The Magnets
All The Magnets music comes from the mouth alone. Genius vocal percussionist Andy provides the groove. From bass drum to high hat, he produces entire drum tracks with his mouth. Colin adds the bass, while James, Michael, Nic and Steve provide the layers of harmony and lead vocals on top.
Born in London out of an amalgamation of friendships, college shows and luck, the band released their debut album ’Giving It All That’ on EMI in 2001, an independent second album ’Another Place’ followed, and the group have now agreed a new deal with Sony/BMG in Germany. Both albums were recognised at the a cappella ’Grammies’, the CARAs (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards), winning the awards for best song in 2001 and 2003, alongside several other nominations.
In their element live, a Magnets concert presents a unique combination of musical sophistication, showmanship and soul. Performing for up to two hours, the show is a synthesis of the bands award-winning original material, and their a cappella take on classic songs by artists such as Elvis, The Turtles, and the Jackson 5. However, The Magnets are not too cool to party, and the songs are spiced with humour, dancing, audience participation, and of course Andy ’Lips’ Frost’s house destroying vocal drum solo.
Performing 160 shows a year in 2003 and 2004, the group has enjoyed support tours with Tom Jones, West End star Michael Ball, Lisa Stansfield and Geri Halliwell. They receive frequent invitations to play prestigious events in the UK and Europe, including the Queen’s Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace and the BBC Proms in Hyde Park.
Other career highlights include a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2004, and official functions for Prime Minister Tony Blair, and German Chancellor Gerhardt Schroeder. The group has also become a favourite party band for the rich and famous, such as super model Elle Macpherson, Liz Hurley, Billionaire Phillip Green, media mogul Richard Desmond, and Hugh Grant.