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Ed Roland
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Edgar Eugene Roland, Jr. (born August 3, 1963)[1] is an American singer-songwriter and musician. He is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the rock band Collective Soul, along with his brother Dean, who also served as the band's rhythm guitarist. He is also active with his side project, Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project.
Key Information
Career
[edit]One of the first records that influenced Roland to explore rock music was Elton John's Greatest Hits, which he purchased as a child. After finishing high school, Roland studied songwriting and guitar at Berklee College of Music in Boston for one year. He was the lead engineer and producer at Real 2 Reel Studios in Stockbridge, Georgia for eight years. In 1985, he joined a band called Ed-E[2] and another during the late 1980s and early 1990s called Marching Two-Step. Marching Two-Step included future producer and music executive Matt Serletic, future executive Michelle Rhea Caplinger and longtime Collective Soul drummer Shane Evans. Roland released an indie album called Ed-E Roland in 1991, under the independent label Core, to showcase his abilities to compose, record, and produce his own original music.
After using the name Brothers & Brides briefly, Roland changed the name of his band to Collective Soul with hopes of finding success in the music business. Not finding success, however, Roland became frustrated and almost gave up on the music industry. He had been active in the local Georgia music scene since the early 1980s. Despite the initial rejections, Collective Soul independently released Hints, Allegations & Things Left Unsaid in 1993 on an independent label called Rising Storm. It was a compilation of some of Roland's songwriting demos created when he worked at Real 2 Reel Studios.
This collection eventually caught the attention of WJRR 101.1 in Orlando, Florida. Several other college radio stations began to play "Shine" and it became an underground hit. The popularity of the song and band was convincing enough that Atlantic Records signed Collective Soul in 1993 to a long term major label contract. Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid was re-released worldwide in early 1994. The band experienced a sudden rise from obscurity to fame.
Roland's brother Dean is also a member of the band. Their father was a Southern Baptist minister which influenced their spiritual background; however, Roland has cited that Collective Soul is not a Christian rock band.[3]
Roland formed a new act in 2011 with a group of friends and musicians, titled Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project. In 2012, the Sweet Tea Project's cover version of "Shelter from the Storm" was released on Chimes of Freedom: Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International, a four-disc compilation of Bob Dylan covers.[4]
The Sweet Tea Project's debut album, Devils 'n Darlins, was released on September 3, 2013. The album's first single, "Love Won't Bring Us Down," was released on August 13. On October 6, 2017, Ed Roland and The Sweet Tea Project released their second album, Alder Lane Farm.
2014–present: See What You Started by Continuing, Anniversary, Blood, and Vibrating
[edit]
Between February and October 2014, Collective Soul recorded their ninth studio album, See What You Started by Continuing.[5] The album was released on October 2, 2015, by Vanguard Records.[6]
In December 2014, Roland recorded a solo album with current Collective Soul bandmates Will Turpin and Jesse Triplett, along with former Collective Soul drummer Shane Evans and guitarist Peter Stroud.[7] The album, Anniversary, was dedicated to Roland's wife, Michaeline, to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary.[7] Collective Soul's tenth studio album, Blood (Collective Soul album), was released in 2019. "Vibrating", their eleventh studio album, was supposed to release in 2019 along with Blood, but instead was released in 2022.
Personal life
[edit]Roland met his wife Michaeline Matteson when she delivered football tickets to his Atlanta apartment. Initially, Roland was intrigued by her and insisted they meet up at a local restaurant. They bonded off their mutual love for family and Michaeline admired how "[He showed] integrity, generosity and loyalty to family over all the things that could have easily trumped his value system."[8] After dating for three years, the couple married on February 17, 2006. The date is significant to Roland because of its close proximity to his father's birthday on February 18 and his parents' anniversary on February 19.[7]
Discography
[edit]See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ "Collective Soul". Angelfire. 1999. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
- ^ "Ed-E Roland". Discogs. May 1995. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021.
