The Head and the Heart

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For their eponymous 2011 studio album, see The Head and the Heart (album).

The Head and the Heart
The Head and The Heart.jpg
Background information
OriginSeattle, Washington, U.S.
Genres
Years active2009–present
Labels
Websitewww.theheadandtheheart.com Edit this at Wikidata
Members
  • Jonathan Russell
  • Charity Rose Thielen
  • Matt Gervais
  • Chris Zasche
  • Kenny Hensley
  • Tyler Williams
Past members
  • Josiah Johnson

The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band. They were formed in the summer of 2009 by Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar, percussion). The band also includes Charity Rose Thielen (violin, guitar, vocals), Chris Zasche (bass), Kenny Hensley (piano), and Tyler Williams (drums).[5][6] The band is signed to Warner Bros. Records and have released four albums. They released their fourth studio album, Living Mirage, on May 17, 2019.

History[]

The members met and the band was formed through a series of open mic nights at Seattle's Conor Byrne pub in Ballard, Seattle.[7] Josiah Johnson had moved to Seattle from Southern California to attend graduate school, and Jonathan Russell had recently relocated from Richmond, Virginia. They met keyboardist Kenny Hensley, who had also moved to Seattle to pursue musical score-writing, and Charity Rose Thielen, who had recently returned from a year studying abroad in Paris at Sciences Po. Drummer Tyler Williams had been in the band Prabir and The Substitutes in Richmond, Virginia and moved to Seattle to be a part of the Head and The Heart after hearing a demo that Russell sent of the song "Down In The Valley". Chris Zasche was bartending at the Conor Byrne Pub, working aftercare shifts at The Perkins School, and playing in Seattle bands The Maldives and Grand Hallway. He was the last to be added to original lineup.

Johnson explained how the name of the band was chosen: "Your head is telling you to be stable and find a good job, you know in your heart that this [the band] is what you're supposed to do even if it's crazy."[8]

Albums[]

The Head and the Heart[]

Self-burned copies of The Head and the Heart in handmade denim sleeves were being sold at shows within a few weeks,[9] and soon local record stores Easy Street and Sonic Boom couldn't keep them in stock.[10] After a "feeding frenzy"[11] of interest from record labels and managers, the band signed with Sub Pop in November 2010.[12] Sub Pop remastered the album, expanded it with a studio version of their traditional concert closer "Rivers and Roads", and re-recorded one song ("Sounds Like Hallelujah"). The album was re-released in CD format, and for the first time on vinyl LP, on Record Store Day 2011. The band is signed with Heavenly Recordings in the United Kingdom and Europe.[3]

The band toured extensively through 2010 and 2011 in both the United States and Europe, and opened for Vampire Weekend,[5] The Walkmen, Dr. Dog, Dave Matthews, The Low Anthem, The Decemberists, Iron & Wine, My Morning Jacket, and Death Cab For Cutie, as well as headlining their own shows. In March 2011, Seattle's City Arts Magazine named them "Seattle's Best New Band",[13] and the band made their network television debut on April 21, 2011 on Conan.[14] The album reached the Billboard 200 Album Charts at #110 and the record stayed on the chart for ten weeks.[15]

Let's Be Still[]

The band's second album Let's Be Still was released on October 15, 2013.[16] Recorded in Seattle and produced together with Shawn Simmons, the first track, "Shake," was aired on the August 5, 2013.[17] Frontman Johnson said of it "...this is the first time that we produced as a full band. This one is everyone's influences equally present and prevalent throughout the album".[18] James Christopher Monger of AllMusic said of the album: "The group's predilection for heartfelt, Avett Brothers-meets-Fleet Foxes roots rock is apparent right out of the gate with "Homecoming Heroes" and "Another Story," both of which utilize familiar folk-rock architecture to spin earnest and familiar tales concerning the two body parts from which the group takes its name."[19] On November 2, 2013, Let's Be Still reached number 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.[15] The band spent much of 2014 touring in support of the album.[20] Thielen spent time writing for other artists, including Mavis Staples,[21] while she married fellow musician Matt Gervais.[22]

Signs of Light[]

The band released their third studio album, Signs of Light, in September 2016, and toured in North America and Europe following its release.

