Fred Bigo: “Work on The Magic Ray began in 2015 when, after playing him recordings of a set of spontaneous compositions, Cosmo Vitelli offered to produce the album in his new studio in Marzahn, located in the somewhat desolate far east of Berlin, Germany. We worked on new arrangements of selected songs, and re-recorded guitars, bass, and electronics. Live drums were laid down by skilled percussionist Chris Imler. Vocals and lyrics were provided by the Scottish singer Catriona Shaw, as well as by the legendary Kid Congo Powers who features on a rework of ‘The Enjoyment of Fear’, up until now only available as a limited edition 7” vinyl”. Further production and arrangement was taken up by trusted colleague G.D.Luxxe, who had previously produced the Electronicat album "21st Century Toy". The track “Sky Sunlight Sky” was created in his studio in Vienna.
“The Magic Ray is not exactly a departure from what has been before. This Magic Ray masters hillbilly motor skills, a transmutation of rhythms into notes and notes into rhythms. This magic ray delivers a selection of beautiful voices, placing them here and there, it takes its time and tries its hand at cruising through the cosmos. This magic ray consists of photonic guitars that peal a dynamic impact. It is a form of light that, with its shimmering nature, will strip you down, yet leave you masked in mystery, at the edge of a lake standing amongst the dogs and the wolves. With its strings and various synths, this Magic Ray is as electric as it sometimes may appear” Arnaud Maguet From his beginnings in the experimental art and noise scene in late 90s in Paris, Fred Bigo’s eclectic but deliberate blend of rock, noise and infectious rhythm has gained him loyal fans from all over the world. His music bears a full understanding and respect for the varied spectrum of popular music. Fusing this with a contemporary and experimental edge, he has drawn the attention of musicians and producers, having worked together with Foetus, Kid Congo Powers, Tim Gane, Ian Svenonius and Depeche Mode, His versatility and skill has brought him into collaboration with a range of composers and performers including Zbigniev Karkovsky, Kasper Toeplitz and Antonia Baehr. His musical personae include Electronicat, Bader Motor, Melt Famas and currently ‘The Magic Ray’, with which he has built up an impressive catalogue of releases on international labels. His dynamic live concerts have gained him the reputation of being a wild and unpredictable stage presence, assured to send any crowd into a rhythm-induced frenzy.