Page 124 - ION Indie Magazine MarchApril 2018 Issue

Harris is nothing short of a vocal phenom, and it’s clear that musical acumen is genetic in the Harris family,
as Sam’s older brother, Casey, is the keyboardist for the band – and he’s not working with the Casio
keyboard I used to tool around on when I was a kid. Casey plays a two-tiered Nord keyboard. His keyboard
skills are impressive on their own, but I can’t fail to mention that Casey is also legally blind.

“This is one of the first songs I ever wrote,” Sam Harris said, putting down the saxophone at the end of
the song “Low Life.” Casey began to play the cords to the song “Liotist.” Projecting crisp, clear head
sounds -- every vocal coach’s dream -- Harris sings drawing from the tips of his toes: “What have I done
with my heart on the floor…” Heart on the floor? Everyone’s jaws were on the floor as he belted out this
heart-breaking song about unrequited love.

Now that Sam Harris had our hearts in his hands, he gave them a healthy squeeze with the song
“Unsteady.” The crowd waved their hands and phones in the air. Harris held out the microphone as all
three stories of the House of Blues sang the chorus… “Hold onto me because I’m a little unsteady.”
Emotions ran high as the show streamed live to a feed outside being broadcast on Live Nation…no doubt
the fans at home felt like they were right there with us.

He chose the song “Unconsolable” to close out his third encore (if Harris was tired, he sure didn’t show
it). This was a perfect song with which to finish the evening, as this is the song that Harris credits for them
being recognized in the first place. In 2009, the band had started a Kickstarter account, adding the song
“Unconsolable.” At the same time, lead singer of Imagine Dragons Dan Reynolds was in the hospital
searching through music online when he stumbled upon the X Ambassadors. Reynolds contacted Harris,
inviting them to remix the song and join Imagine Dragons on their tour.

I can’t help but wonder if when the Harris brothers (along with the third band member and drummer,
Adam Levin) play “Unconsolable” to wrap a show, if they feel everything coming full circle. It’s how they
got their start…and now that is the song that closes out sold-out shows at venues all across the country.

Check out X Ambassadors at this site: https://www.xambassadors.com