The Head and The Heart announced that its sixth studio album, “Aperture,” will be released May 9. The new album is the group’s first self-produced album since their self-titled debut. As said by drummer Tyler Williams, “Aperture” is a “journey between light, dark and all of the emotions in between as we grow as people, become more open and let the light in.”
As the group decided to go back to their roots and self-produce the new album, many of the band members found the experience to be a transition in terms of their relationships with each other, as well as a new step for the band’s musical creation process.
“Allowing ourselves to be more vulnerable and as open as possible was our primary intention when creating this record,” lead singer Johnathon Russel said.
The Head and The Heart split their time between locations in Richmond, Virginia, as well as their hometown of Seattle over the last two years while creating this project. When asked about the creation process of this album, Williams explained how equal each band member is when it comes to production and songwriting.
“When we all come together we have created something that is truly greater than the sum of its parts,” Williams added.
He shared how natural this process felt compared to working with outside producers that want to “force a solution for the musical problem onto us rather than sit back and let it get naturally solved.”
With the upcoming release of “Aperture,” members of The Head and The Heart feel like the album is a new beginning for the collective, with endless possibilities for the future. When asked about what is next to come for the group, pianist Kenley Hensley put it best.
“This new found collaborative world is really exciting and it really feels like a fresh start for the band.”
With the band's new approach to how they make music, it is safe to say they are more enthusiastic than ever even after 15 years together.
The band’s lead single “After The Setting Sun,” a track that details the pain associated with growth and the uncertainty of new experiences, is available now. The band is also going on tour for the album this summer, beginning on May 31. For every ticket sold to the “Aperture Tour,” The Head and The Heart will be donating $1 to the band’s Rivers and Roads Foundation, which raises money for local music programs and initiatives in Seattle. The band is making stops across America and heading to Phoenix on Sept. 30 at Arizona Financial Theatre.