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THE HEAD AND THE HEART - PAGE 2


BIO:
So many decisions in life and in the music we love can come down to a critical tug between the logic in our heads and the hot red blood beating through our hearts. Seattle’s The Head and the Heart live authentically in that crux, finding joy and beauty wedged there. Their music pulses effervescently—both explosively danceable and intuitively intelligent. With Americana roots and strong vocal harmonics that swell like a river, this band finds its anchor in solid songwriting that has even the jaded humming along by the second listen. Leaving a variety of day jobs and academic pursuits, The Head and the Heart came together in the summer of 2009, during frequent visits to the open mic night at Conor Byrne in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. California-transplant Josiah Johnson and Virginia-native Jonathan Russell formed the core songwriting partnership, quickly adding keyboardist Kenny Hensley to the mix. Kenny, then 21, had packed up his piano and moved up to Seattle from California to pursue musical score-writing. The luminous Charity Rose Thielen, violin and vocals, had just returned from a year of studying and playing music in Paris. Drummer Tyler Williams cold left a successful band in Virginia after Jon sent him the demo of “Down in the Valley,” relocating across states to be a part of this. Finally, Chris Zasche, was bartending at Conor Byrne and mentioned one day that he'd be happy to play bass for the nascent band. It all felt right: The Head and the Heart was born. Whether penning songs on the beach at Seattle's Discovery Park, or working out melodies in the piano practice rooms at the Seattle Public Library, Charity describes the early months of the band's existence as touched by a shared purpose and connection. She recalls an email she sent to Josiah that summer, confessing that she was “sleepless and penniless, but inspired nonetheless.” The band entered Seattle's Studio Litho in early 2010 to record these songs that had been kicking and twisting in the catalytic development of their live show. Recorded by Shawn Simmons at Studio Litho and Steven Aguilar at Bearhead Studio, the band was selling burned copies in handmade denim sleeves at local shows within a few weeks. Self-released in June 2010, the debut album helped build an impressive head-of-steam for the band through the second 1/2 of the year, gaining fans at influential Seattle station KEXP, local record shops (a consistent top 10 seller for Easy Street and the #1 album of 2010 at Sonic Boom), and venues up and down the West Coast, culminating with signing to Sub Pop Records in November. For the 2011 re-release of the album, "Sounds like Hallelujah" has been re-recorded, live favorite "Rivers and Roads" has been added, and the album has been re-mastered. The songs resulting from those first inspired months pick at the multicolored threads of leaving home, finding home, and through that process of deconstruction, finding yourself. These are songs about crossing rivers and roads to get to the one you love, about family far away, and the desire to chase Technicolor dreams down foreign horizons. When people hear these songs, or see the band live, the first thing they have to do is tell someone else. Their shows are, simply, one hell of a lot of breathless fun. Each song explodes into a potent supernova on stage, where half the audience is zealously singing along with every lyric, and the other half is wishing they knew the words. The band has accepted nearly every show offered to them in the past year, from backyards strung with Christmas lights to coffee shops, open mics, and even high school classrooms in Middle America. From the first months of the band's life, their reputation as a phenomenal live band has preceded them wherever they play. The strength of Josiah, Jon and Charity's vocal harmonies on the album makes it feel like these three were born to pour their voices together, as the band's songs revel in jaunty bass lines with ebullient handclaps peppering the best moments. A palette of orchestral elements weave their way through the album, including cello, glockenspiel, and violin, all shading in the songs' development. For all the times your toes tap while enjoying this band, often the lightness will deceptively belie the depth of ache in the lyrics when you sit down to really listen. There is magic in the music, but not magic contrived by trickery or posturing. “It seems actually that the more genuine and honest we are in the songwriting and performing, the more people relate to that transparency,” Charity muses. This is an album for people who unabashedly sing and drum along on the steering wheel, and also for those who appreciate a well-crafted collection of songs that build into something wholly beautiful. There is in this music a counter-cultural optimism, with roots that grow deep and melodies that lodge themselves far into that place inside you where the head meets the heart.

Latest Articles


The Head and The Heart Presents: Down in the Valley Single-Day Tickets On Sale Now Photo The Head and The Heart Presents: Down in the Valley Single-Day Tickets On Sale Now
by Michael Major - May 05, 2023

Single-Day tickets for The Head And The Heart Presents: Down In The Valley, the inaugural boutique festival produced by The Head And The Heart & Another Planet Entertainment, are on sale now exclusively via Ticketmaster. The destination weekend festival will take place at Oxbow RiverStage in Napa, C...

The Head and The Heart Present: Down in the Valley Announces Single-Day Lineups Photo The Head and The Heart Present: Down in the Valley Announces Single-Day Lineups
by Michael Major - May 03, 2023

Saturday will feature a welcoming, one-day-only acoustic set from The Head And The Heart along with riveting performances from some of the top indie rock and folk singer-songwriters such as Waxahatchee, Faye Webster, Rayland Baxter and Miya Folick. The Head And The Heart will close out the evening w...

