The Magnetic Fields

The Magnetic Fields are an American band led by Stephin Merritt, who serves as the principal songwriter, producer, and vocalist. Founded in the early 1990s, the group initially featured synthesized arrangements and vocals by Susan Anway before Merritt took over as lead vocalist. Their breakout release came in 1999 with 69 Love Songs, an ambitious three-volume concept album that cemented their cult status. The group—now consisting of Merritt, Claudia Gonson, Sam Davol, and John Woo—continued to evolve with a “no-synth” trilogy (i, Distortion, and Realism), showcasing Merritt’s lyrical wit and melodic range. Their most recent album, Quickies, was released in 2020. The band originated in Boston, where Merritt and Gonson formed the first live lineup after years of home recordings under the name Buffalo Rome.