For the first time, electro-pop duo Magdalena Bay — Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin — are touring in a real tour bus. It’s a small but meaningful milestone as they embark on the second leg of their “Imaginal Disk” tour, their sophomore album released in August 2024. The tour includes major festivals like Lightning in a Bottle and Wonderfront, as well as opening for Billie Eilish in London this July.
“It’s kind of a game changer for us,” Lewin says. “We’re actually sleeping and have more time to relax.”
The World of Imaginal Disk
“Imaginal Disk” blends maximalist production with glossy melodies, performed live in a sci-fi-inspired show where Tenenbaum becomes “True,” an alien character from a world where people insert CD-ROMs into their foreheads for self-optimization. Their concerts combine theatrical staging, colorful visuals, and a “Broadway musical” vibe, creating what Tenenbaum describes as “a hybrid between a rock show and a weird theater play.”
The album title references “imaginal discs,” biological blueprints for transformation in caterpillars. This metaphor became central to the album’s exploration of identity and self-reinvention. “It raises questions about what defines you as an individual, even as you go through so many changes,” Lewin explains.
TikTok Boost and Growing Momentum
Their song “Image” gained traction on TikTok, introducing new listeners to their catalog. Unlike their earlier viral hit “Killshot,” which was mostly used for fan edits, “Image” has resonated with audiences genuinely engaging with their music. “It’s not a trend,” Lewin adds.
The band has been too busy performing to fully process their growing success, but they’ve noticed bigger crowds and stronger reactions on tour. “The energy around the songs is more intense now because people have lived with the music longer,” says Tenenbaum.
Opening for Billie Eilish
Opening for Billie Eilish marks their first time performing in arenas. “It’s a huge opportunity and a really cool fit,” Tenenbaum says. Meanwhile, their families are thrilled. “They’re probably more excited than we are,” Lewin jokes.
As Magdalena Bay continues to build their unique sci-fi pop world, they’re staying focused on the journey ahead. “We’re like, ‘Yeah, yeah, we gotta go do this,’” Tenenbaum says with a smile.
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