We’re so excited to finally be able to tell you that the new Magnet album, ‘Ballad’ is all written and recorded, featuring songs written by Gary Carpenter and new member Matt Deighton! The songs are played by Matt, Gary, and original members Lesley Mackie, Ian Cutler, Andy Tompkins and friends who joined them, including the wonderful duo of Ben Nicholls on Bass and Sophie Hastings on folk percussion. Ballad was recorded on a range of incredible vintage gear, and onto tape at the amazing time capsule that is the world class Echo Zoo studios down in Eastbourne.

While the album is recorded, it still needs mixing and mastering. There are two tracks on the site here that Dave Lynch at Echo Zoo has kindly mixed to give you an idea of the songs; and now we want to raise the funds to mix the rest, master it, and get the package looking really special for you.

We’d love you to join up to the mailing list so we can keep you in the loop on the release, as well as some special live shows; and the crowdfunder is going to involve some wonderful experiences including a chance to meet and chat to the members of the band, both Matt, and these wonderful musicians who featured on the original film soundtrack.

The album is a collection of new songs all weaved around British folklore from all parts of the UK, and is performed just how we think Magnet would have done it back in the 70’s. It’s an honest, authentic record that we’re all incredibly proud of, and we can’t wait for you to hear it for yourselves.

In addition to a fantastic heavyweight vinyl version of the album and a hi res digital release, we’re also giving a small number of supporters the chance to come to the studio, meet the band, chat about the original movie as well as the new album; and then listen to the record before anyone else as it’s run off to your very own copy on studio quality reel to reel tape. More on that in the first newsletter that will go out at the end of May! Don’t forget to sign up!

For those of you who know the original members of Magnet, but aren’t perhaps familiar with Matt Deighton, you can visit Matt’s website at www.mattdeighton.co.uk. Matt is thrilled to be part of something that has been a lifelong passion of his – much the same as it is for so many of you.

More soon!

Some Credits:

Album Sleeve photo by Ben Anker

Video by Tony Briggs and Paul Deighton

Magnet Band Photo by Richard Ecclestone