Jade Castrinos built her name as the soulful female voice of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the indie-folk band that turned heads with its 2009 hit “Home.” Her warm duet vocals with frontman Alex Ebert made the song a generation-defining anthem, yet her story goes far beyond one track. From a childhood spent playing music with her father to a dramatic band split and a quiet solo career, Castrinos remains one of the most talked-about figures in modern folk-rock. This article looks at her background, her rise with the band, her departure, and where she stands today.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Jade Castrinos was born in St. Petersburg, part of Los Angeles, California, and lived in Treasure Island until age three. Her father, George Castrinos, played in a band called The Black Cherrys, and music filled her home from the start. Her parents separated when she was five, and her mother raised Jade and her younger siblings alone.
By age 11, Jade was already writing songs and performing alongside her father’s band. She later described this period as life-changing, saying it shaped her love for songwriting and live performance. This early exposure to the stage gave her the confidence and skill she would later bring to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
Meeting Alex Ebert and Forming the Band
Castrinos met singer Alex Ebert in 2007 outside a Los Angeles cafe. The two quickly bonded over music and began writing songs together, eventually joining an arts collective called The Masses. This creative partnership grew into Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, a folk-rock group built around Ebert’s alter ego and Castrinos’s distinctive voice.
The band released its debut album, Up from Below, in 2009, featuring the single “Home.” The song’s playful lyrics and heartfelt duet vocals turned it into the band’s signature hit and one of the most recognizable indie songs of the era. For years, Ebert and Castrinos formed the singing core of the group, touring widely and appearing on major stages, including the popular Railroad Revival Tour with Mumford & Sons.
Rise to Fame with “Home”
“Home” became more than a song. It captured a specific cultural moment, blending hippie-inspired imagery with genuine romantic chemistry between its two singers. The track’s popularity grew through radio play, licensing deals, and later a viral resurgence on social media platforms decades after its release.
Castrinos and Ebert’s real-life relationship added emotional weight to the performance, and fans often noted the natural chemistry between them during live shows. This connection helped the band build a loyal following throughout the early 2010s, even as its lineup shifted and grew to include as many as ten members.
The Controversial Band Exit
In 2014, fans were shocked to learn that Castrinos would not join the band’s upcoming tour. She addressed the situation directly on Instagram, writing that she had sung and written music with the band for seven years before being voted off the tour through an email. The post spread quickly before she deleted it.
Ebert responded briefly on Facebook but also removed his comment soon after. Nearly a year later, the band clarified on social media that Castrinos had quit rather than been fired, stating they had only asked her to skip one tour. Castrinos never publicly disputed this version in detail, and the exact truth behind the split remains debated among fans to this day.
Life After the Band
Following her exit, Castrinos moved into a solo career and began performing under her own name. She released a debut EP in 2016 and has since put out several singles while continuing to tour independently. Unlike her former bandmates, she has kept a lower public profile, staying largely off social media.
Her most notable post-band project came in 2019, when she appeared in the documentary Echo in the Canyon, which explores the 1960s Laurel Canyon music scene. She served as featured vocalist on the soundtrack, singing a cover of “Go Where You Wanna Go” alongside Jakob Dylan. The pair later performed the song, along with “Dedicated to the One I Love,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote the film.
Where Is Jade Castrinos Now
Today, Castrinos continues to work as an independent musician, performing at venues across the country and occasionally collaborating with other artists. She has largely stepped away from the spotlight compared to her Edward Sharpe days, choosing a quieter path focused on songwriting and live shows rather than mainstream promotion.
Meanwhile, Alex Ebert has pursued his own solo work under the name Alexander and later wrote music for the Broadway adaptation of SpongeBob SquarePants, earning a Tony nomination. The two have not publicly reunited on stage since her 2014 departure, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros itself disbanded in 2016.
Conclusion
Jade Castrinos remains a defining voice of the indie-folk movement thanks to her work on “Home” and her years with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Her path since 2014 shows an artist who values music over fame, choosing solo projects and select collaborations over the spotlight. Her story continues to resonate with fans who grew up on that one unforgettable song.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jade Castrinos?
Jade Castrinos is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the female lead vocalist of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
Why did Jade Castrinos leave Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros?
She left in 2014 after a dispute over touring. She claimed she was voted off the tour, while the band later said she quit after being asked to skip one tour.
What happened to Jade Castrinos after leaving the band?
She became a solo artist, released a debut EP in 2016, and has continued releasing singles and performing live shows independently.
Did Jade Castrinos and Alex Ebert date?
Yes, the two were in a relationship when the band formed and co-wrote “Home” together, though they later separated.
Is Jade Castrinos still making music?
Yes, she continues to perform and release music as an independent solo artist, though she keeps a much lower public profile than during her band years.
