Convo with Collective Soul

Collective Soul’s 30-year success story is attributed to penetrating songwriting by vocalist Ed Roland along with impeccable band chemistry of his brother Dean Roland (rhythm guitar), Will Turpin (bass), Jesse Triplett (lead guitar) and Johnny Rabb (drums). The multiplatinum-selling Georgia rockers set the bar high in 1993 with their debut record Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid, which featured the No. 1 rock song, “Shine.” But that was only the beginning. Nearly a dozen more sing-a-long chart-toppers followed including “December,” “There World I Know,” “Where the River Flows,” “Precious Declaration,” “Listen,” “Run” and “Heavy.”

Last year, Collective Soul released their 11th studio album, Vibrating, that contains 42 minutes of artistic spirit recorded in Elvis Presley’s Palm Springs home that positively pulsate with the boundless energy from a band wholly uninterested in sitting still.

Ahead of their July 22 performance at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Turpin spoke with The Examiner about the secret sauce of how the band continues to both record and play together at an uncompromised level of high quality.

Read the highlights from the transcript below or listen to the audio:

The band’s debut single, “Shine,” was a massive hit. Did you have any indication before the song was released that it would be that special?
We were young back then, and we knew we had a big hit, because it was the No. 1 rock song in the U.S., but we were actually looking ahead. After it went No. 1, we knew we had our foot in the door, so we wanted to prove to people that the band had real depth. Though we didn’t have any clue that we would have another No. 1 song, which we did the following year with “December.” It showed how serious we were about our craft. 

Any added pressures after the instant success?
That’s a really good question. We got signed to Atlantic Records because we sold 35,000 copies of an album on an independent label in Atlanta, Georgia. They took that record and put their stamp on it. You’re only as good as your next single, because that’s what you did back then. You kept your eyes on the radio charts. We didn’t feel any pressure because we felt like we had the right ideas. 

What has been the secret of the band’s successful longevity?
The mentality of the band and Ed’s gift of songwriting.

How has the band be able to avoid band member changes?
We definitely have the behind the music stories after 30 years together, but I literally don’t have a memory without knowing who Ed and Dean were. Going to church at a young age, their father was music minister/associate pastor at my church. You combine that with the fact that we genuinely love each other. 

The new album, Vibrating, has ties to Elvis. How did that come about?
It was through friend of a friend. We spent an entire month there recording. They were renovating, but a lot of the house was still the same as it was in 1970 – pink tile in the bathroom, the pool and the “Red Carpet Room.” The acoustic tiles that RCA Records installed for him were still there. We had a blast. We found that vibe again. This acumen sprung from the fact we all had studio experience and we knew how to create a song. If it doesn’t capture a special vibe or feeling, then you really don’t have anything. If you can’t get the emotion and the lyrics, you aren’t going to have much.

What is the importance of new music?
It’s part of our blood. We love playing live. The time on stage is what we crave and we love creating new music. I don’t know why more bands don’t create new music. I’m glad it’s not us. It gets our heart pumping. It’s completely natural with Collective Soul. It’s just what we do. 

With 11 albums, how do you manage to put together a perfect setlist for live shows?
It’s a great problem to have. Any given night, there isn’t going to be a No. 1 rock song, and currently we don’t have “Listen” on set. That was a No. 1 song for us. How many bands leave off No. 1 songs? We do want to please the fans, so we also are able to throw in some deeper cuts. It’s more about the feel of the show. We don’t look at it mechanically. We’ve been extending some songs, too. “December” is one of my favorites to play live. There is a part where me, Jesse and Johnny are doing some really cool and rhythmical stuff. “Better Now” has some solo sections. 

Why has Collective Soul’s fanbase been so loyal?
It’s the strength of the songs and I really do think there is magic in our chemistry. We focus on the emotion. When we know the direction that the song is going, we check into that emotion early. Whether it’s a style, rhythming or calm/aggressive. You can’t draw this up. If you could, I would write a book about it. Once the song gets going, I open my ears and heart to find the perfect vibe.

What: Collective Soul
When: Saturday, July 22, 8 p.m..
Where: Golden Nugget Lake Charles, Louisiana
Tickets: $35-$50 @ goldennugget.com/lake-charles/entertainment/

Chad Cooper is the Entertainment Editor. Contact cooper@theexaminer.com