Genre-defying rock outfit Zoë Kilgren Band (ZKB) returns with their captivating new single, “Magician." A bold evolution in the band’s sound, “Magician” masterfully fuses raw vulnerability with intricate instrumentation, delivering what might be their most emotionally charged track to date.
“Magician” tells a story of blind faith and betrayal, wrapped in a complex emotional narrative that’s reflected in its unconventional song structure. Stripped-back verses lead into a delayed chorus that lands halfway through the song, building tension and mirroring the desperation at the track’s core. The standout bridge features a minute-long instrumental build beneath a haunting spoken-word poem, creating a chilling yet cathartic moment.
Frontwoman Zoë Kilgren pulls no punches in describing the inspiration behind the song: “This song broke the line I drew for myself. It’s about the utter desperation and naivete that comes with loving someone who will never get it together. The person you love who can’t stop drinking and flirting with other people inevitably makes you look like a fool too, and then you’re left to clean off all their mistakes that have ended up staining you.”
The single’s title, “Magician,” takes inspiration from the duality of the Magician in tarot. Representing both the conman and the creator, the end and the beginning, this element adds depth to the track’s exploration of trust, love, and self-discovery. It’s a profound metaphor for the emotional highs and lows encapsulated in the song.
Pushing Boundaries in Indie Rock
With “Magician,” Zoë Kilgren Band builds on the success of previous releases like “All The Time,” which helped the band achieve 63,000 Spotify streams last year. Known for their genre-bending style, ZKB’s sound is often likened to iconic acts such as Paramore, No Doubt, and Fleetwood Mac, yet they retain a voice that’s undeniably their own.
The Los Angeles-based quartet has earned a reputation for authenticity and musical innovation, captivating a growing fan base with their heartfelt performances. Their music’s ability to blend dynamic rock elements with deeply personal storytelling continues to set them apart in the indie music scene.
“Magician” is more than just a song—it’s an emotional journey that showcases the band’s evolving artistry. Whether you’re drawn in by the haunting spoken-word bridge, the intricate instrumentation, or the raw vulnerability of Zoë Kilgren’s lyrics, this track is destined to linger in your mind long after the final note fades.
Get ready to experience “Magician” on January 31, 2025, and let Zoë Kilgren Band remind you why they’re a force to be reckoned with in indie rock.
"Magician" has a unique structure with a delayed chorus and a spoken-word bridge. What inspired this unconventional approach, and how do you feel it enhances the story you're telling?
In the creation of this song, our drummer had the initial idea of a slowed bridge that eventually ramps its way up back into a chorus, and we all felt it clicked perfectly. I originally didn't have anything written for this part, but with more rehearsal time, I started to get a clear image in my head. This bridge, musically, feels like the all consuming, nauseating feeling after you’ve realized what you love the most is gone, and with it, a part of you you'll never get back. It's cinematic. It’s the voice in your head when everything comes crashing down. With the main theme of this song ultimately being acceptance, this bridge is the turning point in the story when one begins to see the truth, not just the reality they've painted for themselves.
You’ve mentioned that the song broke a personal boundary for you. Can you share more about what that line was and how crossing it influenced your creative process?
Yeah, all in all, it's just embarrassing, you know? To give yourself away and be vulnerable with someone when they've shown you time and time again they are not going to respect you. I put on a very strong persona, with our music being the one place I can have my heart on my sleeve. That being said, however, no one wants to admit they've been fooled… that they've let someone take their time away, something we can never get back. This song recognizes that, and it helped me forgive the girl I was who let someone like that have power over my life. It's also allowed me to sit with shame, cowardice, and fear in my writing, which is new and scary but necessary.
The metaphor of the Magician in tarot adds a fascinating layer to the song. How did this symbolism influence the writing and emotional depth of the track?
In the aftermath of this break-up, I found myself adopting some of the traits of the person who broke my heart. Callousness, contempt, a general lack of empathy for the world around me. It's the way that I survived it, but I was losing what made me me. The magician tarot card is symbolic of manifestation, alchemizing the spiritual into the physical, turning your wildest dreams into reality. Instead of becoming the person who hurt me, I needed to become the version of myself that would never accept treatment like that. It's a direct contrast to the idea of a magician we have in pop culture, a con man telling tales and tricking the eye. It's like two sides of a coin: becoming someone who takes advantage of others or someone who turns the pain into art.
Your music draws comparisons to iconic bands like Fleetwood Mac and Paramore, but you have a distinct voice of your own. How do you navigate balancing your influences with creating something uniquely yours?
Being in a band really helps with that. We all have really distinct styles and influences that we bring to the table, and when we are in the room together creating, they either mesh or they don't. Thankfully, when things don't mesh, we tend to agree that creation has to be without ego. We always joke that we are “two bands in one.” We either lean toward very classic rock or very emo punk, but I think in songs where we end up marrying the two, we do our best work.
With "Magician" marking an evolution in your sound, how does this single reflect where you see the band heading musically in the future?
This single is taking us on a more experimental route, for sure. We have a lot of new music recorded and being written right now that reflects an honesty from all of us that we haven't shown before. In our second year together, we've been able to relax as artists, which gives us more room to experiment and grow. We have so much scheduled for release this year. I can't wait to see how it all continues to evolve.