Meqqa Music

Formed in 2000, MEQQA has been a formidable force in Chicago, blending intricate song forms and memorable choruses. Armed with an explosive and introspective live show, it took less than a year to catch the ears of famed record executive Derek Shulman and sign MEQQA to One Man Army Records. MEQQA gained force when named 2001 Band of The Year by Chicago’s 94.7 The Zone.

“An amazing talent ...” Tony Berg, Virgin Records /ARTISTdirect.

MEQQA continued to garner attention with the 2003 acclaimed album Sors Salutis. Released independently, MEQQA teamed with producer John Hiler (Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair, Slayer). The album featured avant garde concepts, crushing guitars, and towering choruses all blending nicely with such commercially likeable singles, Box A and I AM.

A band’s band, MEQQA possesses authentic talent. Drummer Sasha Horn broke into the Chicago metal/rock arena at the ripe age of 11. Making a name for himself in the scene, he was hand picked to record an album with the internationally-known band November’s Doom in 1999. Johanna Mahmud brings a different musical experience to MEQQA's table. An accomplished trombonist and a pianist, his background in jazz produces the perfect juxtapose to Sasha’s (metal) percussion. Together, their writing produces some of the freshest, gripping music around, and they have brought in local talents, Keith Carmack, Jeremy Mumenthaler, and Michael Derosa to complete the circle.

The band recorded their 2006 EP, Acquiescence, (again, with John Hiler). While keeping their artistic prowess, they are shedding some of their cryptic image and concept approach for more pop sensibility, shimmering hooks and a straight up plug in and jam mentality.

MEQQA just finished their new album, Map to Chrysalis. Merging their two previous recording styles, Map to Chrysalis has all the power of Sor Salutis with the hooks of Aquiescence.