“Composed largely of transplants to the Seattle area, The Head and the Heart write and play songs that speak to the newness of a fresh start, of the ghosts left behind, of moving forward, all brimming with a soulfulness and hope for a better life than the one we’ve all been sold. Stylistically, think a folksy Beatles or Crosby Stills Nash & Young with more instrumental force. Catchy piano melodies stand side by side with a tight trio of harmonies, and solid minimalist drums, groovin bass, and plenty of hand percussion and foot stomps make the live show inspiring and really goddamn fun. The band’s eponymous first album was self-released at the end of June 2010.”
The band return to Pittsburgh tonight headlining Mr. Small’s with support from Lost in the Trees. My thanks to Josiah Johnson (Guitar/Vocals/Percussion) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
- The first album you ever bought?
- No idea. Probably some contemporary Christian thing when I was too sheltered to know where the good music was.
- Your last album bought?
- Bahamas, “Barchords”. Just found out about these guys when we shared a stage at Winnipeg Folk Fest and developed a huge band crush on them over the weekend. So now the album is all I’m listening to.
- Favorite album of all time?
- Radiohead, “In Rainbows”.
- Least favorite/most disappointing album?
- In recent memory, I loved Adele’s two singles then bought the album to find that the rest of it seemed to be ignored by the producer and turned out kinda boring. Nothing on her, just one of those albums where only a couple songs got the full production treatment.
- First concert attended?
- Probably some punk/emo concert in Orange County in high school.
- Last concert?
- Bahamas at Winnipeg Folk Fest, 2012. Incredible. Check them out. As I said, fell in love at first watch.
- Favorite concert ever?
- Sigur Ros at Hollywood Bowl.
- Least favorite concert?
- Bob Dylan at Seattle’s Bumbershoot, 2010. He just seemed like he’s stopped caring.
- Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
- The record shop in Millvale totally rules. Looking forward to going back.
Thanks, Josiah. When I saw you play last, your album wasn’t even out yet. So glad good things are happening with your band!