ANNIE BLACKMAN Shares New Single Ahead of EP Release on Friday Photo ANNIE BLACKMAN Shares New Single Ahead of EP Release on Friday
by Michael Major - April 25, 2023

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Annie Blackman shares the video for “The Well,” the third and final release ahead of her forthcoming EP, Bug, on Father/Daughter Records. “The Well” follows the release of recent singles “Ash” and “Bug,” Bug was recorded with engineer and mixer Allen Tate of San Ferm...

ANNIE BLACKMAN Shares New Single 'Bug' Photo ANNIE BLACKMAN Shares New Single 'Bug'
by Michael Major - March 29, 2023

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Annie Blackman recently announced her forthcoming EP Bug, out via Father/Daughter Records, and she shares the record’s title track. “Bug” follows the previously released “Ash”, which saw early praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Stereogum, and more....

Miya Folick Unveils 'Mommy' From 'Roach' Album Photo Miya Folick Unveils 'Mommy' From 'Roach' Album
by Michael Major - March 03, 2023

Vocalist, songwriter and producer Miya Folick unveils a new song, “Mommy,” co-produced by Folick and Gabe Wax and featuring saxophone from Sam Gendel —listen now and watch the visualizer by Noah Kentis now. Additionally, Folick has embarked on an extensive North American and European tour....

Annie Blackman Announces New EP & Shares First Single 'Ash' Photo Annie Blackman Announces New EP & Shares First Single 'Ash'
by Michael Major - March 01, 2023

With measured vocals and hypnotic production courtesy of Evan Rasch (Skullcrusher, Runner), Bug was recorded with engineer and mixer Allen Tate of San Fermin at Better Company Studios in Brooklyn, and marks the artist’s studio debut. Watch the new music video now!...

Moon River Music Festival Announces 2023 Lineup with Hozier & Caamp Headlining Photo Moon River Music Festival Announces 2023 Lineup with Hozier & Caamp Headlining
by Michael Major - February 21, 2023

The 2023 list of Moon River performers includes Hozier, Caamp, Goodbye Road (Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors and JOHNNYSWIM), Nickle Creek, Marcus King Band, Judah & the Lion, First Aid Kit, Noah Cyrus, Larry Fleet, Houndmouth, Larkin Poe, Shane Smith & The Saints, Wilder Woods, Aoife O’Donovan, and mo...

Miya Folick Confirms New Tour Dates & New Album 'Roach' Photo Miya Folick Confirms New Tour Dates & New Album 'Roach'
by Michael Major - February 21, 2023

Vocalist, songwriter and producer Miya Folick confirms new North American tour dates with The Head and the Heart and Father John Misty in addition to a run of European dates with Dermot Kennedy. The new dates follow a previously confirmed run of shows with Aly & AJ on their North American spring tou...

The Head And The Heart Announce 2023 US Tour Dates Including Co-Headline Tours with F Photo The Head And The Heart Announce 2023 US Tour Dates Including Co-Headline Tours with Father John Misty & The Revivalists
by Michael Major - February 21, 2023

The Head And The Heart have announced a run of tour dates of 2023 including co-headline tours with Father John Misty and The Revivalists, a special performance at Red Rocks and performances at festivals all over the country including Innings Festival, Bear Shadow Festival, BeachLife Festival, Railbi...

UPSAHL Expands Debut Headline Tour With New North America Dates Photo UPSAHL Expands Debut Headline Tour With New North America Dates
by Michael Major - February 21, 2023

UPSAHL begins the next leg of her tour in Orlando, FL at The Social on April 28, before stopping in major markets including Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA, New York, NY, and Toronto, Canada. She closes out the tour in Indianapolis, IN at the HiFi Annex on May 11. Check out the upcoming tour dates ...

Gwen Stefani, The Black Keys & More to Headline Southern California's BeachLife Festi Photo Gwen Stefani, The Black Keys & More to Headline Southern California's BeachLife Festival
by Michael Major - January 06, 2023

The premier live music, art, and culinary event will feature performances from The Black Keys, Gwen Stefani, and The Black Crowes, among an eclectic group of top talent spanning rock, indie, pop, jam, reggae and more. Check out the complete lineup of the upcoming festival now!...

The Head And The Heart Announce Seattle Benefit Concert For Rivers And Roads Foundati Photo The Head And The Heart Announce Seattle Benefit Concert For Rivers And Roads Foundation
by Michael Major - November 07, 2022

The Head And The Heart have announced an intimate hometown concert. Proceeds from the show will benefit the band’s Rivers and Roads Foundation, whose mission is to raise money for local Seattle-based music programs with an emphasis on equitable access to music education for youth, and mental health ...

Green Day & Eddie Vedder to Headline Fifth Annual Innings Festival Photo Green Day & Eddie Vedder to Headline Fifth Annual Innings Festival
by Michael Major - October 26, 2022

The two-day event will feature 18 bands on 2 stages, including performances from Weezer, Marcus Mumford, The Black Crowes, The Revivalists, The Offspring, Mt. Joy, The Pretty Reckless, The Head and the Heart and more, as well as curated food vendors and interactive baseball related activities....

