artist Ultra Magnus

Ultra Magnus began more as a school project more so than a musical venture. In the late nights of winter 2002, roommates Chad Paulson and Andrew Scott spent their evenings trying to unravel the many rhythmic layers of "FEVER", a song written by afrobeat songwriter Jingo. Once realizing how much they loved this style of music, Chad and Andrew decided to gather a group of musicians together to learn how to play afrobeat. This group of musicians spent over a year learning the properties of afrobeat. The band compiled together a large repertoire of afrobeat standards before even attempting to write any originals of their own, believing that it would be ignorant to think they could write a similar style simply by imitating what they heard. By summer of 2003, the band had their first showcase in Toronto. The band was named after a nickname Chad had gotten when he was a kid, on account of his first name being Magnus. Ultra Magnus is like no other band today. The music resembles that of the afrobeat originator Fela Kuti. Like Kuti, Ultra Magnus uses "music as weapon", creating music that carries strong political and social messages and is delivered in a celebratory fashion. Although very danceable, Ultra Magnus is more PUNK than FUNK. With erratic pulses, and blazing soloists, Ultra Magnus are professionals of the 'live show', never dropping in intensity. Ultra Magnus is a celebration, and all are invited.

Brad Vanderzanden Guitar
Daniel Schlagbaum congas, percussion
Chad Paulson Band Leader / Guitar 1
Andrew Scott
Dean Whales Drum
Alex Thomson Trumpet
Steve Ruttan Trombone
Jason Stillman Alto Saxophone
Jay Hay Tenor Saxophone