Feature Image: Anne Godoneo
As The Black Keys once sang “Strange times are here”, is indeed exactly what we’re going through globally. The beauty of it is, is that, as we’re all experiencing the side effects of every day we become united more and more as each day passes – especially with some sick, kick-ass, melt your face music. Either by sharing music playlists with each other or virtually sharing a beer with friends, music always finds its way to unite us all.
Strange Majik, has always been specially skilled for bringing crowds together, either weekly at Belle Reve or any music venue he’s able to rock out without a care in the world. So, if you find yourself trying not to lose your mind while you’re safely practicing social distancing but still want to enjoy some lively tunes – Strange Majik is your guy.
From beginning to end, Strange Majik’s LP 20/20 packs a punch that will make you smile and give you a nice kick of needed adrenaline. The way that each song beautifully transitions is a true test of how an artistic mastermind wants the LP’s story to unfold for the listener. From Creem Magazine to BBOX Radio, everyone raves about the talent in Strange Majik and it’s no wonder because, throughout the whole LP, each song flows wonderfully into the next – perfect example is the fast tempo, Rolling Stones-esque “Edge of Trust” transitioning into the sultry, goosebump-inducing “Lo-fi Hi”. Despite all of the amazing tracks, my favorites has to be “Ain’t Going Down”, it conveys so much emotion within its lyrics and its melodies. I can see just a group of friends or myself at a dive bar drinking an ice-cold beer and enjoying this song, almost like a commercial.
Strange Majik is the genre fluid-rock ‘n’ roll soul of David Pattillo. It’s punkified vintage blues and trippy guitar psychedelia. It’s acid rock with a heart of Memphis soul. It’s a musical hi-five to elevate your spirit and get your body moving. It’s a jam band juggernaut powered by the iconic craft of a classic songwriter.
With over 100 published songs and a formidable credit list, Pattillo has a history in the music scene. He has written and produced songs for Motown/Universal, worked with super producers Linda Perry and The Berman Brothers, co-written with Nashville music row coterie, co-produced the Live At The Artists Den series on PBS (for which he was nominated for an Emmy), hosted a UK radio show on Amazing Radio, and paid his dues working with a long list of artists from Public Enemy to The Beastie Boys in the NYC studio world. His true love is writing and performing music and discovering great musicians. And since 2015 he has done just that with Strange Majik.
He and his band have shared stages with NYC buzz bands Hollis Brown, Daddy Long Legs, The Mystery Lights, Liza Colby, Revel In Dimes, and Fiona Silver as well as veteran songwriters Ray Wylie Hubbard and Willie Nile. He has been featured in Shindig Magazine UK, Record Collector Magazine, The Deli Magazine, and many blogs and podcasts around the US and UK. His songs have been licensed by international sports brands, TV shows, and films.
Strange Majik’s new LP “20/20” is “marrying the rousing 70s rock sound like Roxy Music and David Bowie with thrilling, emotive blues” says euro blog Jansenjams. With classic instrumentation of drums, bass, guitar, wurly, organ and sax perhaps you can call it retro but Pattillo’s lyrics keep things modern. This is not a throwback to old times. Shindig Mag says “The British influence is all over Strange Majik’s sound. You can hear The Stones, Ziggy era Bowie and more than a little Hendrix whilst still managing to sound as American as apple pie.”
As Rick Koster of Connecticut’s Daily The Day says, “Expect Strange Majik to put a spell on you.”