MAGIC
“Let it go and let it happen, and you might Find magic…”
“MAGIC” LYRIC VIDEO
WHAT INSPIRED THE SONG…
As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I have experienced firsthand the relentless pursuit of always striving for more and never feeling fully satisfied no matter what I achieve.
My new single "Magic" OUT NOW delves into the depths of that inner voice that perpetually questions our worth, despite our accomplishments. It's a fun and danceable reminder that true fulfillment lies not in striving for unattainable perfection, but in embracing the magical moments that unfold when we relinquish control.
This song is a celebration of the transformative power of surrender, allowing the unexpected to weave its spell and guide us towards moments of pure wonder.
It encourages us to release the grip of self-imposed expectations and, instead, embrace the beauty that arises when we open ourselves up to the unknown.
“MAGIC” LIVE-IN-STUDIO
I'm going to be honest with you, after I put out my first independent album, "Life in Rear View," I was totally burned out, exhausted, and wasn't sure how I could continue on in the same manner that I was.
Like I said above, I’m a total perfectionist and I try my best to control anything and everything, especially when it comes to myself—and especially when it comes to my career. So I wrote this song as a reminder to myself, and hopefully others, that the best things in life happen when you let go a little and leave room for some magic.
"Magic" was the very first song written for my upcoming new record, “California Queen.” Writing this song with my talented friends Garen Gueyikian and Teddi Gold made me realize I was stepping into a new project. It began the themes of catharsis and self-discovery that the rest of "California Queen" explores. "Magic" is always a fan-favorite live and I am so excited to finally have it out into the world for more people to hear.
Recorded remotely during the pandemic, I sang in my closet-turned-vocal-booth and wore both songwriter and producer hats to collaborate with talented friends such as Dan Sadin (producer), Andrew Heringer (producer), Drew Alexander (mixing engineer), and Randy Merrill (mastering engineer).
Life can be heavy at times and I know that I, personally, fall into a never-ending feedback loop of feeling like I’m not enough or that I could be doing more. I've found that the antidote is to remain present, embrace imperfection, give ourselves the space to witness the wonder all around us, and to dance off our negative thoughts.
My sincere hope is that this song helps you do just that.
Photo by Betsy Newman
Makeup by Phoebe Dawson
Hair by Jamie Lopez
SHOP MAGIC MERCH
I had artist, James Boyle, custom design Magic/California Queen tarot artwork. Let me know if you notice all of the little nods to my releases and the Karakeets in the design! This is my favorite merch for a song yet! I hope you love it as much as I do!
P.S.
The tarot artwork on some of the merch was custom designed by Philly artist James Boyle to be representative of classic tarot art from the original Rider-Waite deck, illustrated and inked by Pamela Colman Smith, in 1909.
We were very intentional with what was included in our image in terms of the drawings and what songs of mine they symbolize! Maybe you have some idea…Let me know! ;)
Lyrics
I hear these voices in my head
They're going off again
My therapist, she always says to treat them like a best friend
But I give until there's nothing left
It never ends
Go a little crazy, and baby lately, it won't let up
Quit playing safe, open to change, and you might find love
Why am I afraid of something always going wrong?
Tired of holding on and on and on
Let go!
Gonna dive in deep 'til I'm losing control
Only dream of the things that speak to my soul (OH!)
Let it go and let it happen
And you might find, might find magic
And you might find, might find magic
Baby, let it happen
I hear these voices in my head
They bring me to my knees
They always say I'm not enough unless it's perfectly done
But I'm coming undone
And I'm under a lot of stress, and I'm a mess, but I do it to myself
Why am I afraid of something always going wrong?
Tired of holding on and on and on
Let go!
Gonna dive in deep 'til I'm losing control
Only dream of the things that speak to my soul (OH!)
Let go!
Gonna ride this feeling into the flow
Wanna move to the beat with a sweet neon glow (OH!)
Let it go and let it happen
And you might find, might find magic
Yeah, you might find, might find magic
Baby, let it happen
Dancing in my underwear
Lipstick smilies in the mirror
If that sounds weird, well, I don't care
I'm looking for that magic
Gonna dive in deep 'til I'm losing control
Only dream of the things that speak to my soul
Tonight I'm gonna dance off all my negative thoughts
Tonight I'm gonna dance off—all my negative thoughts
Let go!
Gonna dive in deep 'til I'm losing control
Only dream of the things that speak to my soul (OH!)
Let go!
Gonna ride this feeling into the flow
Wanna move to the beat with a sweet neon glow (OH!)
Let it go and let it happen
And you might find, might find magic
You might find, might find magic
Yeah, you might find, might find magic
You might find, might find magic
PRESS
METAL Magazine and David Valero reviewed “Magic” and wrote a very beautiful, kind piece. Please check out their full review!
An excerpt:
"Connolly’s new single is her most danceable, club-ready yet. Earlier this year, the American singer, producer, and songwriter surprised her audience with a couple of singles: the intimate Build A Dream, released in March, and the empowering Over You, which became a summer anthem. Now, ahead of her upcoming album, California Queen, set to release in early 2024, she’s released this electrifying song to let us dance while we wait for the full record."
Also…I really don't even know how to pull a quote from this because this is the most thoughtful review ever and you'll just have to read it. Pop Passion Blog and Andy Mockbee beautifully take you through the journey of my new single, Magic, putting my sonics into words that I could not. Very appreciative of this tender piece and deep understanding of the intent behind my upcoming record, as well as this central song. Please check it out!
This song makes me want to dance around my room and sing into a hairbrush in front of the mirror. I hope you feel the same.
It's your love and support that keeps this dream alive. Thank you for being so good to me! SO much more to come!
Anyone reading this…you’re pure MAGIC to me!
Love,
Kara
Me recording the final vocals for Magic in my apartment closet during the pandemic!
A part of me thought I should re-record them and that I could beat them later, but in the name of the song and what it stands for...rejecting perfectionism...I decided to keep the original vocals!
…So, now you know!
