With the music scene in Austin growing exponentially, there is a new band rising to the top almost every month. To make a mark in the overflow of talent, a group has to be capable of bringing a new dynamic to the table. Combining the smooth sound of jazz with the head-nodding rhythms of hip-hop, MODAL is a potential poster-child for innovative music in the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Megan Tillman, known as Megz Kelli from the hip-hop group Magna Carda, is recognized for her mastery over a microphone. But not many know the story behind her music.
Vibes are incredibly important. When I go to events, I like to take everything in and base my assessment off of the entire experience. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend Weird City Hip-Hop Festival, Austin’s first-ever hip-hop fest, for one night. Still, that one night showed me what Austin hip-hop is all about.
Somewhere within Austin’s ever-emerging hip-hop scene, Megz Kelli and Chris “Dougie Do” Beale have created their own space as Magna Carda, melting the lines between local R&B and rap to create something all their own. Their latest project, Van Geaux,boasts a polished, yet underground feel, focused on establishing their own identity rather than trying to mimic those at the roots of hip-hop. The laid-back charisma between the two cool kids resonates clearly on each track, with Kelli’s rhythmic, stop-on-a-dime flow and Beale’s instrumental flourishes making the perfect bedmates.
