Six years ago, Magdalena Bay made their mark in the pop scene with their hit song “Killshot.” One week ago, they performed this song at Alumni Hall right here on Penn State’s campus.
However, this wasn’t the only hit they played that night. With the release of their second studio album, “Imaginal Disk,” in August 2024, the pop duo has become a spotlight in many people’s playlists once again. The album was a conceptual one that centered on themes of an idealized self and the human consciousness. They have cited Grimes and Charli XCX as some of their musical influences, and fans of either are certain to love this album. It’s a tight 53 minutes of synth-pop and electronic beats that captured the hearts of millions.
Following the acclaimed album, they went on tour from April through October, bringing the imaginary to life throughout the nation. As the tour just ended, fans at Penn State were ecstatic to see that they were collaborating with PSU’s Student Programming Association (SPA) to do a free concert on campus.
Before Magdalena Bay even hit the stage, fans were already hyped for the show to start. Donned in blue face makeup from the album’s music videos, people crowded around the barricade as the opening act began to play.
Singer and songwriter, Javi Vera, started the night off with a bang. With an inspired indie rock sound, he played a few songs full of funky basslines and hip-shaking riffs. By the end of their set, the crowd was amped up and brimming with anticipation.
During their “Imaginal Mystery” tour, the stage would always be set with dream-like forms to be in line with the album’s themes. At Alumni Hall, they kept this imagery up. An eyeball with wings and a wriggling tentacle surrounded instruments as they waited for their players.
When they finally got on stage, Magdalena Bay didn’t waste a second. They opened with “Image,” their most popular song from the album. Adorned in her iconic blue jumpsuit, lead singer Mica Tenanbaum made the stage her own. Accompanied by lead guitarist, Matthew Lewin, she started upbeat and kept the energy going for the entire set. The duo went through other popular tracks from “Imaginal Disk,” from “Death & Romance” to “That’s My Floor.” With a shortened setlist, they were still able to sprinkle in older songs like “Secrets (Your Fire)” and “Chaeri.”
All throughout, Tenanbaum would go through a series of outfit changes on stage to match different songs. A sunflower hat, a monster mask and angel wings were just a few of the props used, keeping the surreal theme of the album strong while performing.
In an encore, they played their hit song “Killshot” (both the normal and equally popular “slowed + reverb” version). Finally, in a fitting end, they closed the show with “The Beginning.”
After a year of touring and playing an acclaimed album loved by millions, what’s next for Magdalena Bay?
Online, many people thought that the duo were snubbed in the 2025 Grammy Awards. Despite being loved by both critics and fans, “Imaginal Disk” and Magdalena Bay made no waves at the awards show.
However, this didn’t deter them. With the release of six new singles over the course of the last few months, Magdalena Bay are a fresh and fun sound in the pop genre that will be making hits for years to come. Maybe one day they’ll be awarded for their artistry, but for now, they’ve made an unforgettable experience for the students of Penn State.
If you attended the concert, tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYmag, with pics and videos of your favorite moments!
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