Magnetic North hit the ground running in 2003 when emcees Direct and Theresa Vu came together to write a song for an Asian American rally in Berkeley, California. The piece, titled "We Will Not Be Moved", was an ode to their heritage - a mix of refugee war stories and ruminations about skin color and stereotypes. Their mix of refreshingly honest rhymes and organic beats has since become the duo's trademark as they went on to rock stages and move hearts at hundreds of venues across the nation. Direct, the mastermind behind their instrumentals, draws upon his classical roots to create beats heavy on melody and acoustic stylings. He tops off his production with insightful lyrics and a uniquely versatile flow that make his vocals as much an instrument as a message. And then there is T-Vu, a female emcee with no need for the "female" qualifier. A wordsmith of rare caliber and presence - she's known for her precise delivery and no-nonsense rhymes.
Since their debut album release in 2006, Magnetic North has turned heads from execs at Universal Records to renowned civil rights activist Yuri Kochiyama. They've also collaborated with a number of artists including Vienna Teng and Wong Fu Productions, who produced their AAIFF award-winning music video “Drift Away.” Magnetic North is currently working on their next album to be released in spring 2010.
BAY AREA FOLKS!!! Magnetic North is HOME FOR THE HOLLA'DAYS
This holiday season…[cue epic music] …. for the first time ever [music gets more epic]… Derek and I are teaming up with an amazing group of musicians, activists, and chefs (yes chefs!) to SAVE THE BABIES. How? How else? With an unforgettable benefit concert in our first home, THE BAY AREA.
Our aim is to raise funds for children at risk of sex trafficking in the poorest regions of Asia, so 100% of the concert proceeds will be donated to ACWP's (Aid for Children Without Parents) "Saving Children in Crisis" Program. Our other aim is to rock your socks off.
Featuring Magnetic North, Vudoo Soul, Taiyo Na, Alfa, G*LEE, Marie Choi, SiC and Cinemascope Films.
We are pleased to announce:
THE RE-RELEASE OF OUR DEBUT ALBUM!!!
After receiving countless requests, and even seeing bidding wars of our CD on ebay from time to time, we definitely owe it to y'all to bring the album back to print. Of course, "Drift Away" is replaced by the newer "Within the Rhythm", but we added two new bonus tracks:
- Demons [rock remix feat. Thomas' Apartment] - Magnetic North [never before released]
HEY DEREK!! im sure your busy and everything but i havent heard from you in a while not even in private email..hope everything is okay, and it still wont let me watch that video you sent me. i need help with that can you try to re-send it. it takes me to the guy who filmed it's webpage. i really wanna see it. and i clicked the link to buy your cd and t-shirt FiNALLY!! but it wont let me is it my computer or what? lol try to keep in touch. I love you guys!!
aha o man cant wait hope i could go man might be outta town cause of fam business but hopefully im in town and have a ride. if i cant make it man just wait till im driving (turning 16 this year) ill like follow yu guys all over the U.S.
HEY DEREK how are you i hope well. it still wont let me watch the new video that you sent to my private email..and idk why i even updated to the newest quick time. i think im gonna need your help or can you re-send it or send it the way you sent drift away? i got it with no problem and still watch it all the time. i love you guys hope all is well. cant wait to hear from you again. BTW are yall still in NY or what? much love
btw wish you, mani, and lyricks would've all been at the MN show for that asian hip hop summit tour thing (but the one here is 21+ which sucks).. I have to go to philly, brooklyn, or new jersey just to see you all together haha it's gonna be a sick show! have fun =)
just letting you know that i still think you both are awesome and always bring magnetic north up when discussing music with anyone. i keep your songs on my ipod so those who haven't heard of you will get a chance to appreciate your guy's work like i do. ;P
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