Art Magic

A practical, hands-on guide to Mexican-American folk magic.

From his beginnings in the experimental art and noise scene in late 90s in Paris, Fred Bigo’s eclectic but deliberate blend of rock, noise and infectious rhythm has gained him loyal fans from all over the world. His music bears a full understanding and respect for the varied spectrum of popular music. Fusing this with a contemporary and experimental edge, he has drawn the attention of musicians and producers, having worked together with Foetus, Kid Congo Powers, Tim Gane, Ian Svenonius and Depeche Mode, His versatility and skill has brought him into collaboration with a range of composers and performers including Zbigniev Karkovsky, Kasper Toeplitz and Antonia Baehr. His musical personae include Electronicat, Bader Motor, Melt Famas and currently ‘The Magic Ray’, with which he has built up an impressive catalogue of releases on international labels. His dynamic live concerts have gained him the reputation of being a wild and unpredictable stage presence, assured to send any crowd into a rhythm-induced frenzy.

Musically encapsulating the summertime is something that’s held musicians’ rapt for decades. To some an art form, to others something approaching a science even, but to Roger Shah, it’s more like a calling. In his career that purpose has manifested in many forms. None have been more steadfast and successful than his ‘Magic Island: Music For Balearic People’ compilation series though. With the same certainty that May turns to June, Roger’s yearly Balearic dispatch tells us that summer’s well and truly arrived. The eighth in the halcyon series sees him team up with Magic Island music makers, both new and established. Its tracklist sees familiar names abound, with fresh compositions from the likes of Brian Laruso, Raul Pablo Sanchez, Dirkie Coetzee, Pierre Pienaar and David Broaders all featuring. Equally quick to MI8’s discs are newer bloods, including music from trance souls like Bilal El Aly, Mark Norman and Rene Ablaze.

Hand over hand creative project learning. Making happiness a priority through comfort, creating, and connecting.

Renowned spiritual teacher and co-founder of The Way of the Rose Perdita Finn teaches the art and healing power of connecting with the dead, as she guides readers through the magical process of conversing with the unseen world.