Individually, Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward may not be household names, but collectively, they are an Indie “Super Group!” Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward have enjoyed modest success in the entertainment industry, but their collaboration as “She & Him” has won them critical success. For that reason, this duo is the Artist of the Week.
Let’s face it, how many actors have put out horrible music? Tons! I can think of Eddie Murphy, Bruce Willis, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Love Hewit, to name a few. Oh yeah, and who can forget Joey Lawrence? The only one who I can think of to do this successfully is 30 Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto. Having said that, Deschanel can actually sing. She has been writing music for years, but when her movie career started to blossom, she shelved her musical aspirations, or so she thought!
The two were brought together by Director Martin Hynes, who asked them to record a song for an independent movie. The two immediately hit it off and Deschanel sent Ward some old demo tracks she had recorded. Ward liked what he heard and they decided to record a record together. What happened next was something the two of them did not expect!
She & Him: Volume 1 was released in 2008 and was well received by the public and the critics, including our very own editor Sara. You can read Sara’s full review by clicking here. The album mixes in some covers along with some new material. The album was so amazing that Paste Magazine named it Album of the Year in 2008. Although their album was highly successful, they only performed a handful of times together.
In March of this year, the band released their sophomore album, She & Him: Volume 2. Although it has only been out a few weeks, the album has also been well received. Click here to read Sara’s full review of Volume 2. Their success has prompted the duo to go out on the road and support the album, touring the U.S. and Europe. Not bad for an Indie Group!
What I like best about this band is that they are not going to write songs that will change the world. Their lyrics are not going to go into a deep philosophical state. Their music is fun! Their music is very reminiscent of the 70’s AM radio sound. If you wanna know their sound, close your eyes and imagine: Cruising to the beach, in the convertible, listening to AM radio. If that sounds good, then you’ll love this band!
In the world of Indie music, no group is bigger and hotter than She & Him (well maybe The Bird & The Bee). Coincidentally, She & Him will be performing with the Bird & The Bee at the Hollywood Bowl on July 18.
Top 5 Songs
2. In the Sun
3. Thieves
5. Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now
Useful Links
Cover & Free Download of “Fools Rush In”
