Let's Go Magic

Canadian reggae fusion band known for the hit single 'Rude'

Magic! (stylized in all uppercase) is a Canadian reggae fusion band from Toronto. Based in Los Angeles, the band comprises lead vocalist/guitarist/producer Nasri Atweh, guitarist/keyboardist Mark "Pelli" Pellizzer, and bassist Ben Spivak. Active since 2012, the band is signed with Latium, Sony, and RCA Records, releasing their debut studio album Don't Kill the Magic in 2014, their second studio album Primary Colours in 2016, and their third studio album Expectations in 2018. They are best known for their hit single "Rude", which charted at No. 1 in several countries worldwide, including the US and UK.

Lore & Background

The band is heavily inspired by the Police and Bob Marley and the Wailers. They are known for having a signature reggae-influenced pop sound. All members are from the Toronto area. Nasri had worked with and written songs for different pop acts prior to the band, mainly alongside Adam Messinger, together known as the Messengers. He met Mark Pellizzer in the studio and within a week they wrote the song "Don't Judge Me" for Chris Brown. Nasri suggested starting a band like "modern-day Police." Alex Tanas joined next, then Ben Spivak joined in May 2013. The band went on hiatus between 2020 and 2022. In February 2022, the band announced the departure of drummer Alex Tanas. Their fourth studio album Inner Love Energy was released in April 2024.

Reader's Guide

The band's debut single "Rude" was released on October 12, 2013. It peaked at number six on the Canadian Hot 100 and topped charts in the US and UK. Their debut album Don't Kill the Magic was released on June 30, 2014, peaking at number 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart and number 6 on the Billboard 200. The second album Primary Colours was released on July 1, 2016. The third album Expectations was released in September 2018. The fourth album Inner Love Energy was released in April 2024. The band opened for Maroon 5 on their Maroon V Tour from February until June 2015. They won two Juno Awards in March 2015 for Breakthrough Group of the Year and Single of the Year.

Did You Know?

Magic! performed at the 15th Annual Latin Grammy Awards on November 20, 2014, joined by Marc Anthony for a performance of "Rude".
On July 2, 2016, Magic! released a special version of their song "No Regrets" in memory of the victims of the shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
A remix of "Rude" by Zedd was released on September 2, 2014, Zedd's 25th birthday.