Artists of the Day: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Okay, I’ll admit, at first glance Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros resemble something of the Partridge Family—a cooler, more musically inclined Partridge Family. Hailing from L.A., Edward & Co. was formed by Alex Ebert, the vocalist from Ima Robot. Ebert met Jade Castrinos online and the two birthed eight children and decided to take them on the road to spread their musical glee across the country.

The 10 -piece band produces a full-body psychedelic folk rock sound that reminds people of a time when music was analogue and Nixon reined the land.


In “Home,” the dialog between Ebert and Castrinos bears a resemblance to the down- home goodness found in Prairie Home Companion. Here they are on Letterman.



They released their first studio album, Up From Below, on Vagrant Records in July and has ruled the L.A. music scene since.

The clan’s biggest feat by far is their compelling live shows. With 13, beautiful people on stage dancing around in a whimsical motion, you’d have to be Cruelle De Vil not to sing and dance along. (And I think even she would find herself tapping that cigarette of hers to the beat of Jade’s tambourine.)

Edward and his Magnetic Zeros are currently on tour across the country and making their way to Athens on November 11 to offer up an unforgettable spiritual experience at the 40 Watt Club.

Until then, I’ll be inquiring to see if they need one mean harmonica player.

Ed. Note:  Look for a full length spotlight of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros in our Dec. 1 issue.


Who's Who:Alex Ebert : Vocals, Guitar, Percussion, Piano

Jade Castrinos: Vocals, Percussion, Keys, Dance
Nico Aglietti: Guitar, Synthesizer, Keys, Vocals
Christian Letts : Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals, Percussion
Stewart Cole: Trumpet, Percussion, Keys, Tenor ukulele, Vocals
Tay Strathairn: Piano, Vocals
Aaron Older : Bass, Vocals, Banjo, Percussion
Josh Collazo : Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Orpheo McCord: Percussion, Vocals
Nora Kirkpatrick: Accordion, Vocals

Latest Release: Up From Below

Label: Vagrant

Website: http://www.myspace.com/edwardsharpe
http://www.edwardsharpeandthemagneticzeros.com/

--Ashley Thompson


Currently listening to “Kisses Over Babylon” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

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