Computer Magic

Computer Magic

Danz of Computer Magic

Computer Magic at Bowery Ballroom in New York, NY in 2013.
Background information
Birth name Danielle Johnson
Also known as Danz
Born Rock Hill, New York[1]
Genres Electronic, Indie rock, Synthpop
Occupation(s) Composer, Singer-songwriter, Producer
Instruments Vocals, Keyboard
Years active 2010-present
Labels Kitsuné, White Iris, P-Vine Records, Tugboat Records
Website http://thecomputermagic.com
Notable instruments
Moog, Novation, Dave Smith Instruments

Computer Magic is the electronic music solo-project of American producer Danielle "Danz" Johnson from Brooklyn, NY.[2] She is the singer, writer, composer, and often the producer for Computer Magic. Her influences include Radiohead, Barbarella, and Philip K. Dick.[1][3]

Beginnings

Johnson was born and raised in the Catskills in both Woodridge, New York and Rock Hill, New York. She moved to Chinatown in New York, NY to attend Hunter College. [2]

Johnson started her own music blog at the age of 15. [2][4] She became a DJ in New York City at the age of 18 at places such as the Tribeca Grand Hotel and The Annex.[5]

She began producing music at her Mother's house whilst on hiatus from New York in Tampa, FL.[3] There, she taught herself how to make music. She has stated that she writes music entirely by ear. [6] [7]

The name Computer Magic is derived from a quote in This Is Spinal Tap from Viv Savage, "Quite exciting this computer magic!". [8]

Music

Danz of Computer Magic performing at WWW club in Tokyo, Japan.

In 2011, Computer Magic released three self-produced free EPs: Hiding From Our Time, Hiding From More of Our Time and Spectronic via Computer Magic's official website.

She re-recorded 4 songs for a studio EP in 2011 entitled Electronic Fences with White Iris Records.[9]

In 2012, Danz released the Kitsuné:Orion EP with French label Kitsuné.[10]

Computer Magic released the Extra Stuff EP in April, 2014.[11] When releasing this, she announced that she has been in the studio working on her first full length record with producer Claudius Mittendorfer. [12]

In February 2015, the song "Shipwrecking" premiered on Stereogum, a track off the self-released "Dreams of Better Days EP". [13]

A number of Computer Magic's songs were released for free at first, giving fans a chance to download them before they went up for digital sale on iTunes. About this, Danz has said that "The more people that have your music and enjoy it the better." [8]

In 2014, the song Running (Hiding Version) was featured on two separate television commercials for Aria Resort and Casino and Lexus.[14][15]

Japan

Computer Magic has released three full-length compilation records in Japan with Tugboat Records and P-Vine Records.[16] The first record entitled Scientific Experience, debuted at #5 on the iTunes Japanese Electronic Music Chart.[17] Her January 2015 release "Mindstate" debuted at #1 on the iTunes Japanese Electronic Music Chart.[18]

In late 2013, Johnson became the face of Sofia Coppola's Japanese clothing company Milkfed.[19]

Discography

EPs

Japan-Only Releases

Music Videos

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Stereogum "Band to Watch" July 1st, 2012 retrieved Dec 26th 2013
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 De Los Angeles, Kim "Biography - Official Site" March 3rd, 2015
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cihak, Izzy "Interview: Computer Magic's Sugar-Coated, Sonic Science Fiction" April 6th, 2013 retrieved Dec 26th 2013
  4. ↑ Johnson, Andy "Interview: Computer Magic" January 18th, 2013 retrieved December 26th 2013
  5. ↑ Last.FM "Bio"
  6. ↑ Stratosphere, Jen "Q&A with Computer Magic" April 12, 2012 retrieved Dec 26th 2013
  7. ↑ " Retrieved August 8th 2013
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Raven + Crow Studio http://www.ravenandcrowstudio.com/journal/"] February 18th 2014 retrieved February 18th 2014
  9. ↑ White Iris "White Iris Records" retrieved Dec 26th 2013
  10. ↑ Kitsuné "New EP Orion Out Now" March 12th, 2012 retrieved Dec 26th 2013
  11. ↑ Nylon "Nylon: A Confession" February 17th, 2014 retrieved February 18th, 2014
  12. ↑ iHeartComix "iheartcomix : interview" April 24th, 2014 retrieved August 8th, 2014
  13. ↑ Stereogum "Computer Magic - "Shipwrecking" (Stereogum Premiere" February 2nd 2015 retrieved February 4th 2015
  14. ↑ "Lexus International Strobe - Ad Break Anthems" July 15th 2014, retrieved August 8th 2014
  15. ↑ "Aria Hotel and Casino 'Flowers' " May 25th 2014, retrieved August 8th 2014
  16. ↑ P-Vine "P-Vine Artist Bio" November 23rd 2012 retrieved December 26th 2013
  17. ↑ "Scientific Experience debut at #5" December 20th, 2012 retrieved December 26th 2013
  18. ↑ "Mindstate Japanese Release" January 22nd 2015 retrieved January 29th 2015
  19. ↑ "Computer MagicがアパレルブランドMILKFED.の2013 HOLIDAYアンバサダーに就任！！" October 28th, 2013 retrieved December 26th 2013
  20. ↑ http://vimeo.com/98186342
  21. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcCjTDc3xlo