As one of the most electrifying Acts in the Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D Song Contest, the Magenta Men have arrived at the Finals with style, discipline, and a clear refusal to play it safe.
Fronted by two equally gifted but fiercely competitive musicians, the funk band made their mark in the Contest with their brand of energy and showmanship. But for the Magenta Men, the Finals are about delivering a performance that people will remember long after the music stops.
Their Finals entry is a deliberate shift from their Knockouts Stage approach: with just one frontman on lead vocals, the arrangement gives the band more room to showcase instrumental command and live-wire chemistry. At 6 minutes and 27 seconds, it is also by far the longest song of the Finals — a bold statement from a group that clearly intends to make every second count.
What does the Contest mean to you?
It means a chance to put funk on a bigger stage, and to do it with purpose.
We respect what this Contest is about: not just competing for the title, but raising awareness [of bullying] and giving people something real to connect with.
We’re proud to be here, and we don’t take it lightly. But honestly, we’re always more focused on putting on a good performance than just chasing the result.
Tell us about your version of the song.
We only had a couple of minutes for the Knockouts Stage, so we wanted to turn it up to eleven for the Finals.
Because we didn’t have much time in the Knockouts, we came in with a full-on vocal attack. We decided just to have one lead voice, more space in the arrangement, and a stronger spotlight on the band itself. That lets the groove hit harder, and it gives the instruments room to shine.
Funk has to move. It has to feel alive. So we built the song to keep building, keep turning, and keep the energy moving forward all the way through.
If not you, which Finalist would you like to see win?
We’re fine with any of the Finalists winning, because everybody left in this thing earned their place. But if we’re honest, whoever brings the most conviction should get it. That’s what we respect most: when an Act steps up and fully commits.
Which of the other Finalists stood out to you?
We like Synth & Son, ‘cos they kinda sound like us, but with the 80s thing. Axel [King and The Roses] knows how to jam as well.
There’s a lot of quality in the Finals, and that’s what makes it exciting.
What’s next after this Contest?
After this, we do what we do: play hard, play tight, and light up the room wherever we go.
About the Contest
Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D is a collaboration between CATAWOL Records and the MODE Family, in the form of a song contest. 32 of the label’s most talented Acts compete to create the campaign’s official anthem, raising awareness of bullying in hobby spaces.
CATAWOL Records is proud to support the Finalists as they share their voices on a larger stage, while celebrating creativity, resilience, and community.