- ^ Garrett, Jonathan A RETURN TO HAVING FUN: Collective Soul Remembers Why It Makes Music PopMatters (January 25, 2005). Retrieved on 4-25-09, updated 2015-02-20.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Various Artists: Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan". Allmusic. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
- ^ "A Few Minutes With Collective Soul's Ed Roland". Pollstar. September 4, 2015. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ Mansfield, Brian (July 15, 2015). "Collective Soul announces new single, album". USA Today. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ a b c Ruggieri, Melissa (February 12, 2016). "Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland writes Valentine's Day album for wife". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on February 13, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ "Choosing to love". Best Self. Atlanta. January 29, 2016. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Official Collective Soul website
- Ed Roland at AllMusic
- Ed Roland at IMDb
- Career retrospective interview with Pods & Sods, September 2015
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Ed Roland
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Early life and education
Family and childhood
Ed Roland, born Edgar Eugene Roland Jr. on August 3, 1963, in Stockbridge, Georgia, was the eldest child in a family of four siblings.[7] His father, Rev. Edgar Eugene Roland Sr. (1939–2004), was a Southern Baptist minister who served as minister of music at the First Baptist Church of Stockbridge for over 14 years before becoming a pastor.[8] His mother, Lynette Byrd Roland, supported the family during their time in the small Georgia town.[9] Roland's siblings included brothers John and Dean, as well as sister Julie; Dean would later join him as rhythm guitarist in Collective Soul.[9] Raised in Stockbridge, a close-knit rural community south of Atlanta that evoked the idyllic small-town atmosphere of Mayberry in the 1960s and 1970s, Roland experienced a childhood centered on family and church life.[10] The town's crossroads heritage and proximity to Atlanta provided a stable, community-oriented environment, where residents knew one another and emphasized Southern hospitality.[11] As the son of a dedicated preacher, Roland's early years were influenced by his father's commitment to community service, often involving late-night calls to help others, which instilled values of selflessness and familial support.[12] The family maintained a tight-knit dynamic, adhering to traditions like observing Sundays as a day of rest without secular activities such as movies.[12]Musical influences
Ed Roland's passion for music was profoundly ignited by Elton John's *Greatest Hits* album, which he purchased at age 14 as his first record. He would play the album repeatedly, captivated by John's charismatic image—complete with a white hat and suit—and inspired by the songwriting partnership between Elton John and Bernie Taupin, which sparked his own aspirations in composition and performance.[13][14][15] Beyond John, Roland drew from a range of rock and pop artists prominent in the 1970s and 1980s, shaping his melodic and energetic style. The Cars emerged as a major influence after he witnessed them open for Foreigner, describing their performance as "awesome" and "different," which broadened his interest in New Wave acts like The Clash and The Police; he has cited them alongside Elton John as his biggest inspirations. Other key figures included AC/DC—particularly "Dirty Deeds," which represented "pure, great rock and roll" despite its edgier tone—as well as Aerosmith, Boston, and Steely Dan, whose blend of hooks and sophistication informed his approach to crafting accessible yet layered songs.[16][13] Without formal training in these early years, Roland experimented with music through self-directed efforts at home and local engagements. He began at age eight with the clarinet in his school band, viewing it as a "gateway to rock and roll," before switching to guitar at 14 using a borrowed cheap instrument and an Elvis chord book. Self-taught, he mastered basic guitar in three months through intensive practice—often late into the night—while attending concerts like his first experience with Johnny Cash, which exposed him to diverse live performances. These hands-on explorations, including forming a church band called Wind of Praise at age 15, honed his skills as a self-taught musician and fueled his drive to write original material.[13][14] This foundation of informal influences and experimentation cultivated Roland's intuitive songwriting and performance instincts, setting the stage for his later pursuit of structured musical education.[13]Formal education