In the middle of 2015, Johnson and Russell began the writing process for the third album at Montecito Heights in Los Angeles.[20] The band continued recording for much of the year, it was announced in March 2016 that Johnson would not feature in the touring plans of the band and instead do his best to manage his drug addiction.[23][24] He was replaced by Thielen's husband Matt Gervais.[25] In September 2016 the band released their third album Signs of Light.[26] It was preceded by the single "All We Ever Knew".[27][28]

The band toured throughout 2017 with performances at Coachella, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Hinterland Music Festival, and Lollapalooza.[29][30]

Living Mirage[]

On March 14, 2019, the band announced their fourth album, Living Mirage, would be released on May 17, and the first single "Missed Connection". On April 5, the band released a second single from the album, titled "Honeybee". They also revealed a March 21 livestream performance at The Belasco in Los Angeles, CA.[31] The band announced a spring/autumn 2019 tour that consists of 38 North American shows.[32]

Upcoming Studio Albums[]

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the band acknowledged that they would be soon working on their next album. On August 19, 2021, they tweeted out saying "Wait. We're working on 3 albums?", which has yet to be confirmed outside of the tweet.[33]

In culture[]

"Rivers and Roads", one of the band's singles, was used in the series finale of the American television program Chuck. It was played in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, at the end of the 16th episode of the 7th season, in the last scene of the season 4 finale of New Girl, and in the last two scenes of the 14th episode, titled "She", of the TV show The Good Doctor. Their single, "Down in the Valley", was played in the season finale of the British television program Beaver Falls,[34] was also featured in Sons of Anarchy in the 5th-season episode 9 "Andare Pescare", and was used at the end of episode 5 of the first season of Battle Creek. The band made a cameo appearance in the series Hart of Dixie, performing their song, "Shake", in episode 3 of the 3rd season. Their song "Lost in My Mind" was played in the same series' episode "Hairdos & Holidays". "Lost in My Mind" was also the backing track for the theatrical trailer of Silver Linings Playbook.

The first episode of season two of BYUtv's AUDIO-FILES centered on the band and featured live performances of "Winter Song" (performed atop a Ferris wheel), "Sounds Like Hallelujah", etc.[35] The song "Let's Be Still" appears in a 2015 television commercial for Corona.[36] "Let's Be Still" was also featured in an episode of the second season of The Night Shift[37] and at the end of season one, episode three of Heartbeat.[38]

The band is featured in the first episode Showtime television comedy drama Roadies created by Cameron Crowe. The Head and the Heart is the opening act in the first episode of the series,[39] opening for the band to which a fictionalized road crew, managed by Luke Wilson's character "Bill", dutifully support as they make their way across the country in a major multi-city tour.[40]

Film[]

The band is featured in a club scene in the 2013 film Lucky Them, performing their song "Shake". Their song "No One to Let You Down" is heard over the end credits of the 2014 film Wish I Was Here.[41] Their song "Rivers and Roads" was featured prominently in the 2016 documentary Gleason, which chronicles the life of ex-NFL player Steve Gleason and his living with ALS. Gleason and his wife sing a line from the song to their newborn son Rivers. The song also plays at the end of the film.

Discography[]

Albums[]

Year Album details Peak positions Sales Certifications
US
[42] 		CAN
[43] 		SWE
[44]
2011 The Head and the Heart
  • Released: April 19, 2011
  • Label: Sub Pop
 109 — 15
2013 Let's Be Still
  • Released: October 15, 2013
  • Label: Sub Pop
 10 13 —
  • US: 201,000
2016 Signs of Light[46]
  • Released: September 9, 2016
  • Label: Warner Bros. Records
 5 26 —
2019 Living Mirage
  • Released: May 17, 2019
  • Label: Warner Bros. Records / Reprise
 16 28 —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles[]

