13th March
Magenta play Summers End Festival, UK
Magenta are delighted to announce that they will play the Summers End Festival at the Hall, Lydney, Gloucestershire, UK on Saturday September 27th 2008. The band has secured the Special Guest slot before the Saturday headliners, IQ.
Other bands confirmed so far in what looks like the best UK prog festival for some years, include: The Tangent, Frost*, and Threshold.
Tickets have not yet gone on sale, but are expected to do so at the start of April.
Full details at : www.myspace.com/summersendfestival www.summersend.co.uk
11th March
Metamorphosis Lauch Update and New Shop!
Hi All
Magenta Launch party
Just a quick reminder about tickets for the launch party on March 22nd. Please make sure you either buy your tickets via the Magenta shop or by sending a cheque for £5 to:
Tigermoth Productions
C/o The Pop Factory
Porth
Rhondda Cynon Taff
South Wales
CF39 9PP
Please DO NOT PHONE THE POP FACTORY. This is simply a postal address, and the staff there will not be able to help you with tickets. Also, please bear in mind that you will not get tickets in the post, your names will be added to the guest list on the night. You should bring your order confirmation with you on the night to be on the safe side.
We are also very excited to announce that a will play ALL of Metamorphosis for the very first time at the launch!
New Magenta shop
We are also pleased to announce that we have a splendid new shop at www.magentashopfront.com . This should put paid to our recent occasional shop problems. Please adjust your bookmarks accordingly.
Best wishes
Magenta
24th February
New band member and German Festival Appearance
Magenta are delighted to welcome Colin Edwards to the band on guitar and additional keyboards. Like the rest of the band, Colin is from South Wales and has a wealth of musical experience. He will probably be best known to prog fans for his tenure on keyboard for Ezra, most notably on their excellent. Songs from Pennsylvania album. Rob Reed says: “Colin’s versatility and expertise on both guitar and keyboards make him the ideal addition to Magenta. With the new live band now complete we’re very excited about showing people what we can do on stage.”
The band are also thrilled to announce that they have been added to the line up of the Night of the Prog Festival at Loreley, Germany on Saturday 19th July. The band will share the stage with Fish, Circa and It Bites. Further details can be found at: http://www.wiventertainment.de/wiv/shows/loreley/pages_int/frames.html
Finally, due to unprecedented demand for the new Album and DVD, the Magenta shop was temporary closed during the week. We would like to apologize to anyone that was inconvenienced by this, and are delighted to announce that shop is now back online and open for business as usual.
17th February
METAMORPHOSIS album and Making Of DVD now preordering
Magenta are delighted to announce that pre-orders on their 4th studio album Metamorphosis have begun via The Magenta Shop
The album, will retail at £10 with free postage anywhere in the world. All pre-orders placed via the Magenta shop will be despatched from 22nd March, prior to the album’s general release on April 21st. A North American edition released via Lasers Edge will come out on May 6th.
We also pleased to announce that we have a special treat for Magenta fans. The Metamorphosis Collection DVD contains over 3 hours of fascinating material filmed over the last few months during the making of the album, including a Dolby 5.1 surround sound mix of the entire album. The DVD contains the following:
1. Making of Metamorphosis Documentary. (52.55)
This includes footage filmed during the recording of the CD and interviews with the album’s key contributors
2. Inside the Mix with Rob Reed (55.34)
Rob Reed behind the mixing desk revealing what makes each track tick.
3. Interview with Rob and Steve Reed (21.00)
Rob and lyricist Steve Reed talk about the origins and concept behind the album
4. Interview with Steve Reed (9.09)
Steve Reed talks about the lyrics and concepts behind each track
5. Complete Dolby 5.1 Surround Mix (53.00)
The whole album presented exclusively in glorious Dolby 5.1 surround sound
6. Prekestolen Video (3.43)
Studio Montage video of the Prekestolen track
The DVD will be in one format – NTSC – and will cost £13, with free postage worldwide. For the time being it will ONLY be available via The Magenta Shop prior to a general release later in the year. The DVD can be pre-ordered now, and will be despatched from 22nd March, at the same time as the album.
