New York City's Midnight Magic is here to prove one thing: Disco is not dead. The band creates a nostalgic atmosphere with their old-school, disco-funk sound. Foot-stomping dance beats, syncopated synths and vocalist Tiffany Roth's half-Lady Miss Kier/half-Donna Summers delivery, manipulate the senses. Hands clap, fingers snap and booties shake: Midnight Magic is the life of the party, and any doubts about that can be put to rest by listening to their infectiously catchy tune, "Beam Me Up." Taking some time out to answer some questions before their performance, Roth explained the band's origin, meeting Deee-Lite vocalist Lady Miss Kier, and how Midnight Magic's shows are so wild you will need a helmet.

Eli Watson: How did Midnight Magic come together? Where did you all meet?

Tiffany Roth: Midnight Magic formed over 4 years ago, but really Andrew Raposo (bass), Morgan Wiley (keyboards), and I have been working together for almost 7 years, when I first moved to New York. Our original band prior to MM was called Fidelio. We all met in Los Angeles which is where I'm from, and where Morgan and Andrew attended U.S.C. I met them through Morgan's sister who is one of my dearest friends.

On your bio it says you are all the “secret love children of Donna Summers and George Clinton.” Why them and not Chaka Khan and Prince, or Janice-Marie Johnson and Rick James?

TR: Honestly, Donna Summers and George Clinton are huge influences, but there are so many more! Almost too many to name. But we do love Sylvester, Whodini, Deee-Lite, Fatback; the list goes on and on.

Is it true that Midnight Magic won over band names such as, “Clown Boner #9,” and “Pink Dolphin Pussy,” and just how excited were you when you finally came up with the band’s name?

TR: Those were joke names that were absolutely not an option, that Morgan came up with (he's a very funny guy). But when Andrew threw out Midnight Magic, I was not psyched! I thought and still think it sounds like a batch of acid, or psychedelic mushrooms. I've gotten used to it, and maybe even love it now.

In one interview you mentioned how people would think about New Years Eve upon hearing the band’s name. Would you also say the name fits the music very well considering the growth of the band’s music, and the festive atmosphere they have to them?

TR: I think Midnight Magic does fit the music. The name represents such a visual image that's different for everyone. When I hear the name I think of a royal blue and silver glitter roller-skating, psychedelic funk fest, with our music bumping!

You guys did the Midpoint Music Festival in Cincinnati last year, and played among the likes of Washed Out, STRFKR, Toro Y Moi, Cut Copy and many others. How was that experience and were there any bands you were able to see?

TR: We were billed with the two bands we were touring with at the time (Washed Out, and Cut Copy), and no other bands played at the venue we were booked at, so we didn't get the chance to leave to see any other bands! Sucks for us, but we did have a wonderful time anyhow!

“Beam Me Up” is great in that is has that definitive disco sound, but with elements like that from chillwave, etc. Are there any present-day artists who influence your sound? I feel as if Deee-Lite may have influenced you all somewhat.

TR: Deee-Lite is a HUGE influence on us! As a matter of fact we had the great fortune of meeting Lady Miss Kier, and she was amazing! So lovely! We also love Mike Simonetti, his label, and all the bands on there like Glass Candy, and The Chromatics. I love Tyson; he sounds like Sylvester! Our friends Holy Ghost!, Washed Out, Cut Copy and Escort are all big influences as well!

You all released your EP What the Eyes Can’t See, which was made free via Scion/AV. How did the relationship with Scion/AV come about and how was the recording process?

TR: Scion was super supportive of us after the release of "Beam Me Up," and shortly after asked us about an EP. We had been sitting on quite a few songs already, so recording wasn't too painful. We also wrote a couple of new ones just for the EP. Recording is always challenging, but it fun as well!

Have you all ever been to Austin before, and if so could you describe that experience, and if not, just how crazy do you hope your performance gets on the 28th?

TR: A few of the members have been to Austin for SXSW before, but I have never been! I'm super excited; I cannot wait for the show! We are gonna bring it so hard, you may want to wear a helmet. Just saying.

Lastly, what are the future plans for Midnight Magic? Are there any plans for this year you can tell us about?

TR: We plan on releasing more material this year and hopefully early next year. Actually, as much material as we can get out! We're also planning our first European tour this spring, which we are all so excited about!

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Check out Midnight Magic tomorrow night, January 28th, when they perform at the Beauty Bar at 12a.m. for the Learning Secrets bash!