They cast a musical spell over Red Deer — then moved on to wider pastures in Calgary and Vancouver.
Now the band that originated in this city is returning home to play for family and friends. The Magik Spells will perform on Friday, April 25, at The Vat — where it all began in 2010.
Two years after graduating from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, Jacob Layden, one of the group’s singers, guitar and bass players, met fellow musicians Joel Macleod, Jason Stashko and Tyler Archibald while crossing paths with various bands in Red Deer’s music scene.
The four united over their shared appreciation of indie dance-rock music and formed Magik Spells.
Their upbeat group often played at The Vat, and also did the rounds of other local music venues before deciding to head for bigger opportunities — first to Calgary and now in Vancouver.
“But we come back to play in Red Deer two or three times a year. We love coming back to Red Deer. It’s still our favourite place to play,” said Layden.
The Magik Spells plans to release a second, yet untitled, EP this spring containing the new single Answer. Layden said it’s being sent out to radio stations, including Z-99, and he hopes it gets local play.
Some Calgary and Vancouver stations have already been supportive by playing previous singles Neo Peasant and Pieces from the band’s 2012 debut self-titled, seven-track EP.
Layden believes the move to the West Coast is paying off in a lot of ways. “We’re meeting a lot of new people and making connections. ... We’ve got a lot of places to play around B.C. ...”
But group members — including Macleod, who studied percussion at Red Deer College and later taught drumming through 53rd Street Music — are looking forward to seeing family, friends and original fans at the Red Deer concert.
For more information about the 9 p.m. show at The Vat, which also includes the Calgary band 36? and the Funky Monks (a tribute to the Red Hot Chili Peppers), call 403-346-5636.
Tickets are $10 in advance from the venue or The Soundhouse or $15 at the door.
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com