Ed Roland Recalls First Two Collective Soul Albums, Discusses Writing the Next One

Ed Roland, front man and co-founder of the rock ‘n’ roll band, Collective Soul, simply loves writing songs. When his band’s first record, Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid, rocketed to No. 15 on the US Billboard 200 in 1993, the success didn’t mean Roland would soon be swimming in carnal pleasures. Rather, for the musician, it meant that he could afford to pay his rent and write more songs. Even today, amidst all that 2020 has thrown at the world – including the city of Atlanta, where Roland resides – the artist recently wrote and recorded a new record with his Collective Soul cohorts. He adores the process and that especially shows throughout the band’s first two records (Hints and its self-titled 1995 release), both of which will be reissued today on vinyl for the very first time.

“I grew up in a household of love, music, sports and discipline,” says Roland, with a charming southern accent. “And it was awesome!”