*Summer Magic/St. Louis Magazine*
The Summer Magic St. Louis band is back, releasing its first new recording in nearly four years. Dropped in June, the shimmering single “Tidy Up” is a sun-soaked preview of the group’s polished pop sound and a teaser for their upcoming full-length album, due in spring 2026.
Formed in 2013 by Kevin Bachmann (Lapush, Troubadour Dali) and Benjamin Marsh (Troubadour Dali), Summer Magic began as a songwriting partnership that evolved into a full band after recording their debut, Sharks and Other Dangers, with David Beeman at Native Sound.
A Tight-Knit Musical Family
Bachmann, the band’s primary songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, says the lineup is built from close friendships and long-time collaborators. Alongside Bachmann and Marsh (bass), the group includes Danny Mayo (guitar), Natalie Huggins (keyboard), percussionists Kevin Bowers and Mike Schurk, and another Troubadour Dali alum, Andy Kahn (bass, organ).
“Everyone in this band is near and dear to me,” says Bachmann. “We’ve all played together for years, and everyone has great instincts and taste.”
Expanding Their Sound
Summer Magic blends jangly guitars, tight harmonies, beats, synths, and drum machines. “I like stretching our sound in different directions and still having it feel like Summer Magic,” Bachmann explains.
For the next album, the band is working more collaboratively. “After the pandemic, we started writing together instead of me doing all the songs,” Bachmann says. The process for “Tidy Up” began with Bachmann composing the music, Marsh adding melodies, and Bachmann finalizing the lyrics.
Navigating Music Industry Challenges
While digital platforms like Bandcamp make releasing music easier, Bachmann notes the long delays in vinyl production. “I love records, but pressing times are so long. That’s why releasing a single first made sense,” he says.
The group’s discography includes the 2018 debut Sharks and Other Dangers and the 2021 single “Trauma,” a layered project recorded during the COVID era at Native Sound. Bachmann says recording has shifted from fully demoing tracks alone to incorporating the band’s ideas earlier in the process.
Proudly Rooted in St. Louis
Like many local musicians, Summer Magic takes pride in the city’s creative scene. “We have a great music community here,” Bachmann says. “St. Louis is a killer place with a strong art and music culture.”
Fans can follow @summer_magic_official on Instagram for updates on the band’s upcoming shows and the 2026 album release.
Content for this summary was derived from original reporting by St. Louis Magazine
