Magic Touch: The Electro-Funk Revivalists

Magic Touch is an Australian electronic music production duo known for their slick fusion of 80s-inspired synth-funk and modern dancefloor sensibilities. Formed in Sydney, the pair achieved mainstream recognition with their platinum-certified debut album, which spawned several charting singles across international dance charts.

Early career

Producers Marco Schmidt and Liam "Elijah" Vance formed Magic Touch in Sydney in 2012. Their initial foray into music began with uploading original instrumental tracks and polished remixes of indie-disco acts to online platforms, cultivating a dedicated niche following. This early buzz led to a signing with the independent dance label Neon Groove Records in 2014, which released their first EP, 'Digital Sunrise'.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the release of their single 'Midnight Drive'. The track's infectious bassline and retro-futuristic aesthetic became a staple on streaming playlists, propelling it to number 12 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. This success directly paved the way for their debut album, 'The Velocity of Love', released in 2018 on major-label imprint Astralwerks, which later achieved gold certification in Australia.

Key tracks

Midnight Drive — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound and secured their first major chart placement.

Neon Hearts — Featuring vocalist Tali, this track became a radio hit and earned a platinum sales award in their home country.

The Velocity of Love — The title track from their debut album showcased their ability to craft longer, immersive electronic journeys.

Automatic (feat. Roland Banks) — A key collaboration that blended live funk guitar with their sequenced production, expanding their audience.

Echoes in the Static — A later single that demonstrated a moodier, more atmospheric side to their electro-funk genre work.

Following their debut's success, Magic Touch embarked on extensive international touring and focused on high-profile collaborations. They produced tracks for pop artists and worked with fellow electronic acts, further solidifying their reputation within the industry. Their sophomore album, 'Circuits', arrived in 2022 to positive critical reviews for its evolved sound, though it did not match the commercial peak of their first release.

Fans of the sleek, retro-inspired electro-funk of Magic Touch often appreciate the work of similar Australian acts. Paradise shares a similar affinity for warm, 80s-inflected synthesizers and danceable grooves. The Night operates in the same lane of nostalgic yet modern electronic production. Client Liaison explores comparable themes of retro-futurism and polished pop-disco. Royals also crafts smooth, synth-driven anthems aimed squarely at the dancefloor.

The music of Magic Touch maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on modern electronic and alternative dance stations. Their hits are frequently featured on specialist shows dedicated to synthwave and future funk, as well as on general playlist rotations across online radio streams that champion independent music with a nostalgic edge.

Listeners can discover the dynamic catalog of Magic Touch by tuning into the electronic and dance radio stations featured on our website. Their defining tracks and latest releases are regularly played on the curated stations available on onairium.com, offering a direct channel to experience their signature Australian electro-funk sound.