Magna Carda, Grace Sorensen

Biography

Magna Carda is a genre-blending hip-hop group formed in Austin, Texas in 2011 by keyboardist/producer Dougie Do and rapper Megz Kelli. The group quickly expanded to include guitarist Eric “The Greek” Nikolaides, bassist Derek Van Wagner, and drummer Michael “Brotha Mike” Gonzales, building a reputation for dynamic live performances and a unique fusion of rap, jazz, R&B, and electronic music. Their mastery of live instrumentation and studio production, along with profound lyricism, has earned them critical acclaim and a prominent place in Austin’s flourishing hip-hop scene. Magna Carda has performed at major events like the inaugural X Games in Austin and shared stages with hip-hop luminaries such as The Pharcyde, Joey Bada$$, Chali 2na, and Oddisee, while receiving national press coverage from outlets like Buzzfeed and NPR.

Grace Sorensen, born in San Antonio and based in Austin, Texas, is a rising R&B and neo-soul artist known for her soulful vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting. She began her artistic journey as a dancer before grade school, training pre-professionally in various commercial dance styles before turning to music. Sorensen recorded her first single in Atlanta and later honed her craft in Austin, releasing singles like “Velvet Noise,” “Soul or System,” and her debut EP “What I Never Told You.” Her music is characterized by heartfelt lyricism and a blend of soul, R&B, and contemporary influences. Sorensen has opened for major acts such as Diana Ross and contributed vocals to projects like BLK ODYSSY’s album “BLK VINTAGE.” Her debut album, “BLUEPRINT,” released in 2023, reflects her personal journey through grief, triumph, and self-discovery, cementing her as a significant new voice in Austin’s music scene.

Fun Facts

• Grace Sorensen began her artistic career as a dancer before transitioning to music, and she continues to pursue dance professionally alongside her music.
• Magna Carda has been described as 'Austin’s answer to The Roots' due to their live band format and genre-blending approach.
• Grace Sorensen opened for Motown legend Diana Ross at the Circuit of the Americas in 2022, a major milestone early in her career.
• Magna Carda performed at the inaugural X Games in Austin and has shared the stage with iconic hip-hop acts like The Pharcyde and Joey Bada$$.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Matt Noveskey - Producer for Grace Sorensen's early singles, providing guidance in studio production (Produced 'Velvet Noise' and 'Soul or System') [2020-2021]
• Victor Gaspar - Producer and collaborator, shaping Sorensen's early sound (Produced 'Velvet Noise' and 'Soul or System') [2020-2021]

Key Collaborators

• Magna Carda - Collaborated with Grace Sorensen on the single 'Digits', blending R&B vocals with hip-hop production ('Digits' (2020)) [2020]
• Lew Apollo - Featured Grace Sorensen on the track 'NEED YOUR LOVIN', combining R&B and rap elements ('NEED YOUR LOVIN' (2021)) [2021]
• BLK ODYSSY - Grace Sorensen provided backup vocals on BLK ODYSSY's album ('BLK VINTAGE' (2021)) [2021]
• Eric 'The Greek' Nikolaides - Longtime guitarist and collaborator in Magna Carda (Multiple Magna Carda albums and live performances) [2013-present]
• Derek Van Wagner - Bassist in Magna Carda (Multiple Magna Carda albums and live performances) [2014-present]
• Michael 'Brotha Mike' Gonzales - Drummer in Magna Carda (Multiple Magna Carda albums and live performances) [2014-present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging Austin R&B and hip-hop artists - Both Magna Carda and Grace Sorensen are cited as inspirations for younger musicians in Austin’s vibrant music scene, particularly for their genre fusion and live musicianship (N/A (influence noted in local press and festival lineups)) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Digits (Digits)
2. The Root (Cirqlation)
3. Running With The Clouds (Mercedez Babies)
4. Temptation (Temptation)
5. Angels/Devils (Mercedez Babies)
6. Co-Sign It (Mercedez Babies)
7. Cowboy (Cowboy)
8. Somewhere Between (Somewhere Between)
9. HOME (Little Trumpet (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
10. Back Then (Somewhere Between)

External Links

• Spotify