Cardinals started as the brainchild of vocalist Emily Ronna and guitarist CJ Rarela while studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. While originally a five-piece under the moniker Tighticus Finch, graduation proved to be more of a hurdle than a blessing as different members of the band went their separate ways. Knowing that singing about their problems and head-banging so hard their necks hurt was all Rarela and Ronna ever wanted, they decided to start over. Hence, Cardinals was born.

In order to save money, Ronna moved in with Rarela and his family in Marlboro, New Jersey where they teamed up with second guitarist Artie Lee, bassist Matt Herman, and drummer PJ Corallo, another Berklee classmate. Armed with a new band, a darker sound reflective of the 20-something struggles, and newly recorded songs that sit under them like an overstuffed suitcase, Cardinals is ready to properly introduce themselves. It’s nice to meet you.