Early Life and Formation
Nasri Atweh (born 1981) is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer renowned for his role as the lead vocalist of the reggae fusion band MAGIC!. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Nasri’s musical journey began young, influenced by his multicultural upbringing and exposure to various musical genres.
Mark “Pelli” Pellizzer (born 1981) is a Canadian guitarist and producer from Toronto. He is known for his work with MAGIC! and his collaborations with other artists in the music industry.
Ben Spivak (born January 4, 1983) is a Canadian singer and musician. He is best known for being a bassist and vocalist in the pop-reggae group MAGIC!.
Alex Tanas (born February 28, 1986) is a Canadian-American artist, producer, songwriter, and drummer. He is best known for being a former drummer and vocalist for the pop-reggae group MAGIC!.
Musical Style and Influences
MAGIC! is known for their reggae fusion and pop sound, drawing heavy influences from artists such as The Police, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley. Their music blends elements of reggae, pop, and rock, creating a unique and catchy style that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Career Trajectory and Achievements
Breakthrough with “Rude”
In 2013, MAGIC! released their debut single “Rude,” which became a massive hit. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks and reached number one in 41 countries. It also surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, solidifying the band’s international success.
Albums and Tours
Following the success of “Rude,” MAGIC! released their debut studio album Don’t Kill the Magic in 2014. They followed up with Primary Colours in 2016 and Expectations in 2018. The band toured extensively, including opening for Maroon 5 on their North American and European tours in 2015.
Awards and Nominations
MAGIC! has received several accolades, including two JUNO Awards in 2015 for Breakthrough Group of the Year and Single of the Year for “Rude.” They have also been nominated for American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Teen Choice Awards.
Collaborations and Solo Projects
Members of MAGIC! have been involved in various collaborations and solo projects. Nasri and longtime collaborator Adam Messinger have written and produced for artists such as Justin Bieber, Shakira, Pitbull, Lana Del Rey, Christina Aguilera, and Chris Brown.
Alex Tanas began releasing his solo music in 2018, serving as the co-writer and producer of several singles. He also co-wrote and produced “Miles Away,” performed by Kan Wakan, which was recognized by Vulture as one of the best new songs during its release.
Recent Developments
In February 2022, MAGIC! announced the departure of drummer Alex Tanas. The remaining members, Nasri, Spivak, and Pellizzer, decided to continue making music together. In September 2022, they released their first new music in four years with the single “Ain’t Got Nothin’ Figured Out,” followed by “Inner Love Energy” in November 2022. Their fourth studio album, Inner Love Energy, was released in April 2024.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
MAGIC! has made significant contributions to the music industry with their unique blend of reggae and pop. Their hit single “Rude” remains a defining track of the 2010s, and their continued success with new music demonstrates their lasting appeal. The band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots has solidified their place in contemporary music history.
Discography
- Don’t Kill the Magic (2014)
- Primary Colours (2016)
- Expectations (2018)
- Inner Love Energy (2024)
Conclusion
MAGIC! has proven to be a dynamic force in the music industry, blending reggae influences with pop sensibilities to create a sound that resonates with a global audience. With their continued innovation and dedication to their craft, they remain a prominent figure in contemporary music.
