The Hardy Brothers have been a part of Utah’s vibrant music scene for over a decade. Founded in 2012 by James Hardy and his three brothers, the band has evolved into a dynamic ensemble that blends rock, reggae, and folk influences. With roots in the Mountain West, James credits the region’s cultural diversity for shaping their eclectic sound. “The mix of cultures here has always influenced our music,” he shares. “The genres that we like to create are all over the map and we love the diversity of music in the Mountain West.”
Today, the band includes James Hardy on vocals and guitar, Maddison Cassita on vocals, Conor Papineau on guitar, Justus Craigle on bass, Tony Tuitupou on drums, Jared Ramos on trombone, Matt Pizza on percussion, and Skip and Zach Hardy as studio musicians and engineers. Together, they create music that resonates deeply with their audiences, both locally and beyond.
There are many local spots where the band loves to perform. From the lively Gracies Bar in Downtown Salt Lake City to the intimate settings of The Hog Wallow and Riverhorse, each venue offers a unique connection to their fans. "I love the relationships I've been able to create with the local owners of the venues and having our community come show up," says James. Sundance Mountain Resort holds a special place in the band’s journey. Having played there since their early days, James describes it as “a homecoming.” He fondly recalls annual performances and memorable encounters, including meeting David and Coco, a couple who became lifelong friends. "We had been performing at Sundance for about a year and we noticed this couple at every show and always so tuned into our music," says James. "One day we went up to them to start a conversation and to this day we are the best of friends." David, a musician himself, later started his own band, The Dead Cowboys, and now performs alongside The Hardy Brothers. Such connections highlight the deep sense of community the band fosters through their music.
The Hardy Brothers are not confined by genre. While they identify as a rock/reggae band, their upcoming album features a blend of styles, reflecting their diverse influences. One of their anticipated 2025 releases, “Lady Moon,” is a folk-rock ballad inspired by a camping trip under a full moon in Utah’s red rock desert. "We love going camping in the desert and it was one of those nights where we were all around the campfire and that full moon was coming up over the desert." Another single, “In Your Favor,” carries an uplifting message: “Just remember, the universe is conspiring in your favor.” James hopes their music spreads a message of positivity and enlightenment, echoing the “one love” ethos from one of his biggest inspirations, Bob Marley.
The band has also been a proud participant in the Zion Reggae Festival, a celebrated event that showcases the best reggae talent in the region. Their performance at the festival has become a highlight of their career, connecting them with reggae enthusiasts and introducing their music to broader audiences. “It was unbelievable to be a part of The Zion Reggae Fest, they did such a great job at having National headline acts but then also a ton of local acts and having everyone be a part of a multi-day festival" recalls James.
Reggae’s connection to the Salt Lake Valley is deeply rooted in the region’s cultural history. Salt Lake has strong ties to the Mormon Church and James believes that their connection to Polynesian communities is what brought reggae’s rhythmic beats and positive vibes to Utah. “When I was growing up, you could feel the spread of Bob Marley across the valley,” he recalls. This cultural tapestry continues to inspire The Hardy Brothers’ music.
James’ passion for music extends beyond performing. He teaches music at a therapeutic boarding school for teenage boys, using his songs to inspire and empower. “Life is a rollercoaster, and you have to actively practice your happiness,” he says. This philosophy informs his teaching and songwriting, creating a meaningful connection with his students and fans.
With new music on the horizon, The Hardy Brothers are poised to continue their journey of spreading joy and unity through their art. James is excited to release new music in 2025 and announces that each song will be presented individually as a "jewel," that has been crafted with care and attention. In the meantime while you wait for The Hardy Brothers latest music releases, we present to you The James Hardy Playlist. A curation of six songs hand-picked by James that highlight some of the band's best work alongside local talents that they admire.
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“Pura Vida” by The Hardy Brothers
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“Everything’s Right” by Sun Divide
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“Fly Away” by The Red Rock Rhythm
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“Reggae Love” by Herban Empire
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“Can’t Stop the Feelin’” by The Hardy Brothers
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“‘706’” by The Dead Cowboys
“Life is a rollercoaster, and you have to actively practice your happiness.” -James Hardy