Casual Hearts

On first impression Casual Hearts might seem like a unique band, with a lot of chemistry boasting a lineup of 5 talented musicians that came together without a hitch. This first impression is quite accurate once you disregard the fact that members have had long journeys that crossed paths and ultimately lead to the band you know today. In late 2008 Chase Winters had become conflicted about the direction he would take his aspiring music career in. After six years of recording demos, selling discs, performing at showcases and consulting with independent label executives he decided he wanted to broaden the sound he started to create by forming a band. A band that would represent the voice of the average everyday person with a sound that would break genre barriers, a band that would be called Casual Hearts.
By working with others with the same goals and their own creative ideas it was a no-brainer that the sound would evolve into something phenomenal. After weeks of networking with other musicians rounding up a guitarist,bassist and drummer Chase was introduced to Jo Wright a local singer who had moved to New York from California. Although Jo wasn't involved in any projects he sang his whole life in school and church choirs with aspirations of one day finding an opportunity to showcase his vocal abilities so without hesitation he joined the band. Within 6 months Casual Hearts Recording their Debut EP Primetime Trauma with Rob Kissner at Media Recording Studios where Linkin Park, The Jonas Brothers and Twisted Sister previously recorded. Things started to look promising and they felt as if the band was complete, they couldn't be more wrong.
After months of playing it became more and more apparent that some individuals didn't have the passion for music to make the necessary sacrifices for it leaving Chase and Jo as the only steady members through several lineup changes that halted progress for the better half of 2009. Suddenly 2010 offered a ray of hope . Through one of the defunct members Andrew Ruiz was brought into the band to take over as the lead guitarist/songwriter and additional vocalist. Andrew Ruiz had been playing with local bands for several years and at the tender age of 16 he was invited to play with Peter Toh after impressing him with his astonishing guitar skills. This soon lead to Andrew temporarily playing for Jive Recording Artist Lil' Mama. After accomplishing that much in a short period of time Andrew decided that he wouldn't to be apart of project that he could call his own and eventually change music with.
It didn't take long for Andrew to decide that Casual Hearts was the ground-breaking project that he wanted to be a part of. Andrew recruited two members of his former band Spin Cinema that would become the rhythm section of the band. Bassist Jeff Yamada and Drummer Alex Ruiz. Alex Ruiz, Andrew's brother a wunderkind in his own right had came in 2nd place in the Crazy Donkey Drum Off at only 13 years old. His eclectic taste in music and drumming expertise was just what Casual Hearts needed. Jeff Yamada played in many various hardcore and pop-punk bands and when longtime friend Andrew asked him to join the band he took a liking to the sound and joined after two rehearsal with the band.
The chemistry in band was undeniable and finally the band had things in place to embark on their journey to make an impact on Rock/Popular music. Launching their online series of short videos, writing new music and doing guerrilla marketing unlike any other things started to take a turn for the better. But what's any journey without roadblocks? After performing a few shows including one with national touring act Patent Pending Andrew had to get radial head replacement surgery on his elbow due to repetitive strain on his arm . But as they say road blocks are created to separate the ones who want it from the ones who don't. Despite the setback Andrew struggled through the affliction and redeemed playing with the band only a few months after surgery despite his doctors warnings.
Today Casual Hearts continues to play and continues to push through all obstacles to in order to secure their spot as one of Rocks premiere acts. Currently playing venues in New York City as well as in their Hometown of Long Island, NY with plans of touring this year Casual Hearts continue to impress crowds and executives with their unique brand of Rock. With influences ranging from Hardcore and everything between to mainstream pop Casual Hearts provides a sound that will advance and make a serious impact music in the upcoming years.