Dawes Announce 'An Evening With...' 2023 Tour Photo Dawes Announce 'An Evening With...' 2023 Tour
by Michael Major - October 19, 2022

Highlights include stops at such historic venues as Nashville, TN’s Ryman Auditorium (March 4, 2023), New York City’s Beacon Theatre (March 18, 2023), and San Francisco, CA’s The Fillmore (April 26), as well as a special two-night stand at the world- famous Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA (April...

The Head And The Heart Announce Red Rocks Livestream Photo The Head And The Heart Announce Red Rocks Livestream
by Michael Major - September 09, 2022

Additionally, the highly anticipated Every Shade Of Blue (Acoustic) EP is out now via Reprise/Warner Records on all platforms. Listen or purchase here. The EP follows the release of acoustic versions of “Virginia (Wind In The Night)” and the title track, “Every Shade of Blue” earlier this summer. Pl...

Seasonal Music Compilation 'Holidays Rule' to Get First-Ever Vinyl Pressing Photo Seasonal Music Compilation 'Holidays Rule' to Get First-Ever Vinyl Pressing
by Michael Major - August 24, 2022

The compilation album features Paul McCartney, The Shins, fun., The Civil Wars, Rufus Wainwright, Sharon Van Etten, Andrew Bird, and many more. Covering holiday classics like “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” “Wonderful Christmastime,” “Auld Lang Syne,” and more....

Psych-Rock Artist Lukka Premieres 'People of Light' Photo Psych-Rock Artist Lukka Premieres 'People of Light'
by Michael Major - August 23, 2022

Lukka, the brainchild of German-born, New York City-based artist Franzi Szymkowiak, released her latest single “People of Light,' from her sophomore album, Something Human. The single release is accompanied by a stop-motion lyric video. Watch the new lyric video now!...

The Head And The Heart Release Acoustic Versions of 'Every Shade of Blue' + 'Virginia Photo The Head And The Heart Release Acoustic Versions of 'Every Shade of Blue' + 'Virginia (Wind In The Night)'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - July 29, 2022

The Head And The Heart have revealed the acoustic versions of “Virginia (Wind In The Night)” and the title track of their latest studio album “Every Shade of Blue” on Reprise/Warner Records. Since the album's late April 2022 release, it has generated 25 million streams globally....

Corey Harper Announces Debut Album 'Future Tense' Photo Corey Harper Announces Debut Album 'Future Tense'
by Michael Major - July 15, 2022

Harper took a two-year hiatus to focus on healing and songwriting and returned last month with the acclaimed “Pink Razor,” a first introduction to his newest project. Now, after years of experimentation and honing his genre-fluid sound, Corey Harper announces his long-awaited forthcoming debut album...

Dawes Share New Single 'Ghost in the Machine' Photo Dawes Share New Single 'Ghost in the Machine'
by Michael Major - July 08, 2022

Acclaimed Los Angeles-based rockers Dawes have shared “Ghost In The Machine,” available now via Rounder Records at all DSPs and streaming services. An official performance video – directed by Caitlin Gerard at Hollywood, CA’s historic EastWest Studios – premieres. Watch the new performance video now...

Lukka Returns With 'Wisdom Of The Sun' To Announce New LP 'Something Human' Photo Lukka Returns With 'Wisdom Of The Sun' To Announce New LP 'Something Human'
by Michael Major - June 28, 2022

Lukka, the brainchild of German-born, New York City-based artist Franzi Szymkowiak, released her latest single + video, “Wisdom of the Sun” today to announce her sophomore album, Something Human, for an August 26. Plus, watch the music video for the new single!...

Dawes & Bahamas Unite for Co-headlining Tour Photo Dawes & Bahamas Unite for Co-headlining Tour
by Michael Major - June 08, 2022

Dawes and Bahamas have announced a special co-headline tour. “An Evening with Dawes and Bahamas” will see them performing together for two unique live sets, with Dawes backing Bahamas and Bahamas joining Dawes for a collaborative performance. The tour begins  September 7 at Knoxville, TN’s Bijou The...

Dawes Share New Single 'Comes in Waves' Photo Dawes Share New Single 'Comes in Waves'
by Michael Major - May 27, 2022

Acclaimed Los Angeles-based rockers Dawes have shared “Comes In Waves,” available now via Rounder Records at all DSPs and streaming services. An official performance video – directed by Caitlin Gerard at Hollywood, CA’s historic EastWest Studios – premieres today as well via YouTube. Plus, check out...

The Head and The Heart Share Fifth Studio Album, 'Every Shade of Blue' Photo The Head and The Heart Share Fifth Studio Album, 'Every Shade of Blue'
by Marissa Tomeo - April 30, 2022

The Head And The Heart have released their fifth studio album Every Shade of Blue on Reprise/Warner Records. It is available to stream/purchase here. ...

The Head And The Heart Release Fifth Studio Album 'Every Shade of Blue' Photo The Head And The Heart Release Fifth Studio Album 'Every Shade of Blue'
by Michael Major - April 29, 2022

The Head And The Heart have released their fifth studio album Every Shade of Blue on Reprise/Warner Records. The band has launched a physical pre-order for the album on two 12” cobalt blue limited edition vinyl, exclusive to their webstore, which includes three bonus tracks exclusive to vinyl and on...











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