In 2010, Virginia native Jonathan Russell and California transplant Josiah Johnson formed the core songwriting partnership of The Head and The Heart in their new hometown of Seattle. The band was quickly rounded out with the addition of drummer Tyler Williams, keyboardist Kenny Hensley, vocalist/violinist Charity Rose Thielen and bassist Chris Zasche. Their 2011 debut album on Sub Pop became one of the label’s best-selling debut releases to date. In a few short months The Head and The Heart went from playing open mic nights to selling out San Francisco’s Fillmore, Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, New York’s Terminal 5 and more, building a loyal fanbase across the country.
