a photo of Swedey lead singer, guitarist, and chief songwriter Zachariah Whiton
Zach Whiton is the lead guitarist, vocalist, and primary songwriter for Swedey, bringing a deeply melodic, effects-soaked style that sits at the heart of the band’s grungegaze sound. He’s been playing music since he was in the single digits, steadily building a voice shaped by years in the Longview and Portland scenes.

A prolific writer, Zach has been both a constant and a collaborator across multiple projects over the years, including 1776 and CHAD. Now in his early 30s, Swedey marks his first fully committed effort to organize a band around a clear artistic vision, aiming to create something intentional and resonant rather than just chasing the next gig.

Outside of music, he works at Cloud 9 Farms, staying closely connected to the cannabis world that overlaps naturally with the band’s culture and community.

a picture of Swedey drummer Charles "Chuck" Hendrickson
Charles “Chuck” Hendrickson is the drummer for Swedey, anchoring the band’s grungegaze sound with a steady, expressive style that balances power and restraint. A multi-instrumentalist in his early 40s, Chuck brings decades of musical experience shaped by the Longview, Washington scene, including his time in the band Doubleday Vine.

Beyond music, Chuck is the founder of the nonprofit Love Overwhelming, reflecting a commitment to community that carries into everything he does. Based in Longview with his family, he rounds out Swedey with a grounded presence and a deep sense of purpose behind the kit.

a photo of Kevin Heiderich, bassist of Swedey
Kevin Heiderich is a bassist for Swedey, blending heavy low-end groove with the hazy textures and raw edge that define the band’s sound. He first came up in the Pacific Northwest music scene as a teenager on Mercer Island, playing in The Alimonies and cutting his teeth on loud guitars, DIY shows, and a deep love for alternative rock.

A Navy veteran, Kevin carries that discipline into his music and creative work, helping drive Swedey’s steady presence in the regional scene. Offstage, he’s known as a cannabis industry operator and advocate, co-owning House of Cannabis and pushing for a more community-focused, normalized approach to cannabis culture.

At his core, Kevin is an eternal rocker, equally at home onstage, behind the scenes, or building something from the ground up.