James Tillman - Magic City Thrill (2022)

James Tillman shares his third full-length album, Magic City Thrill—a soulful exploration of love, lust, and the ties that bind us.

Speaking about the new project, Tillman says:

"If nothing else, the Roaring 2020s have shown us that even in a society now largely fueled by self interest, we need other people to survive. Knowing who we love, who loves us, and how we show love is more important than ever. ”

Tillman shared that at the start of the pandemic, conversations with his mother about her memories of growing up in Gary, Ind. led the artist on a deep cultural exploration of his connection to the “steel city” in northwest Indiana. Often only recognized for the crime and poverty that have plagued the city since the end of the 20th century, Tillman discovered Gary, Ind. was once a prosperous and desirable enclave that held the nation's highest percentage of African Americans—dubbed ‘the Magic City’ for its cultural contributions, technological advancement, and wealth at the turn of the century. The City went into decline due to “White Flight” and the decline of the steel industry.

Magic City Thrill pays homage to all that has been lost— the memories, experiences, and examples of love that have shaped Tillman into the man he is today. His use of storytelling from first and third points-of-view explores the joys, sorrows, possibilities and pitfalls of his community with an extraordinary vulnerability, a welcomed diversion from the usual portrait of Black masculinity in America.
Tillman draws inspiration from his own experiences with romance and affection, as well as the stories and experiences of those in his family and community. And if you listen closely, you can hear nods of influence from musical greats like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Anita Baker, which is a beacon of hope for R&B/soul lovers to know the genre is still alive and in good hands.