Artist Biography

It was one of those relationships: One that starts with the all-night conversation, where there’s so much to talk about and so many commonalities it’s pretty freaky. You know the feeling; where the other person just gets it and you’re laughing and chain-smoking and the sun’s coming up but you’re not even tired and the rest of the world just seems a little bit better – because you’ve found the one.

When Erwin Herceg first spent one-on-one time with Dino Malito, he “went to Dino's just to hang out one Friday night, and didn't come home until Sunday,” says Erwin. At the end of that weekend, the two had a hangover, a demo and a new project: Captain Black Heart.

Erwin and Dino share similar influences, ranging from vintage Rod Stewart and Pink Floyd to Blind Melon and the Flaming Lips. But with distinct individual talents, Captain Black Heart’s music reflects the yin and yang of Erwin’s pensive lyrical musings to Dino’s ethereal musical compositions. In his lyrics, Erwin waxes philosophic about the dark side of the world – but offers a cautious-yet-hopeful counter to Dino’s affecting melodies, leave a lasting impression of their willful but open perspective.

Captain Black Heart’s self-titled debut EP also features a guest appearance by Bassist Juan Alderete of The Mars Volta who contributes to the track, “Bomb Shelter.” Erwin and Dino plan to continue a revolving door of collaborators on future records. For the two musicians, Captain Black Heart is a vehicle for working with others who share their vision: Love for the art of creating organic music, not love for the excesses of the industry.

Music Influences