Photo credit: Summer Magic/St. Louis Magazine
St. Louis indie-pop band Summer Magic returned in June 2025 with “Tidy Up,” its first new recording in nearly four years. The single continued the group’s blend of melodic guitars, harmonies, synthesizers, and electronic rhythms while previewing work on a second full-length album.
The Story Behind Summer Magic
Summer Magic began in 2013 as a songwriting partnership between Kevin Bachmann and Benjamin Marsh, both of whom had played in other St. Louis projects. After recording the 2018 debut album Sharks and Other Dangers with David Beeman at Native Sound, they expanded the project into a full band of longtime collaborators.
The group has included Bachmann, Marsh, Danny Mayo, Natalie Huggins, Kevin Bowers, Mike Schurk, and Andy Kahn. Their shared history allows the music to move between guitar-driven pop and arrangements incorporating keyboards, percussion, synthesizers, and drum machines.
“Tidy Up” and the Band’s Collaborative Approach
For “Tidy Up,” Bachmann developed the music, Marsh contributed melodies, and Bachmann completed the lyrics. The process reflected a broader shift toward involving band members earlier instead of bringing them nearly finished recordings.
The track followed the band’s 2021 single “Trauma.” Summer Magic’s music, including Sharks and Other Dangers and “Tidy Up,” is available through its official Bandcamp page.
Plans for Summer Magic’s Second Album
When St. Louis Magazine profiled the band in August 2025, the new album was planned for spring 2026. The band discussed a deep collection of songs, a more collaborative writing process, and the time and cost involved in producing a physical release.
Because release schedules can change, listeners should check the band’s official website or current social channels for confirmed album and performance updates.
Part of St. Louis’ Independent Music Community
Summer Magic’s members have longstanding connections to the city’s music scene, studios, and venues. The band’s return illustrates how local artists continue developing projects through overlapping friendships and collaborations.
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