White Magic

White Magic

White Magic is a Brooklyn-based psychedelic folk rock group active since 2003. The band is led by singer, guitarist and pianist Mira Billotte, and its membership includes Billotte, Jesse Lee, Michael “Miggy” Littleton, Andy MacLeod and Douglas Shaw.

Formation and early lineup

The original lineup features Billotte on vocals and piano, Littleton on drums and bass, and MacLeod on guitar and drums. Billotte also plays drums and sings in Quix*o*tic with her sister Christina, who is associated with Slant 6. Littleton has also played in Blood on the Wall and Ida, while MacLeod has also performed in California Speedway.

For several years the group performs in New York and then appears on a compilation from United Bamboo. Drag City signs the band in 2003.

Releases and touring

In 2004, White Magic releases the Through The Sun Door EP and tours the United States opening for Will Oldham and Brightblack Morning Light, with the latter still using the name Brightblack at the time. In 2005, the group appears on a free split EP sponsored by Tylenol, sharing the release with indie rock band The American Analog Set. That same year, Billotte performs as White Magic with guitarist Sleepy Doug Shaw, and Shaw becomes part of the project’s core live formation alongside Billotte, supported by a rotating group of friends and musicians.

The band’s debut album, Dat Rosa Mel Apibus, is released on Drag City Records in 2006. In 2015, White Magic releases the I’m Hiding My Nightingale EP. Billotte’s alto voice draws comparisons with Grace Slick, Karen Dalton, Beth Orton, Dawn McCarthy of Faun Fables and Nico.