Familiar BGM from magic acts and shows. Recommended tracks to energize the stage.
Some of you might be thinking about performing magic as entertainment at year-end or New Year parties! But you might also be feeling a bit anxious, like, “I’m a beginner—what if I can’t pull it off…?” So in this article, we’re introducing recommended background music that’s essential for creating the right atmosphere for magic performances! Starting with The Entertainer— the classic tune everyone associates with magic— we’ve compiled a variety of tracks that pair well with tricks.
These songs fill the gaps during setup and add energy to your performance.
Be sure to pick the pieces you think are the perfect fit!
Familiar background music from magic acts and shows. Recommended tracks to energize the stage (1–10)
African SymphonyVan McCoy and the Soul City Symphony
Van McCoy, a composer and producer who epitomized the disco movement of the 1970s.
Led by him, Van McCoy and the Soul City Symphony became known for their grand sound, lavishly featuring strings and horn sections.
This piece is an instrumental track included on the 1974 album “Love Is The Answer,” where the opulence of orchestration and the driving force of dance music are exquisitely fused.
In Japan, it has taken on a life of its own as a brass band and high school baseball cheer song, and has been loved across generations.
Tank!The Seatbelts
This track captivates with the power of big band jazz and a propulsive sense of speed driven by Latin-inspired rhythms.
It’s the opening theme of the TV anime Cowboy Bebop, included on the 1998 album COWBOY BEBOP SOUNDTRACK 1.
The blazing brass riffs, razor-sharp drums, and Masato Honda’s stunning alto sax solo create a structure that grabs the listener’s heart in an instant.
From the brief spoken intro, the piece shifts into high gear, perfectly signaling the start of a show.
Highly recommended if you want to create that “something’s about to begin!” anticipation for magic acts or performances.
Little Brown JugJoseph Winner
This piece, recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1939 and known for reaching No.
10 on the U.S.
charts, was originally a simple drinking song published in 1869, but it was reborn as a vibrant instrumental through big band arranging.
The unison of the saxophone section intertwines exquisitely with the brass accents, and the sprightly rhythm lifts the listener’s spirits.
Featured in the 1954 film The Glenn Miller Story, it has long been cherished as a number emblematic of the Swing Era.
Its bright, lively sound is perfect for the opening of a magic show or as an accent when a trick lands.
It’s My LifeBon Jovi
This is one of Bon Jovi’s signature songs, released in 2000.
Issued as the lead single from the album “Crush,” it became a worldwide hit, including reaching number one on the Eurochart Hot 100.
The intro, featuring a talk box-driven guitar sound, sticks in your ears, and the reappearance in the lyrics of Tommy and Gina from the classic “Livin’ on a Prayer” drew attention.
Its message of taking control of your own life is perfect for those embarking on new challenges in magic or live shows.
The high-energy sound will give your performance confidence and a sense of exhilaration.
Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)The Offspring
A high-tempo, explosive guitar riff and a chorus so catchy you can’t help but hum along.
Released in 1998, this signature track by The Offspring perfectly balances the breakneck energy of punk rock with pop-friendly accessibility.
The lyrics wryly portray young people who chase trends and only put on a façade of “looking the part,” but it never feels preachy—funny yet piercing, that exquisite balance is its charm.
Dropped as the lead single from the album Americana, it became a global smash, hitting No.
1 on the UK Singles Chart.
It’s upbeat and packed with party vibes, making it perfect BGM for shows and entertainment segments!
Mameo Overture ~ “Towako Omameda and Her Three Ex-Husbands”Bandō Yūta feat. Ishiwana Shun, Sugawa Takashi, Ensemble FOVE, Hayashi Masaki
This is an overture-like piece composed as part of the score for the 2021 drama “My Dear Exes” (Omameda Towako to Sannin no Moto Otto).
Centered around composer Yuta Bandoh, a stellar lineup came together: drummer Shun Ishiwaka, bassist Takashi Sugawa, pianist Masaki Hayashi, and the Ensemble FOVE.
The result is a truly luxurious sound in which the dynamism of jazz coexists with the delicate sonorities of chamber music.
With a certain air of sophistication, this work is perfect for the opening of a magic show.
TAKUMI / ArtisanMatsutani Taku
This piece delivers an experience where the piano’s melody slowly seeps into your heart.
It was used as an insert track on the TV program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (Japanese title: “Dai Kaizō!! Gekiteki Before After”), typically in the scene where the completed home is revealed.
Since it was included on the compilation album “image 3 trois emotional & relaxing” in January 2003, it has been beloved in multiple forms, including the show’s soundtrack and live recordings.
Its appeal lies in a structure that starts with generous space, gradually building emotion until it gently touches the listener’s tear ducts.
Played at the climax of a show or performance, it’s sure to capture the audience’s hearts all at once.