Magik*Magik Shines in ‘Laugh a Lot (feat. How to Dress Well)’ [Stream]

It’s hard to believe that “Laugh a Lot” is Minna Choi’s (aka Magik*Magik’s) first solo release. Of course, it’s not the first time she has written and performed music — she’s one of the Bay Area’s most prolific musicians, founding, writing, arranging and conducting the Magik*Magik Orchestra since 2008. But her debut solo single still doesn’t fail to impress. In listening to the first few syllables, it would be easy to write off the track as a Lana Del Rey copycat (her vocals do sound eerily similar at times), but as “Laugh a Lot” continues on, Choi delves into a deep, rich sound all her own. Collaborator Tom Krell’s (How to Dress Well) pure falsetto complements her lush voice beautifully, an added layer of depth to an already exquisite track. Perhaps it’s so well balanced thanks to Choi’s wealth of experience as a leader and collaborator with her own orchestra. Needless to say, we’re excited for what Magik*Magik has to offer us next. Watch the gorgeously understated video that accompanies the single above.