Within a mere eighteen months of their debut release "Ode to Hyde",MAGNOLIUS has managed to garner worldwide acclaim. The eclectic duo has independently headlined tours across Canada, Europe, Asia and Brazil including shows in Berlin, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Hailing from Toronto, members Shan Vincent de Paul and Derek DaCosta use hip-hop as the core vein to connect with various other genres such as electronic, drum and bass, jazz, punk, house and rock. Both members have been writing and performing as part of a larger six man collective known as Soliva Spit Society. As a collective, the crew released their debut EP "Test the Waters" in 2003 and began to create a buzz in the Canadian independent hip-hop scene. The EP received rotation on various college stations across Canada, the US and the UK. The group went on to share the stage with some of hip hop's key figures such as Del the Funky Homosapien (Hieroglyphics), Edan, Louis Logic, C-Rayz Walz (def jux), and Canadian heavy hitters Kardinal Offishall and Swollen Members. Winning praises from media worldwide, MAGNOLIUS has been featured in various print and broadcast, including Brazil's largest national newspaper (OGlobal), the cover of "Art Beat" magazine in Singapore and have been touted as refreshingly original across the international independent hip hop scene. "Operating at the highest level, MAGNOLIUS has crafted a quick-witted hip hop experience that reveals just how far the genre has progressed in recent years" (Toby Rogers, "Rant Magazine" (UK) ). With their ever growing fan base, the duo has sold out venues not only on Canadian turf in Toronto and Saskatoon, but also in Sao Paulo, Rio, Berlin, Seoul and Taipei, laying the foundation for a cult following. In the summer of 2007, the group independently released their debut project "Ode to Hyde". Though the project took a reasonable four months to complete, it is the culmination of a life long friendship between the two members. The impeccable chemistry between the duo is made apparent on every track of their debut opus. The album's ten tracks hurl the listener through a melange of experimentation and moods fusing hip hop with a wide range of others genres and soundscapes. Shan and Derek's nimble word play juxtaposed against the eclectic concoctions of the album's prominent producer, Mike Denheyer, is a marriage made in the cosmos. Not only was the album well received by fans, the duo was nominated for “Best Hip-hop Song” for 'Human Race' at the Ontario Independent Music Awards and “Best Urban Act” at the Toronto Independent Music Awards. The duo was also recognized with the Arts Acclaim Award in their hometown of Brampton for their debut release. After the completion of the project, the duo took their sounds on the road. Pushing the limits on record was simply not enough for the group. The MAG quickly set off to promote "Ode to Hyde" on a western Canadian tour quickly followed by the "Destrjoy! Tour" across Asia. Upon their return to Toronto, the group performed for a sold out crowd for their local following and left shortly afterwards for their South American tour, where they were invited to headline Brazil's longest running hip hop event (Zoeira). Accompanied by a unique visual display (all directed and edited by the MAG), the emcees spew out their tracks with intense energy while several video screens flash a video montage perfectly co-ordinated with the lyrics and music. The subtle intricacies and dynamic stage presence that MAGNOLIUS displays is simply a testament to a decade of performing experience. MAGNOLIUS is currently wrapping up their sophomore release "Mary Musth", completing a DVD release of short films all directed by the duo, as well as preparing for their Western Canadian tour summer 2009.