Following high school, Ed Roland attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston for one year, studying songwriting and guitar.[5] The experience proved eye-opening for the 18-year-old, as he encountered exceptionally skilled musicians that influenced his career direction.[13] Upon realizing his strengths lay more in songwriting than in becoming a virtuoso guitarist, Roland chose to depart after that single year and return to his home state of Georgia.[13] Back in Stockbridge, Georgia, Roland took on the role of lead engineer and producer at Real 2 Reel Studios, where he worked for eight years honing his technical and creative abilities.[5] This position allowed him to apply the foundational composition skills acquired at Berklee independently, through self-directed songwriting and studio production.[5]Career
Early musical endeavors (1980s–1992)
In the late 1980s, Ed Roland established himself as a professional in Atlanta's music scene by working as the lead engineer and producer at Real 2 Reel Studios in Stockbridge, Georgia, a role he held for eight years.[5][17] This position allowed him to hone his technical skills in recording, mixing, and production for local artists, building on the songwriting and guitar training he briefly pursued at Berklee College of Music after high school.[5] At the studio, Roland also experimented with his own material, creating songwriting demos that reflected his emerging style influenced by rock and pop elements.[5] During this period, Roland engaged in local performances through short-lived bands, starting with The Eddie Band in 1985 and later Marching Two-Step in the late 1980s to early 1990s.[5][18] Marching Two-Step, which featured vocalist Michele Rhea Caplinger, drummer Shane Evans, and producer Matt Serletic, focused on original material and played gigs around the Atlanta area but never secured a recording deal, highlighting the competitive landscape of the pre-grunge rock era dominated by major-label acts.[19] These experiences underscored Roland's independent approach, as he navigated financial and promotional hurdles by relying on studio resources for self-produced work rather than traditional industry pathways.[5] In 1991, Roland released his debut solo album, Ed-E Roland, under the independent label Core, using the pseudonym Ed E. Roland to demonstrate his multifaceted talents in composition, performance, and production.[5] The self-titled project served as a showcase for his early songwriting, incorporating demos from his studio sessions and emphasizing a polished, self-reliant recording process amid the shifting rock scene.[5] This release laid essential groundwork for his future endeavors, reflecting persistence in an era when independent artists often faced limited distribution and airplay opportunities.[17]Formation and breakthrough with Collective Soul (1993–1999)
In 1992, Ed Roland, while working a day job in a Georgia record store, formed Collective Soul as a side project to showcase his accumulated song demos from the late 1980s and early 1990s.[20][21] The initial lineup included Roland on lead vocals and guitar, his brother Dean Roland on rhythm guitar and keyboards, guitarist Ross Childress, bassist David Neal, and drummer Shane Evans.[22] Before the band's debut release, Neal was replaced by Will Turpin, solidifying the core lineup that would drive their early success.[23] The band independently released their debut album, Hints, Allegations & Things Left Unsaid, on Atlanta's Rising Storm Records on June 22, 1993.[24] Primarily a collection of Roland's solo demos, the album featured the track "Shine," which he had written in 1989 and recorded as a rough demo in 1991.[23] "Shine" quickly gained traction through underground and college radio play in Georgia and Florida, becoming an organic hit without major label promotion and marking one of the most successful demo-driven breakthroughs in rock history.[23] This radio buzz prompted Atlantic Records to sign Collective Soul to a long-term contract later in 1993, leading to a major-label reissue of the album on March 22, 1994, which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and achieved double platinum status.[25] Building on this momentum, Collective Soul released their self-titled sophomore album in March 1995, which became their highest-selling record to date at triple platinum.[26] Produced by Roland and Matthew Serletic, the album showcased a polished post-grunge sound and spawned major hits including "December," which topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and "The World I Know," a Top 20 Hot 100 single that emphasized introspective lyrics over the debut's raw energy.[27] The record's success propelled extensive touring, including arena dates with Aerosmith and opening slots for major festivals, establishing the band as a staple of 1990s alternative rock.[28] The band's third album, Disciplined Breakdown, followed on March 11, 1997, via Atlantic Records. Produced by Roland and Serletic, it peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard 200, was certified platinum, and featured singles such as "Precious Declaration" and "Listen," continuing their post-grunge style with introspective themes.[29] By 1999, Collective Soul delivered Dosage, their fourth studio album, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and continued their streak of commercial viability with a heavier, more experimental edge.[30] Key singles like "Heavy" dominated rock radio, holding the No. 1 spot on the Mainstream Rock chart for 15 weeks and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song.[31] Throughout the decade, the band maintained relative lineup stability while navigating the demands of non-stop touring, performing over 200 shows annually at peak and sharing stages with acts like Metallica and the Goo Goo Dolls to build a devoted fanbase.[32]Collective Soul in the 2000s
