Heart & Soul Radio

Biography:

Heart & Soul Radio formed in March of 2009 out of the ashes of the former bands, Animo® and DORK®. After years of surviving a “VH1’s Behind The Music” lifestyle, Brian Johannsen, Jimmy Blair and Schuyler Ankele have overcome all the odds and continue to be one of the most creative and prolific modern rock bands.

These rock n’ roll veterans have experienced drawn out band breakups, major label record deals falling through in the final hour, the tragic passing of band members, drug addiction, alcoholism, groupies, international touring and radio play, stadium shows in front of tens of thousands of people, and gaining one of the most intense and passionate fan bases in rock n’ roll. Through every up and down, trial and tribulation, one thing rang true: the music.

Heart & Soul Radio has given this ragtag group of friends a medium to do things their own way and on their own terms. Coming together purely for their love of rock, they have matured into some of the industries best songwriters and musicians. Combining brash opinioned rally cries and introspective intricate ballads, Heart & Soul Radio has perfectly balanced themselves for radio singles and electric live performances.

Living up to their title as the “ultimate DIY kids” dubbed by Kevin Lyman, Brian is a highly accredited producer and engineer who gained his master’s degree in recording arts from CU Denver. The band’s ability to cut new tracks as they write has proven instrumental to their independent success.

What started out as clever lyrics to pay tribute to the great Bouncing Souls has transformed into the band’s motto: “No, we’re not letting up. No, we’re not giving in. Now we can’t let it go, Heart & Soul Radio!”

Press Quotes:

“What happens when a bunch of renown pop punk doofuses suddenly grow up and start writing earnest, meaningful songs? In the case of Heart & Soul Radio, the act has emerged with a batch substantive tunes that are as compelling as they are tuneful... Although all three of the tracks from the Homeland Insecurity EP are noteworthy, our favorite of the bunch is "E.P.I.C.," a song dealing with trying to keep your head above water in the midst of this soul-crushing economy, whose soaring chorus recalls the best moments of Jimmy Eat Word.” - Westword September 2009

Jimmy and Brian "hung out backstage and showed off why the female fans went crazy for them during their breakout set. They're one of a number of bands picking up a great deal of buzz on this Warped Tour” - Rolling Stone.com July 2008

They "remind me of everything I missed in punk rock. These guys are a mix of Unwritten Law, NOFX, and old Blink with catchy riffs as well as catchy and melodic choruses. Why these dudes aren't signed is beyond me, because these (songs) are awesome!” - Guestlist Magazine July 2008

"Channels a high-minded brand of punk that blends raw aggression with strong musicianship and pop sensibilities" – Boulder Daily Camera June 2008

Here's Some Things They've Done As Songwriters:

★ Played over 500 shows all over North America, including the entire Vans Warped Tour in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

★ They've had songs appear on MTV, FUSETV, and the movie American Pie Presents: Band Camp.

★ In January 2007 Jimmy had a drumhead inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as part of the Vans Warped Tour display. They are also featured in the video that accompanies the display.

★ Song placed #2 on Billboard Heat Seekers charts.

★ In December 2006 "Songwriting for Dummies" was selected as the best song by Clear Channel in a radio contest.

★ Art Director, Arturo Vega