The Heat Run

The Heat Run is an indie-groove-folk collective based in Philadelphia. Brothers Mike and Steve Schaller began their musical collaboration as Oso, but it evolved into something new that demanded a new name and a fresh start when Steve introduced his brother to Ms. Mandy Shearer, an old friend from Virginia. A musical and romantic connection was immediate and they began churning out a bountiful harvest of new material that drew inspiration from the classic outlaw country, bluegrass, and soul records in Mandy’s record collection as well as the indie, surf, dub, and psychedelic rock in Mike’s. The now married couple introduced the batch of songs to the other members of Oso (including bassist Mike Gordon and drummer Josh Fullam) and the soulful, foot-stomping, hand clapping, group sing-a-longs that define The Heat Run’s music ensued.

The lineup further expanded to include multi-instrumentalists Frank Ewing, Ben Trout, Mark Henderson and Tina Marie and now stretches from Southeastern Pennsylvania to Southwestern Virginia. The crew has been meeting for regular revivals in Roanoke, Richmond, Philadelphia, and upstate New York. The Heat Run’s self-titled debut album was recorded in warehouses, churches, garages, basements, bedrooms, closets, and backyards throughout the Philadelphia area and is due for release in 2011.