Following the breakthrough success of their 1990s albums, Collective Soul entered the 2000s amid shifting industry dynamics and internal adjustments, releasing three studio albums while adapting to independent production. Their fifth studio album, Blender, arrived on October 10, 2000, via Atlantic Records, marking the band's final project with the label amid growing creative tensions. The record featured introspective tracks like "Why, Pt. 2," a single that peaked at No. 2 on the Adult Top 40 chart and showcased Ed Roland's evolving lyrical focus on personal redemption. After Blender's release, the band took a four-year hiatus to regroup, a period complicated by lead guitarist Ross Childress's departure in 2001 due to creative differences with Roland.[33] During this break, they issued 7even Year Itch: Greatest Hits 1994–2001 on September 18, 2001, through Atlantic, initially targeting international markets. The hiatus allowed Roland to refine his songwriting process, increasingly incorporating band member input for a more collaborative sound. In 2004, Collective Soul launched their independent label, El Music Group, gaining greater control over production and distribution after parting ways with Atlantic.[34] This shift culminated in Youth, released on November 16, 2004, which emphasized raw, post-grunge energy with singles like "How Do You Love" and "Better Now," reflecting the band's resilience amid label transitions.[35] The album's themes of renewal aligned with the group's renewed independence, though commercial performance was modest compared to their earlier platinum sellers. By 2007, with new lead guitarist Joel Kosche—promoted from guitar technician—contributing significantly to songwriting, the band self-released Afterwords on August 28 through El Music Group, initially as a digital and Target-exclusive physical edition.[36] Tracks like the lead single "Hollywood," co-written by Roland and Kosche, explored fame's illusions, while the album's production highlighted collaborative dynamics that bolstered Roland's vision.[37] In 2009, they released their eighth studio album, Rabbit (also known as their second self-titled album), on August 25 via independent label Speakerphone Records. Self-produced by Roland, it peaked at No. 82 on the Billboard 200 and included singles like "Choose to Be Me," maintaining their rock sound with experimental elements. Though the band received no direct Grammy nominations in the decade, their enduring influence was affirmed when Dolly Parton won Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2002 for covering "Shine," underscoring Collective Soul's cross-genre impact.[38]2010s–present: Later albums and evolution
In the 2010s, Collective Soul marked a return to recording with their ninth studio album, See What You Started by Continuing, released on October 2, 2015, via Vanguard Records. Produced by frontman Ed Roland, the album featured new drummer Johnny Rabb and included singles such as "This," "AYTA," "Hurricane," and "Contagious," blending the band's signature post-grunge sound with introspective lyrics. The title derived from a reflective break the band took after nearly two decades of continuous activity, signaling a renewed creative focus.[39] Ed Roland maintained his central role as lead vocalist and primary songwriter throughout the decade and beyond, crafting melodies that echoed the band's early hits while incorporating subtle evolutions in production. This was evident in the tenth studio album, Blood, self-released on June 21, 2019, through the band's independent label Fuzze-Flex Records, which Roland co-produced alongside the group. The concise 10-track effort explored themes of resilience and introspection, with Roland penning tracks like "Now's the Time" to underscore personal and relational dynamics.[40][41][42] The band's stylistic consistency persisted into the early 2020s with Vibrating, their eleventh album, issued on August 12, 2022, also via Fuzze-Flex Records. Comprising 10 songs characterized by driving guitars and soaring choruses, the release reaffirmed Collective Soul's rock foundation while adapting to contemporary production techniques for broader digital accessibility. Roland's songwriting emphasized emotional depth, as seen in standout tracks like "Take," contributing to positive critical reception for its energetic cohesion after 30 years together.[43][44] In 2024, Collective Soul celebrated their 30th anniversary with the double album Here to Eternity, a 20-track collection released on May 17 via Fuzze-Flex Records, entirely written by Roland. Described by the frontman as the band's strongest work to date, it featured polished riffs and narrative-driven lyrics that captured their enduring post-grunge essence, available across streaming platforms like Spotify to reach modern audiences. This independent approach, solidified since the label's evolution from El Music Group in the mid-2000s, allowed greater creative control amid the shift to digital distribution.