While they might not always be visible, things are rarely quiet in the world of Collective Soul.
The Atlanta band known for its numerous rock hits in the '90s (“December,” “Shine,” “Heavy,” “The World I Know”) is also regarded for its frequent charitable contributions around town -- particularly singer Ed Roland’s annual Christmas event plotted with Eddie Owen of Eddie’s Attic fame.
On Saturday, Roland and the rest of Collective Soul -- guitarist Dean Roland, bassist Will Turpin, drummer Cheney Brannon and guitarist Joel Kosche -- will perform at the “Evening of Inspiration” fundraiser in conjunction with the Ian’s Friends Foundation to benefit pediatric brain tumor research.
Ed Roland met Phil Yagoda a few months ago and learned about his son, Ian, 8, who suffers from a brain tumor. After hearing about the work being done to battle pediatric brain cancer, Roland offered to perform at the benefit (ticket info available at www.iansfriendsfoundation.com).
In addition to Collective Soul’s performance, Roland’s new band, Sweet Tea Project, will play, as will Turpin and Kosche from their respective solo projects.
Last week, Roland talked about his new project and the future of Collective Soul.
Q. Tell me about your involvement with Ian and his foundation.
A. Ian is just full of life. He's such an old soul, you would think he's 17. He's amazing. So I asked Phil what I could do, and he mentioned this benefit. We didn't do an Atlanta show this year, and it's the last show Collective Soul will do this year. But it's so inspiring to see Ian. He doesn't miss a moment of life.
Q. So what’s going on with the Sweet Tea Project?
A. I came home to start the new Collective Soul record and I had a lot of songs that I wouldn't even approach the guys with [for the band]. Musicians and friends around town would come over and jam, and it started as friends hanging around the house and it took on a new life.
Q. How would you describe these songs in contrast to Collective Soul?
A. They're a little more alterna-country, though I hate describing it that way. The instrumentation is different. There's slide guitar, banjo. You wouldn't hear banjo on a Collective Soul record. It has a Traveling Wilburys vibe.
Q. All of you now have side projects. Does that mean Collective Soul is done?
A. Not at all. We've been doing this for 19 years and 18 of them nonstop. We really just looked at each other and felt it was time for a break. It will be extremely healthy for us. These guys, it's the longest relationship I've ever had. Of course my brother and I are stuck with each other, but we're all still friends and see each other quite often. The next record is written, and we'll record it next year. It's a good thing that everybody has their own little thing.
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