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak positions Certifications Album
US
AAA
[47] 		US Adult
[48] 		US
Alt.
[49] 		US
Rock
[50] 		BEL
(FL)
[51] 		CAN
Rock
[52]
"Lost in My Mind" 2011 1 — — 24 — — The Head and the Heart
"Down in the Valley" 14 — — — — —
"Ghosts" 2012 — — — — — —
"Shake" 2013 4 — — —[A] — — Let's Be Still
"Another Story" 10 — — —[B] — —
"Let's Be Still" 2014 9 — — — — —
"All We Ever Knew" 2016 1 24 1 13 95 32 Signs of Light
"Rhythm & Blues" 2 — 21 —[C] — —
"City of Angels" 2017 10 — — — — —
"Don't Dream It's Over"[55] — — — — — — Non-album single
"Missed Connection" 2019 1 — 1 11 — 20 Living Mirage
"Honeybee"[56] 2 29 1 12 — 38
"See You Through My Eyes" 13 — 36 —[D] — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charting songs[]

Title Year Peak positions Album
US
Rock
[50] 		BEL
(FL)
[51]
"Rivers and Roads" 2011 —[E] — The Head and the Heart
"Homecoming Heroes" 2013 — 136 Let's Be Still

Compilation appearances[]

  • "No One To Let You Down" (Sub Pop Records, Please To Enjoy: Terminal Sales Vol. 4 Sampler, 2011)[57]
  • "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" (Holidays Rule)[58]
  • "Don't Forget Me" (Sweetheart 2014)[59]

Notes[]

  1. ^ "Shake" did not enter the Rock Songs chart, but peaked at number 43 on the Rock Airplay chart.[53]
  2. ^ "Another Story" did not enter the Rock Songs chart, but peaked at number 39 on the Rock Digital Songs chart.[54]
  3. ^ "Rhythm & Blues" did not enter the Rock Songs chart, but peaked at number 41 on the Rock Airplay chart.[53]
  4. ^ "See You Through My Eyes" did not enter the Rock Songs chart, but peaked at number 44 on the Rock Airplay chart.[53]
  5. ^ "Rivers and Roads" did not enter the Rock Songs chart, but peaked at number 48 on the Rock Digital Songs chart.[54]

References[]

