Magid grew up in Palo Alto, where his father tech journalistLarry Magid would often bring home new electronics and games, inspiring an early interest in technology.[4] He began playing trumpet at age 10 and went on to play with the SFJazz High School All-Stars Big Band, with which he opened for Herbie Hancock and performed at Lincoln Center.[5][6] Magid attended college at UCLA where he obtained a degree in ethnomusicology.[5]
Magid launched his project Balkan Bump in 2017, whose name pays tribute to the brass bands integral to the local traditional music of the Balkans.[8][9] Magid attracted the attention of Gramatik, who signed him to his Lowtemp label and collaborated with him alongside Talib Kweli for Balkan Bump's first single release "Aymo" in October 2017.[10][11] The song was included on Gramatik's Re:Coil, Pt. IEP and featured in Porsche's 2020 Super Bowl ad.[12][10] After releasing his second single "Irfan" in December, Magid released his self-titled EP under the Balkan Bump moniker in March 2018.[13][2] In April, Magid released a remix EP for the single "Aymo" via Lowtemp as well as the single "Give Me Something to Funk" in August.[14][8]
Musical style
Balkan Bump's music has been classified as "future balkan" and "electronic funk" for its use of live instruments, world influences, and electronic production.[15][1][8] Magid likens the project's unique style to his ancestors' immigration across Europe, ultimately assimilating in California.[2] His affinity for West African influences originated at UCLA, where he was introduced to Nigerian musician Babá Ken Okulolo through his son who was also studying ethnomusicology there.[4]
Performances
Magid played his first performance as Balkan Bump at Gramatik's 2017 New Year's Eve show at Terminal 5 in New York City.[2] Since then he's toured with Gramatik on several occasions including: Spring 2018 on his Re:Coil Part I tour alongside Haywyre, fall 2018 alongside Beats Antique and Clozee, and fall 2019.[16][8][17] Balkan Bump has performed at a number of music festivals including Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and Joshua Tree Fall Music Festival as well as a guest appearance at Coachella in 2019.[18][19][20][21] In April 2020 he performed online at Virtually Lucid, an online version of Lucidity festival.[22]