9th February
METAMORPHOSIS Launch details
Magenta - Metamorphosis Launch
Saturday 22nd March
The Pop Factory – Porth
www.thepopfactory.com
Doors open 7.30
Tickets are just £5 and are available from the Magenta Shop:
http://www.magentashopfront.com/index.htm
Alternatively, send a cheque for £5 to:
Tigermoth Productions
C/o The Pop Factory
Porth
Rhondda Cynon Taff
South Wales
CF39 9PP
Please include your name, address and email so that we can let you know that we have received payment.
Everyone buying a ticket will have their name entered into a raffle where prizes will include various Magenta merchandise items and a very special piece of Magenta memorabilia!
Tickets will NOT be posted but will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the venue.
Tickets will be limited to a total of 100, and will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so book now to avoid disappointment.
The band will be playing a short set, including material from Metamorphosis, and will be signing copies of the new album which will be available for sale at the event, alongside other merchandise.
In addition, there will be an opportunity to be the first to view some exclusive video footage, so this is an event not to be missed!
See you there.
Magenta
27th January
New Album METAMORPHOSIS released on April 21st
Tigermoth Records are proud to announce the release of Metamorphosis, the fourth studio album from Magenta on April 21st.
Without abandoning the sense of melody and dynamics that remain the Magenta trademark, Metamorphosis sees the band taking a darker, more intense path with powerful, sometimes disturbing subject matter.
“I think this album is going to surprise a lot of people, “says Rob Reed “It will challenge many people’s preconceptions of what Magenta are, and what we are capable of musically. Most of it was written on guitar, so some of the material is heavier than before, whilst retaining most of the elements of the Magenta sound.”
The album also marks the band’s return to long-form pieces of music, with two 20 minute-plus songs, namely Metamorphosis, the title track, a disturbing tale of a serial killer with a split personality, and the album opener The Ballad of Samuel Layne, which follows the thoughts of a soldier in the World War One trenches as he prepares to go into battle.
Rob also comments that with guitars and real strings dominating the arrangements there are fewer keyboards than previous albums: “Watch out for some brilliant performances on the record.” He says. “Christina’s vocals are just astonishing, Tim Robinson delivers a virtuoso performance on drums and Chris Fry has pushed the bar even higher than usual with some amazing lead guitar. I have no doubt that this is, by far, our finest album to date.”
The album was recorded at Big Studios in South Wales, and mixed by Rob Reed and Tim Lewis at the legendary Rockfield Studios near Monmouth in Wales. Rob has written all the music with lyrics by Steve Reed and the stunning artwork is by Killustrations.
The album will be released on April 21st, but will be available from March 22nd from the Magenta shop at The Magenta Shop . Watch out for a special pre-order offer to be announced soon.Regular video updates and sound clips to follow on the website over the next few weeks.
A trailer for the album can be viewed : Here
Footage from the mixing session at Rockfield can be seen at: Here
Lead Vocals: Christina
Keyboards, guitars, bass, recorder, backing vocals: Rob Reed
Drums: Tim Robinson
Lead Guitar: Chris Fry
Detuned guitar: Martin Rosser
Uilleann Pipes: Troy Donockley
Backing vocals: Stephan Rhys Williams
Magenta had a successful evening last night at the Classic Rock Society Awards (presented by John Wetton) in Wath upon Dearne, winning the awards for Best Female Singer and Best Band. The band were also nominated (ie in the top 4) in the categories Best Guitarist (Chris), best Keyboard player (Rob) and best CRS gig.
Contratulations to the band - it was a great evening.
12th January
Magenta announce new drummer and live dates
Magenta are delighted to announce Kieran Bailey as their new drummer.
Kieran is only 20 and, like the rest of the band, is from South Wales. He has recently completed a diploma at the Drum School in London. Already a skilled and versatile musician, the band have been hugely impressed by his technical proficiency and enthusiasm behind the kit.
Rob Reed says: "People are going to be surprised by the transformation that Kieran
has brought to the band. We think that alongside Dan Fry on bass guitar, we finally have the rhythm section we’ve been looking for, and are now eager to get out and play live again.”
Consequently, the band would also like to announce the following live dates in support of their forthcoming new album, with more to come:
Watch out for details of the new album, coming very soon!
2nd January
Following in the Footsteps of Queen and Rush at Rockfield Studios.
Magenta recently followed in the footsteps of such rock legends as Rush, Queen and Hawkwind, by working at the legendary Rockfield studios in Monmouth, UK.
