Magdalena Bay Pays Tribute to David Bowie with New Cover of "Ashes To Ashes"

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Performance: A Closer Look
4. Influences and Artistic Growth
5. The Response: From Fans and Critics
6. Upcoming Projects and Tours
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Magdalena Bay, an American pop duo, has covered David Bowie’s iconic song "Ashes To Ashes" for triple j's "Like A Version" series.
• Their rendition stays true to the original while adapting certain vocal elements to fit the singer’s range.
• The performance reflects their admiration for Bowie and his artistic influence on their latest project, "Imaginal Disk."

Introduction

David Bowie's music remains an enduring influence in the ever-evolving landscape of popular culture, bridging generations of listeners and artists alike. This is exemplified by Magdalena Bay, an emerging pop duo whose recent cover of Bowie's hit "Ashes To Ashes" not only pays homage to the late icon but also explores the nuances of artistic interpretation. Their performance for triple j's famed "Like A Version" has sparked interest not just for its nostalgia but also for how it encapsulates the duo's own artistic journey—a testament to Bowie's far-reaching impact.

The Performance: A Closer Look

Triple j, an Australian radio station renowned for showcasing new artists, has a segment known as "Like A Version," where musicians perform covers of songs that resonate with them. On March 27, 2025, during their Australian tour, Magdalena Bay took the stage to offer their take on "Ashes To Ashes."

Keeping the Essence

Magdalena Bay's version of "Ashes To Ashes" retains the song's essence, with minor vocal adjustments made to align better with Mica Tenenbaum's vocal style. “When you love a song so much and you know what you love about it, and you also want to make it your own... it's like how much did you really mess with it?” Tenenbaum remarked during the performance. Her heartfelt approach emphasizes transition and transformation within the boundaries of their admiration for Bowie’s original.

The arrangement features ethereal synths and a driving bassline, echoing the New Wave sound that characterized Bowie's 1980s work while weaving in the duo's fresh perspective. Matthew Lewin, Tenenbaum's partner in the duo, notes, “We took a lot of inspiration from it. It's a great kind of weird, experimental pop song,” highlighting how they sought to fuse inspiration with their burgeoning creative identity.

The Context of Bowie’s Legacy

Bowie’s "Ashes To Ashes," released in 1980, marked a significant moment in the pop landscape, bridging themes of nostalgia and introspection. It produced hit after hit throughout Bowie's career while addressing complex narratives—flashing glimpses of fame, loss, and rebirth. The song's legacy and the eclectic mix of musical styles it embodies resonate with Magdalena Bay's approach to making their own mark in contemporary music.

Influences and Artistic Growth

For Magdalena Bay, Bowie's work goes beyond simple admiration; it has been instrumental in shaping their own artistic vision. Tenenbaum and Lewin have cited Bowie's ability to reinvent himself and his genre-defying sound as pivotal influences on their latest album, Imaginal Disk.

In interviews, Tenenbaum has revealed how the psychedelic and daring imagery present in Bowie's videos influenced her views on artistry. “I drew a lot of influence from his ideas of being an artist and what it means to create art," she shared. This artistic freedom echoes in the thematic and stylistic flourishes throughout Imaginal Disk, which has been described as a “zeitgeisty time capsule of anxious post-internet existentialism” by music critics.

A Trend of Rediscovery

The duo's cover of "Ashes To Ashes" comes at a time when vintage sounds and nostalgic interpretations are experiencing a renaissance. From TikTok trends to contemporary pop networks, there is a renewed appreciation for the classics as younger artists draw from the vast musical archives of their predecessors. Magdalena Bay exemplifies this phase, taking building blocks from the past to create innovative soundscapes for today’s listeners.

The Response: From Fans and Critics

Following their live performance, social media erupted with applause from both fans and critics alike, who praised their fresh take on a classic. Viewers echoed sentiments about how the performance captures the essence of Bowie while allowing for personal expression.

Expert Opinions

Industry experts weigh in, noting that covering an iconic song like "Ashes To Ashes" is no simple feat. According to music critic Otis Robinson, “[Magdalena Bay] is effortlessly blending the line between homage and originality, and therein lies their artistry.” In a five-star review from NME, he praised their sound as “stylishly gauche and expertly overproduced,” noting how they successfully encapsulate modern anxieties while paying tribute to pop’s formative influences.

Upcoming Projects and Tours

Currently, Magdalena Bay is gearing up for their upcoming North American tour starting in late April, followed by festival dates across Europe. The duo expressed excitement and apprehension in equal measure; as they aim to introduce audiences to their experimental sound further. “We hope to build on this legacy of creative exploration,” Lewin stated, emphasizing their commitment to growth and discovery as artists.

Charting New Territories

Magdalena Bay's blend of synth-pop, psychedelia, and rock elements showcases the broader narrative of modern music as they navigate their artistry. Their work acknowledges the influences of great predecessors, while simultaneously finding a niche that resonates deeply with contemporary listeners. Their cover of "Ashes To Ashes" stands as an invitation—an open conversation to explore both Bowie's enduring legacy and their potential as the avant-garde of today’s pop scene.

Conclusion

Magdalena Bay's cover of David Bowie's "Ashes To Ashes" reflects more than just a forgotten classic brought back to life; it is a lens through which we can view the ever-changing dynamics of music and artistry. As the duo continues to navigate their creative path amidst Bowie's lingering influence, they not only honor the past but also pave the way for new artistic expressions.

FAQ

What is "Like A Version"?

"Like A Version" is a segment of the Australian radio station triple j where artists cover well-known songs, often putting their unique twist on them.

How did Magdalena Bay adapt "Ashes To Ashes"?

Magdalena Bay's rendition largely retains the original's characteristics while altering certain vocal elements to better suit singer Mica Tenenbaum’s range.

What themes are present in Bowie's "Ashes To Ashes"?

The song features themes of nostalgia, introspection, and the complexities of fame, illustrating the cyclical nature of life's experiences.

Why did Magdalena Bay choose to cover a David Bowie song?

Both members of Magdalena Bay have cited Bowie as a significant influence in their artistry and found that "Ashes To Ashes" resonates strongly with their musical style and personal expression.

What can fans expect from Magdalena Bay's upcoming tour?

Fans can expect a showcase of their adventurous sound, combining elements from their recent album Imaginal Disk, alongside their tribute to classics during their North American tour, which begins later this April.