It all began with a psychedelic story. Edward Sharpe was a character that Alex Ebert developed during his stint in a 12 step addiction program. In an interview with Paste magazine, Ebert explained that the story was about this Jesus-esque persona being sent down to save the Earth but instead becoming troubled by women and love. Soon enough, this persona became Alex Ebert and thus Edward Sharpe was born.

 

But what would be of Edward without his Magnetic Zeros? Such questions were answered once Alex met Jade Castrinos, the other half to his lead vocals. Alex and Jade’s voices flow seamlessly together in a way that gives their songs a hint of innocent hippie love, yet enough soul to reassure the listener that they’re more than just a big band of folk crazies. Together, along with Nico Aglietti (guitar, keyboards, vocals, synthesizer), Nora Kirkpatrick (accordion, vocals), Christian Letts (guitar, vocals), Josh Collazo (drums, percussion, vocals), Orpheo McCord (percussion, vocals), Stewart Cole (percussion, trumpet, ukulele, vocals), Tay Strathairn (piano, vocals) and Aaron Older (bass, banjo, vocals, percussion), the Zeros were formed.

With the instrumental help of about eight others, the band recorded and released their debut album Up From Below in July of last year. On Examiner.com, Ebert listed Bob Dylan and other artists from the 60’s era as influences for him while he was writing the album. Up From Below has graced our ears with such lovelies as “Home,” “Janglin” and, one of my favorites, “40 Day Dream.” You’ve more than likely heard “Janglin” on that random Ford Fiesta commercial when you were busy stuffing your face with Cheetos and smearing the orangy goodness all over your shirt. Though I normally only like to hear my favorite music coming from my actual car and not by way of advertising, it shows that even Ford realizes the talent that is Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

For a totally different sound, look into Ebert’s other musical endeavor Ima Robot. Even though it doesn’t appear as though we’ll be getting too much new stuff from Ima Robot, other than the upcoming Another Man‘s Treasure, what they’ve created so far offers you the opposite of what Edward Sharpe does.

For Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros tour dates, a download of the deluxe edition of Up From Below, and to view their two part musical “Desert Song” visit their Myspace.