Magenta

Magenta is the brainchild of songwriter Rob Reed.  Rob’s previous projects include Cyan, Fyreworks and Trippa (which featured the talents of Magenta singer Christina).  Cyan and Fyreworks had received rave reviews in the progressive rock world but when Cyan finished, Rob formed the Trippa project, described as ‘a contemporary Eurhythmics for the new millennium mixing their own brand of edgy industrial pop with soaring orchestral arrangements’.  They have so far released one single that was voted ‘Record of the Week’ on Virgin Radio, and have also appeared on TV a number of times.  It was during this time that Rob decided that Christina has the perfect voice to sing lead vocals on a future Progressive Rock project.  The initial ideas for "MAGENTA" were formed then Rob started the writing of an album that was to become the debut Magenta release "Revolutions".  He wanted to do something new, something bigger and more conceptual.  "Current Prog bands were always scared and shy about admitting influences of the great bands of the 70’s and I wanted to come clean and admit and celebrate these influences and hopefully create something as worthwhile as these classic," said Rob.  Clearly he has done so.  How?  "To do this, all I had to do was to give priority to melody rather than technical showmanship, something I have always tried to do with all my work although many current Prog bands seem to forget about it."

Magenta was initially just going to be an album-based project with Rob writing and recording the music, Steve Reed writing the lyrics and Christina singing.  This was to be embellished with a host of session musicians adding some extra touches that Rob felt was needed.  In July 2002 Rob decided to form a live band to play the songs off “Revolutions”.  Many people doubted that such complex music could be reproduced in the live arena and after many requests from the press and fans to play live, Magenta the band was formed featuring Rob Reed – keyboards and backing vocals, Christina – lead vocals, Chris Fry – guitar and backing vocals, Martin Rosser – guitar and backing vocals, Matthew Cohen – bass and Allan Mason-Jones – drums.

Rob’s aim for this group was to get together like-minded, talented musicians who would bring to this band the enthusiasm and belief that Magenta could be a force to be reckoned with on the progressive rock scene. He needed people who were grounded, dedicated, of high standard of musicianship and would not bring an ego into a working, live environment. He has achieved this as Magenta are not only 6 people playing songs they love but are 6 true friends who enjoy their company whether it be in rehearsal, on the road or at a social gathering outside of music.

With the release of their new album “Seven” in March 2004 and with the release of their first single “Broken”, attracting rave reviews from around the world, Magenta are being touted as the new force in progressive rock for the 21st Century and after such memorable performances at Baja Prog in Mexico in 2003 and at the inaugural Progeny Festival which was held at the Astoria in London in November 2003, you can see why there is so much being written about the band. Magenta have also played successful gigs around the country and in Europe, quickly rising from support status to headline status due to their outstanding songs, musicianship and showmanship. Magenta in the future will be playing “progSfest 2004" in direct support to The Ray Wilson Band (ex Genesis singer) and also after their performance at The HLC for The Classic Rock Society in Rotherham on the 24th April 2004, the band have been confirmed to play at their annual awards night in November supporting IQ.  They are now gaining the attention of audiences further a field with the band being the first confirmed band to play at the prestigious ROSfest 2005 festival in Phoenixville, PA, USA. 

Magenta go from strength to strength and with the release of a live album and DVD planned for later in 2004, there is no stopping this band.  Magenta is the true colour of progressive rock.

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Official website - http://www.magenta-web.com/

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