Dean Roland - Interviewed

-Mitch West

Johnny Rabb (drums/background vocals), Ed Roland (vocals/guitar), Jesse Triplett (lead guitar/background vocals), Will Turpin (bass/background vocals), Dean Roland (rhythm guitar) Photo Credit: Jennifer Troche Walsh

Collective Soul's Dean Roland Talks Music Origins, New Album and Future Plans

Growing up in a Southern Baptist household, his father was a minister, Collective Soul guitarist Dean Roland's earliest musical influences came from gospel. But it was the sounds of INXS, The Police, and Psychedelic Furs that helped shape his musical journey in the 1980s.

"Music was always just a part of it," Roland said. "I was in high school band, played piano a little bit. One day, I just decided that guitar was the one I'd lock into."

The band's journey has been marked by significant moments, including tours with Aerosmith and Van Halen, performances at both Woodstock festivals, and a collaboration with Elton John. "There's been a bunch of pinch-me moments that wouldn't have existed," Roland reflected.

Their latest album, "Here to Eternity," was recorded at Elvis Presley's Palm Springs estate, an opportunity that came through friends who owned the property. What started as a standard recording session evolved into a double album, completed in just over a month.

"That reverence when you first get in there and think, oh, wow, that's where he did it," Roland said. "Then you can just kind of fall into your creative space and after a day or so you get into that mode."

Regarding live performances, Roland emphasized the band's consistent approach to music-making. "We've never tried to adhere to any trends for better or worse," he said. "We try to find some good melodies and lyrics and decide what to play."

Roland's advice is straightforward for aspiring musicians: "Find your allies, whether it's bandmates or people that like what you're doing. Just have your foundation and build off that."

Looking ahead, Collective Soul has already recorded another album, tentatively scheduled for release in summer or fall. The band will tour with +Live+ and Our Lady Peace this summer.

"We're just going to keep rolling and keep it rolling. That's the plan as of now," Roland said.

For everything Collective Soul, follow the band on social media, and if you haven't already done so, check out their last release, Here to Eternity, now streaming.