The artist of the month for May is none other than Magdalena Bay. With the release of their album, mini mix vol.3, they were easily an artist we were all excited to listen to. The duo consisting of singer-songwriter Mica Tenenbaum and producer Matthew Lewin creates synth-pop and electronic music. The visually engaging duo creates imagery and visuals that mimic their very vibrant and electronic sound.

Take a look below at what our team thought of the duo below:

Sidney (lead writer) : 

I don’t know how I slept on Magdalena Bay for so long, but to say I’m obsessed is an understatement. This duo exudes a fun vibe, from their eclectic synth-pop sound to their quirky, lo-fi visual aesthetic and distinctive stage presence. Their mini-mix EPs, including their latest surprise release, mini mix vol. 3, are among my favorites. Magdalena Bay offers a unique experience that extends beyond their music, and I highly suggest when listening to their music that you watch the accompanying music videos when listening to their music. I look forward to following this band’s growth, and I’m crossing my fingers I get to see them live soon.

Favorite songs:

1. “Top Dog,”
2. “Secrets (Your Fire)”
3. “Killshot.”

Julia (lead curator) :

I’m not sure how or why, but I had such a different idea of their sound that I was taken aback when I heard mini mix vol. 3 for the first time. Magdalena Bay is a duo that can do no wrong. Their music is synthetic, enigmatic, and enjoyable, to top it off. They can’t go wrong with Tenenbaum’s vocals to smooth out a track and groovy production by Lewis. Their sound feels like a melting pop of electro and synth-pop. As a YouTube comment of theirs said best, “Magdalena Bay came and slayed.”

Favorite songs:

1. “Top Dog”,
2. “Chaeri”
3. “Live 4ever”

Laura (founder) :

As someone who typically runs from electronic music, I was surprised when discovering Magdalena Bay. My first interaction with the duo came from their song, “You Lose,” which makes me feel like I am in a video game. Their unique style distinguishes their music from their general imagery to their vibrating synth production. I look forward to diving into their new album and the universe that is Magdalena Bay: straight from the simulation. 

My fave songs:

1. You Lose!
2. Secrets (Your Fire)
3. Unconditional

Rachel (lead writer) :

My mom is a major electronic/trance music fan, so Magdalena Bay’s mini mix interestingly brings me back to my childhood. The tracks in mini mix vol. 3 make me visualize bright colors, ‘lava lamp’ shapes, and, funnily, mid-2000s energy. One of my favorites, “Top Dog,” is a ‘stuck in your head’ type of song with zippy synths and adlibs that cleverly fade in and out. Magdalena Bay is a great pick from the hat when you’re in the mood for some zesty ‘cool-girl’ vibes. Not to mention, their music videos are exactly what I think of when listening to this duo’s sound. So safe to say, I will be diving into their discography ASAP.

Faves (from mini mix vol. 3):

1. Top Dog
2. Tonguetwister
3. 2 Wheel Drive