White Magic (band)

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Mira Billotte in 2003.

White Magic is a psychedelic folk rock group based in Brooklyn, N.Y., led by singer/guitarist/pianist Mira Billotte.

[edit] History

White Magic's original lineup was comprised of Mira Billotte on vocals and piano, drummer/bassist Miggy Littleton, and guitarist/drummer Andy Macleod. Billotte played drums and sang in Quix*o*tic with her sister Christina (of Slant 6 fame); Miggie Littleton was a founding member of Blood On The Wall and once played in Ida; and MacLeod also played in California Speedway. Occasionally Tim Dewitt drummer of Gang Gang Dance, then credited as "Dutch E-Germ" would play with White Magic when Miggie was not available. For a couple of years, the band played in New York. They soon appeared on a United Bamboo compilation. Drag City signed them in 2003, and in 2004, they released the band's Through The Sun Door EP to general critical praise. They toured the U.S. opening for like-minded folk musicians Will Oldham and Brightblack Morning Light in 2004 (when the latter band was still known as Brightblack).

In 2005, the group appeared on a free split EP, sponsored by Tylenol; it featured three songs each by White Magic and indie rock band The American Analog Set. Throughout 2005, Billotte performed as White Magic accompanied by guitarist Sleepy Doug Shaw. White Magic's current lineup's core consists of these two musicians, aided by an array of friends/musicians of similar musical aesthetics.

On November 14, 2006, debut album Dat Rosa Mel Apibus was released on Drag City Records.

White Magic's new EP, Dark Stars, was released on Drag City on October 26, 2007.

In 2007, Billotte recorded Bob Dylan's "As I Went Out One Morning" for the Todd Haynes film I'm Not There.

Billotte's alto has earned her comparisons to Grace Slick, Karen Dalton, Beth Orton, Dawn McCarthy (of Faun Fables), and Nico.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Discography

Through The Sun Door EP (2004, Drag City)
Songs of Hurt and Healing split EP with American Analog Set (2005, Ouch!)
"Long Time Ago" on the Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys compilation (2006, Anti)
Katie Cruel Single (2006, Drag City)
Dat Rosa Mel Apibus (2006, Drag City)
Dark Stars EP (2007, Drag City)