Magas

MAGAS is James Marlon Magas, electronic warlord of Chicago's blown-out wasteland. MAGAS has been making unconventional music for over 12 years, beginning with the primitive thud of COUCH, through the banshee wail of LAKE OF DRACULA, to present-day solo work as MAGAS.

The story begins in 1992, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, when Magas and Peter Larson form the band COUCH and also the BULB record label, which Larson assumes ownership of. COUCH burns through several drummers, eventually finding permanence in Aaron Dilloway, until the band breaks up in 1995.

MAGAS moves to Chicago and forms LAKE OF DRACULA with guitarist Weasel Walter (Flying Luttenbachers) and drummer Heather M (Scissor Girls). LOD also later works with bassist Jessica Ruffins (Jaks, Sea of Tombs, Key Club Studios) and occasional mystery backing vocalist, "The Manhattanite". LOD releases a few singles and an album on Skin Graft, and breaks up when Heather returns to school to obtain a doctorate in biochemistry. LOD calls it quits in 1997.

In 1999, MAGAS, inspired by blown car subwoofers, begins to experiment with electronic instruments, seeking to forge his own powerful subsonic vibrations. Starting out with an MC-505, MAGAS' raw music catches the ear of Detroit's ADULT., who record and release his music on their Ersatz Audio label. MAGAS's quest for low end is satiated with the implementation of an 808, later to be augmented with stinging venom from an old white ARP. Surreal, hard-rocking lyrics are wedded to the heavy shaking, forging a strange new kind of rock. Sold-out shows with Peaches, Sonic Youth, ADULT., Andrew WK, Wolf Eyes, the Sea & Cake, Les Georges Leningrad and Quintron & Miss Pussycat, propel the mayhem to new heights. In 2003, Ersatz Audio releases Magas' "Friends Forever". Magas tours North America with ADULT. and Luke Eargoggle, plays at Festival in Benicassim, Spain. Returning to Europe in 2004 and 2005, appearing at the Nuit Sonores Festival, Paradiso, Recyclart and other legendary venues. Amidst performing and producing his own work, Magas has also remixed Bobby Conn, Les Georges Leningrad, Arthur Baker and RA-X. Magas' new album, MAY I MEET MY ACCUSER will be released on May 16th, 2006. Select live dates will follow.