Magenta

Magenta are a Welsh progressive rock band from the United Kingdom, active from 2001. Their music sits within neo-progressive rock and symphonic prog, and they are associated with Tigermoth Records.

Line-up

The group includes Christina Booth, Robert Reed and Chris Fry. Rob Reed is central to the project and also works as a professional songwriter across other film and television-related work.

Formation and early work

Magenta begin as a studio project built around Reed’s songwriting and multi-instrumental work. The project grows out of his earlier collaboration with Booth in Trippa, a band that also features Rhiannon Stundon on backing vocals and Ryan Aston on drums. Trippa issue the EP Trippa and gain airplay and television exposure in Britain.

Before Magenta, Reed forms Cyan in 1984 while still at school. That band lasts only a short time, leaving behind a few live appearances and a demo tape. Reed cites influences that include Genesis, Mike Oldfield, Yes, Eurythmics and Björk.

Releases

Magenta’s early release Revolutions appears in 1999. Once there is demand for live performances, Reed assembles a full line-up with Booth, Chris Fry, Martin Rosser, Matthew Cohen and Allan Mason-Jones.

The band later release Home in 2006, along with New York Suite. In 2008 they issue the darker album Metamorphosis. Chameleon follows in 2011 as a release of new songs. Their catalogue also includes Art and Accidents, which first appears digitally in late 2008 before an official release in 2009.

Related projects and collaborations

Reed continues to work on a number of other projects alongside Magenta. These include film and television work, as well as his band Cyan and the project Trippa. Magenta also collaborate with Apoptygma Berzerk on the track Friendly Fire. Later work on the band’s material involves Jonas Groth, and guest appearances on an album include musicians connected with Apoptygma Berzerk, Gluecifer and Gothminister.

Live activity and personnel changes

After the first full releases, the band tour and perform live, with Chris Fry becoming part of the live line-up. Matthew Cohen later leaves and is replaced by Dan, who is described as Chris Fry’s younger brother. Daniel Hill also joins on guitar, bass and vocals, and contributes to what is described as a productive period for the band.

Other Magenta acts

The name Magenta is also used by several unrelated acts, including groups from Norway, England, Greece, Spain and Belgium, as well as a drum and bass producer from the Czech Republic.