The music is real. The songs are genuine. And as a result, the fans have come naturally. Young Cardinals is a band from Raleigh, N.C., drawing influence from all the dirty-grungy-awesomeness found in acts like Radiohead, Deftones, The Verve, and Tom Waits.The band's EP, due out in June 2011, is a collaboration with producer Mike Garrigan (of the bands Athenaeum and Collapsis) and recording mastermind Mitch Easter, who has worked with artists including R.E.M., Pavement, and Suzanne Vega. Singer/songwriter James Forgey got his start playing acoustic in college dive bars across the South. In addition to his music, Forgey is also known for his contributions as both an actor and a songwriter in several successful indie films, including “The 27 Club," in which he co-starred with actor Joe Anderson ("Across the Universe" and "The Crazies"). In 2010, Forgey teamed up with Idaho-natives Sam Branstetter (bass) and Marcus Matile (drums), who both relocated to North Carolina to finalize the rhythm section of Young Cardinals.By early 2011, the trio had caught the attention of NC-based management firm Deep South Entertainment and were signed to the company shortly thereafter, joining a roster of artists including Vienna Teng, Marcy Playground, Michael Sweet of Stryper, and Tres Chicas.