The aspiration of Magazine Gap is to explore musical genres whilst keeping within a consistent and clear overall sound, challenging but delighting audiences by offering songs in slightly different directions, whilst all the time balancing classic and contemporary sounds to create something timeless.

Biography

JAMES KEEN  ::  vocals & guitar
ALEX HO  ::  piano & keyboards
TIM GYTON  :: bass guitar
BRIAN “Cookie” MCCOOK  ::  drums

There is nothing artificial about this pop/rock band, and yet its make-up is so unlikely.  How in London, a city of 12 million people, does a folk-rock singer-songwriter earning his spurs on the acoustic circuit meet and musically connect with a leading R&B/Hip-Hop session drummer and producer from Hackney with several international tours under his belt, a funk bass player and master technician from Norwich, and a classically trained concert pianist and jazz maestro from Hong Kong?  Certainly a cosmopolitan city is the best breeding ground for musical innovation and London is a world-leader, but mainly it is due to the highly accomplished and creative members of Magazine Gap.

This creativity and fusion of styles is evident on the band's Silver Lining EP.  The six songs featured are a snapshot of Magazine Gap's versatility and quality of musicianship.  In keeping with that authenticity, the band worked in some of the top recording studios in the world including Capitol Studios (Hollywood), Firehouse Recording Studios (Pasadena), Avatar Studios (New York), CRC Studios (Chicago), Piety Street Recording (New Orleans), Metropolis and Abbey Road Studios (London).  In addition to the title track, the EP features "Our Last Stand", "Slipstream", "What's Next?", "Inside The Bubble" and "Swansong."  All songs were written by James Keen (except Silver Lining – lyrics by James Keen; music by Keen & Brian McCook).  The Silver Lining EP was produced by Brian McCook and mixed by Brian Moore.  The EP is available on iTunes and all digital platforms worldwide.

Magazine Gap's appeal is a testament to how the band pooled their myriad of influences and experiences, and combined their musical strengths to create a fresh, distinct sound that appeals to the broadest demographic.  The name of the band comes from a famous stretch of road in Hong Kong, where two of the band members grew up and serves as metaphor for the band's journey as they embrace both the old school method of taking their music on the road and new school as they reach fans along the online highway. 

Magazine Gap have physically travelled over 30,000 miles to perform, having undertaken two tours of the United States, a headline tour of the UK and made their stunning continental European debut at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival.  Their music has already reached hundreds of thousands in all corners of the globe through extensive social networking, and found an audience of real music lovers everywhere.  BBC Radio has also embraced the band and has featured Magazine Gap on several radio programs with live performances and interviews.

To date Magazine Gap has played right across the United States from the East Coast (New York City & Cape May) to the Mid-West (Chicago), and from to the Gulf Coast (Houston & New Orleans) to the West Coast (Los Angeles).  They have toured right round the British Isles, including dates in London, Birmingham, Oxford, Norwich, Milton Keynes, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow as well as across to Ireland with a showcase in Dublin.  Their live shows have garnered huge acclaim for their powerful performances and musicianship.

Magazine Gap is a band whose time has come and the one to watch for in 2012.
 
 
What the press is saying about Magazine Gap:

"This fabulous group has a magnetic originality and creativeness, and will mesmerize you with their outstanding music."
RadioIndy

“Beautiful musicianship, intricate rhythms and the dynamic control displayed confirms a band in full masterful command of their music. This is a skilful, refined band at the top of their A-Game"
Overplay

“They have fused an amazing collection of various styles into a sound that is sure to amaze even seasoned musicians and producers. The pop/rock style is truly unique”
Sonic Shocks

“World class – with their songwriting ability, multi-layered structures and quality musicianship brimming throughout, the record sounds fantastic”
Buzz Jack

“Sophisticated pop and a call to all lovers of class”
Volume Magazine

“Tremendous pop that errs on the eclectic and could be a very big hit in the pop world”
Maverick Magazine

“The combination somehow works. ****”
Sunday Mail

“The vocals hold all the various elements together and fuse them into a distinct sound”
Bristol Evening Post

“Strong musicianship, creativity in songwriting with well crafted and insightful lyrics, plus a wonderful mix of styles and instruments, making something that is distinctly Magazine Gap”
Red Hot Velvet

“Magazine Gap have burst onto the music scene with great music, and managed to create a fresh and unfamiliar sound. A first class act. If you get the opportunity to see them live – do it!"
Maybe Magazine

"Musical genius – their set makes them stand out from other bands. You have to see it to believe it!"
wohomusic

"Clearly a sound from the world stage – I can't wait to see them live again"
Songsalive!