Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is an American folk rock band established in Los Angeles, California, in 2005. The group was led by singer Alex Ebert, who developed the persona of Edward Sharpe based on a story he wrote in his youth about a messianic figure. Drawing inspiration from roots rock, folk, gospel, and psychedelic music, the band’s image and sound harken back to the hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Their debut live performance took place on July 18, 2007, at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.

The band’s inaugural studio album, “Up from Below,” was released on July 7, 2009, through Community Records. This album featured the popular single “Home,” which significantly contributed to their early recognition. Following the success of their debut, the group released their second full-length album, “Here,” on May 29, 2012, further solidifying their presence in the indie-folk scene. Their self-titled third album, “Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros,” came out on July 23, 2013. In 2014, founding member Jade Castrinos departed from the band, marking a notable change in their lineup. Despite this, the band continued to produce music, releasing their fourth studio album, “PersonA,” in April 2016.

Over the years, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros have been known for their collaborative spirit and engagement with audiences, often inviting individuals onstage during performances. Beyond their musical endeavors, the band demonstrated a commitment to social causes through Big Sun, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding and developing co-ops and land trusts in urban areas. In 2016, Big Sun made a substantial donation of $100,000 to Avalon Village in Highland Park, Michigan, supporting community development projects.