Book The Head and the Heart

Seattle's The Head and the Heart are an indie folk band known for lush harmonies, heartfelt songwriting and a devoted live following. The group took shape in Seattle in the summer of 2009, when Josiah Johnson and Jonathan Russell began crossing paths at open mic nights at the Conor Byrne pub in Ballard. Pianist Kenny Hensley and violinist and singer Charity Rose Thielen soon joined, drummer Tyler Williams moved from Richmond, Virginia, after hearing Russell's demo of "Down In The Valley", and bassist Chris Zasche, then tending bar at the Conor Byrne, completed the original lineup. The band's name reflects the pull between a sensible career and a musical calling. In their earliest days they sold self-burned copies of their debut record in handmade denim sleeves at shows. Today the band includes Russell, Thielen, Zasche, Hensley, Williams and guitarist and vocalist Matt Gervais, and they record for Verve Records. They have released six albums, the latest being Aperture, which came out on May 9, 2025. In concert, The Head and the Heart pair layered vocals and violin with rousing folk-pop choruses, creating a warm, communal experience that turns a crowd into a choir.