PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
We had a chat with rising garage rock duo THE MAGIC LOTUS, here’s what happened:
How and when did the band form? Tell us anything interesting about your hometown.
The band formed in late 2014 in the capital of Greece, Athens. John and George were standing at the same music school, John (electric guitar), George (drums) and they first played together for a school project a Queens Of The Stone Age song. George didn’t like John’s attitude and he literally said “I’m not gonna be in the same band with this guy, ever”. Since then they play together and since 2016 share the same house in London.
When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?
When The Magic Lotus started playing their first gigs and creating their first demos in Athens, quickly decided to move to Europe’s music capital, London in 2016.
Since then, the band has started doing its first gigs in London’s music scene. In one of these gigs they meet the Animal farm’s manager and after a wile recorded their first tracks like “Feel Your Love” and “Let Music”.
Who are your musical influences?
Our basic influences are coming mainly from the 90s rock and pop music. Bands that really have given a lot to our sound are Joy division, Nirvana, Radiohead, muse, Queens Of The Stone Age, Green Day and Jack White.
Where did the name of band come from?
We were trying to find something unique and something that it’s gonna have Greek roots like we have. We love Greek mythology and one of our favourite tales/myths is Odyssey. One really important stop on his journey back home, with his fellowship partners, was the Lotus eaters island. The tale says that whoever eats the “magic” lotus wants to stay in this place forever and doesn’t want to go back home. So that’s why “The Magic Lotus”
How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend? are you friends from school or any family relations?
We were born in completely different parts of Greece. We first met at the same music school we were studying since late 2014. We became friends after not a long time we formed the band. Until now we don’t really like each other but it is what it is.
Where have you played or toured? Please name all countries / regions and recognised bands that you have played with.
We’ve played all over Greece when we started the band and after we came in London we’ve played several gigs in well known grassroot venues like the Dublin castle, hope and anchor, 93 feet east, Nambucca, water rats, Finsbury pub, new cross in, Off The Cuff etc. We’ve played as well in Worcester and in the cosmic puffin festival in Essex
If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?
First we need to learn the deaf language in order to communicate with him, then we would say “Imagine that you’re running free on a big highway, without any car around, and jumping and screaming with all your strength till you have no breath left on you ” that’s how our sound feels like.
Where can we find your social media sites?
Official page: https://www.themagiclotusband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themagiclotusband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themagiclotusband/