The band decided to finish off their soon to be released fourth album at the studios over the holiday period, assisted by renowned producer and engineer Tim Lewis.
On hearing the latest demos, the band’s label Tigermoth Records decided that the album warranted the level of production for which Rockfield has been renowned for many years.
"Some of the greatest music of the last 40 years has been recorded at Rockfield” says Rob Reed. “We were working in the same studio that Rush recorded ‘A Farewell to Kings’, and that Queen made ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. It was an amazing experience. It was also a real treat to work with Tim Lewis, as his contribution has been immeasurable and because of this, the new album has seen the band make a huge advancement both musically and technically".
Magenta's new album will be released early this year. Further details will follow very soon.
30th November
Announcement from Magenta.
Magenta would like to announce that Allan Mason-Jones, having completed his current live commitments, has left the band. We would like to thank Allan for his contribution to Magenta over the last 4 years and wish him every success in his future musical endeavours.
We are currently rehearsing with a new drummer (about whom we will make an announcement in due course) and are looking forward to a new phase in the band's career.
On November 23rd we recorded our performance at ‘The Point’ in Cardiff for a 2008 DVD release. We are also putting the finishing touches to our fourth studio album which we are all very excited about. Expect an early 2008 release for ‘Magenta IV’ and full details of the album will be announced shortly, alongside a series of tour dates in the spring to accompany its release.
2008 looks like being Magenta's most busy and exciting year yet, so we would like to thank everyone, in advance, for their continued support.
Magenta
On a completely different note, Chris will be playing at the CrossKeys Hotel, Crosskeys on December 7th starting at 8pm. Rumour has it that a few other members of the band will also be there and might just be persuaded to play, so it should be a night not to be missed! Details from: Isylwyn Acoustic Guitar club website
17th November
Last weekend, and Fansite and Gallery updates.
We have now all recovered from last weekends magnificent gigs at the Borderline and the Robin. The band were on top form, and went down wonderfully well. Both gigs were very well attended with the Robin gig, in particular, showing a great advance in terms of attendance compared to the bands last appearance a year ago, so thanks to everyone who came to either - or both! Attendees included fans from Italy and Norway.
The Magenta Forum meet up and buffet before the Robin gig was great fun, with the band in attendance, and also included a brief acoustic set from the Fry Brothers. Most importantly, the raffle and auction raised an amazing £368.31 for Leukaemia Reseach. Many thanks to the heroic Batchain for all his efforts setting it all up. The icing on the cake for the attendees was a video of one of the shorter tracks from Magenta 4, which seems to have gone down very well with everyone that saw it.
The special Revolutions set - which included new arrangements of Children of the Sun and Man and Machine - was videod for posterity (and possible future release) and a couple of chunky clips from the set are now available at the Magenta Fansite . Both clips really are worth checking out. There are also two new sets on the Gallery page, one from the Borderline gig and the other from the Forum buffet. View them here.
The band are now preparing for the DVD shoot at the Point in Cardiff on November 23rd. It Kicks off is at 8pm, and tickets can be bought from www.thepointcardiffbay.com. See you there!
5th November
Borderline and Robin gigs this week!
The band are currently completing rehearsals for the gigs at the end of the week at the Borderline in London and the Robin in Bilston. The Borderline gig, on Saturday 10th November should, as always should be a great night. There’s always a great atmosphere and the band love playing there. Don’t forget, it’s an early start at 7.30. Tickets from www.meanfiddler.com.
The gig at the superb Robin on Sunday 11th will include an unique edit of the Revolutions album, and is not to be missed! The band will be onstage at 8pm and tickets can still be purchased online from www.therobin.co.uk. The band will also be in attendance at the Magenta Forum members buffet from 5 to 7pm, though we understand this is now sold out!
After the weekend, the band will turn their attention to the DVD shoot at the Point in Cardiff on November 23rd, another superb venue, and very much the band’s home gig! This set, in particular, will feature some rarely played songs not on the Gathering DVD. As in all likelihood we’ll be filming people as they enter the venue, everyone attending should make the final cut. Kick off is at 8pm, and tickets can be bought from www.thepointcardiffbay.com.
These three gigs mark the end of the latest chapter in the development of the band, as the live performances planned for spring next year will strongly feature the brand new album, currently nearing completion and sounding great! So those of you that want to see a live set based around Revolutions, Seven, Home and the Singles – now is the time!