  1. ^ "The Head and the Heart Seattle Band Embraces Folk and Country". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 18, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  2. ^ "Warner Bros. Artists". Warner Bros. Records. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b "The Head and the Heart". Artists. Heavenly Recordings. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  4. ^ "Sub Pop Artists".
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b Levin, Hannah (September 14, 2010). "The Head And The Heart: Seattle's Next Big Band?". NPR. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  6. ^ Matson, Andrew (April 18, 2010). "Pitchfork pans The Head and the Heart: what does it mean?". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  7. ^ Messer, Kaylyn (May 11, 2010). "Interview: The Head and The Heart". Seattle Scenester. Archived from the original on April 23, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  8. ^ Caldwell, Maggie (October 7, 2013). "Such a Nice Band: The Head and the Heart". Mother Jones. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  9. ^ Lee, Brian (February 14, 2011). "Riffing // Tyler Williams of The Head and the Heart". Fighting Tinnitus. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  10. ^ "The Head and the Heart Video Premiere!!". Record Store Day. April 8, 2011. Archived from the original on April 10, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  11. ^ Zwickel, Jonathan (October 16, 2010). "The Seattle band The Head and the Heart prepares itself for something big". Seattle Times. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  12. ^ Zietz, Bekah (January 11, 2011). "It's Official: Sub Pop Records & The Head and the Heart are Totally Doing It". Sub Pop Records. Archived from the original on September 24, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  13. ^ Baumgarten, Mark (March 1, 2011). "Best New Bands Poll 2011". City Arts Online. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  14. ^ "Thursday's talk shows". Chicago Sun-Times. April 21, 2011. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b "Billboard Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
  16. ^ Joiner, James (August 6, 2013). "Q&A: The Head and the Heart on Their Next Album". Esquire.com. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  17. ^ Keong, Lori (August 5, 2013). "The Head and the Heart Unveil New Single "Shake"". Paste Magazine. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  18. ^ Reed, Ryan (October 8, 2013). "The Head and the Heart Reach Outward on 'Let's Be Still' - Premiere". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  19. ^ Monger, James. "All Music Review 'Let's Be Still'". All Music. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b "How Travel Shaped The Head and the Heart's 'Signs of Light'". Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  21. ^ "Catching up with The Head and the Heart, and a critique of the new album". August 26, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  22. ^ "Nirav Patel | Fine Art Wedding Photographer » matt-gervais-wedding". Niravpatelphotography.com. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  23. ^ "The Head and the Heart's Josiah Johnson Sits Out Tour to Battle Addiction". Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  24. ^ "Frontman Josiah Johnson taking hiatus from The Head and the Heart due to addiction issues". March 12, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  25. ^ "Live Review: The Head And The Heart – Red Rocks, Colorado". September 9, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  26. ^ "Review: Head and the Heart Hulk Up on Major Label Debut 'Signs of Light'". September 9, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  27. ^ "The Head and The Heart Announce New Album, Release 'All We Ever Knew' Single: Exclusive Premiere". Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  28. ^ "Listen to The Head and the Heart's New Single, "All We Ever Knew"". June 3, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  29. ^ "Coachella Line-Up Announced". The Head and the Heart. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  30. ^ "Here's what happened at the first day of Hinterland Music Festival". DesMoinesRegister.com. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  31. ^ "The Head and the Heart Announce New Album "Living Mirage", Out 5/17 via Warner/Reprise". Music News Net. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
  32. ^ "The Head and the Heart Announce 2019 Spring/Fall North American Tour". Music News Net. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
  33. ^ "Wait. We're working on 3 albums?".
  34. ^ "Beaver Falls Series 2 Soundtrack". Channel 4. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
  35. ^ "Audio-Files - The Head and The Heart". BYUtv. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  36. ^ "Corona Extra TV Commercial, 'Release' Song by The Head and the Heart". iSpot.tv. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  37. ^ "Music from The Night Shift". TuneFind. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  38. ^ "Music from Heartbeat Episode 0103". TuneFind. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  39. ^ "The Head and the Heart Detail their Unexpected Role in 'Roadies'". Radio.com. June 24, 2016. Archived from the original on November 1, 2016. Retrieved June 25, 2016.
  40. ^ "Roadies TV Show Main IMDB Page". IMDB.com. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  41. ^ Bowe, Miles (June 17, 2014). "Zach Braff's Wish I Was Here Soundtrack Tracklist Revealed". Stereogum.com. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  42. ^ "The Head and the Heart Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  43. ^ "The Head and the Heart Chart History: Canadian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  44. ^ "Discography The Head and the Heart". swedishcharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  45. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Gold & Platinum: The Head and The Heart". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  46. ^ de Barros, Paul (August 26, 2016). "Catching up with The Head and the Heart, and a critique of the new album". The Seattle Times.
  47. ^ "The Head an the Heart – Chart History: Adult Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  48. ^ "The Head and the Heart Chart History: Adult Top 40". Billboard. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  49. ^ "The Head and the Heart Chart History: Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  50. ^ Jump up to: a b "The Head and the Heart – Chart History: Hot Rock Songs". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  51. ^ Jump up to: a b "Discografie The Head and the Heart". ultratop.be (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  52. ^ "Canada Rock - Chart History: The Head and the Heart". Billboard. June 24, 2016. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  53. ^ Jump up to: a b c "The Head and the Heart – Chart History: Rock Airplay". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  54. ^ Jump up to: a b "The Head and the Heart – Chart History: Rock Digital Songs". Billboard. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  55. ^ "Don't Dream It's Over - Single by The Head and the Heart on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  56. ^ Martin, Montana (April 5, 2019). "The Head and The Heart Release Sugary New Track, "Honeybee"". Paste. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  57. ^ "Various Artists / Terminal Sales Vol. 4: Please to Enjoy". Mega Mart. Sub Pop Records. April 16, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  58. ^ "Holidays Rule". Holidays-rule.com. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  59. ^ "Press Release". Sweetheart.com. Retrieved February 4, 2016.

External links[]

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