When he's not contributing to St. Vincent, the Polyphonic Spree, or John Vanderslice's band, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Hart serves as the leader and chief songwriter for the Physics of Meaning. A classically trained violinist, Hart spent his youth practicing Bach sonatas and performing in local plays; he then discovered an enthusiasm for playwriting during college. The Physics of Meaning combined those two passions, mixing chamber pop orchestration with lyrical narratives and character sketches. With help from a rotating cast of musicians, Hart launched the North Carolina-based group in the mid-2000s with the release of a self-titled album. Tour dates followed, and the Physics of Meaning returned in 2008 with an orchestral album titled Snake Charmer and Destiny at the Stroke of Midnight. ~ Andrew Leahey