[45][41][46][47][48] Touring experienced a resurgence in the 2010s and 2020s, with the band maintaining a rigorous schedule of live performances to connect with fans. By 2025, announcements included the co-headlining Summer Unity Tour with +LIVE+, commencing July 8 at White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington, and extending through August, alongside openers Our Lady Peace and Greyson James Rue. A Las Vegas residency at The Venetian Theatre, featuring special guest Edwin McCain, was also scheduled for February 2026, underscoring the group's sustained draw. These efforts, combined with adaptations like video-on-demand releases, highlighted Collective Soul's relevance in the streaming era.[45][49][50] Further affirming their longevity, the documentary Give Me a Word: The Collective Soul Story premiered on July 8, 2025, via video-on-demand, DVD, and Blu-ray, directed by Joseph Rubinstein and filmed at Elvis Presley's Palm Springs estate during the Here to Eternity sessions. Produced with input from Roland and bandmates, the film chronicled three decades of triumphs and challenges, including over 15 million albums sold and seven No. 1 hits, while emphasizing family ties and creative resilience. A streaming version followed later in 2025, broadening access in the digital landscape.[51][52][53]Solo projects and collaborations
In 2011, Ed Roland formed the side project Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project with a group of Atlanta-based musician friends, beginning as informal jam sessions at his home while he was developing material for Collective Soul.[54] The band allowed Roland to explore songs that did not fit the rock-oriented sound of his main group, adopting a rootsier, Americana style with influences from Southern music traditions.[54] Their debut album, Devils 'n Darlins, was released on July 30, 2013, featuring a blend of original tracks and covers that highlighted Roland's songwriting in a more relaxed, collaborative setting.[55] The project continued with the 2017 album Alder Lane Farm, which further emphasized heartfelt, narrative-driven songs performed in an intimate Americana vein.[56] Roland's first major solo endeavor outside of side bands came with the album Anniversary, recorded over three days in December 2014 at his home studio with contributions from Collective Soul members Will Turpin, Jesse Triplett, and Shane Evans, as well as guitarist Peter Stroud.[57] The 10-track release, consisting of reimagined acoustic versions of Collective Soul songs alongside new compositions, was exclusively streamed on SoundCloud for 24 hours on February 14, 2016, as a personal Valentine's Day tribute to his wife, Michaeline, marking their tenth wedding anniversary.[57] Intended as a private gift rather than a commercial product, the album's themes centered on enduring love and commitment, drawing inspiration from long-lasting artistic couples like Paul and Linda McCartney.[57] Beyond his own releases, Roland has contributed songwriting to film soundtracks, notably providing the track "Tremble for My Beloved"—which he wrote—for the 2008 Twilight original motion picture soundtrack, introducing his material to a younger audience through the film's popularity.[58] These solo and collaborative efforts stem from Roland's desire for creative freedom, enabling him to pursue lyrically personal and stylistically varied work unbound by band dynamics.[5]Personal life
Marriages and relationships
Ed Roland married his first wife, Stephanie Boley, in 1996, during the height of Collective Soul's breakthrough success with albums like Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid and Collective Soul.[1] The couple divorced in 2001, following a period of intense touring and recording that marked the band's transition into the new millennium.[59] In 2006, after dating for three years, Roland married Michaeline Matteson, whom he first met when she delivered football tickets to his Atlanta apartment.[57] Their relationship, which began amid the band's recovery from label changes and personal challenges in the early 2000s, has remained ongoing as of 2025.[60] Publicly, Roland has credited Matteson as a significant influence on his creative output, notably dedicating his 2016 solo album Anniversary to her on their tenth wedding anniversary, with songs reflecting themes of love and partnership.[57] Both marriages coincided with key phases in Roland's career, providing personal stability amid professional evolution, and contributed to family expansions later in life.[61]Family
Ed Roland has two children with his second wife, Michaeline Matteson. He also maintains a close relationship with his older son from his first marriage, living near him in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, while raising his younger children there as well. Roland has expressed appreciation for the Atlanta area's diversity, culture, and community as an ideal setting for family life and raising his kids.[62][63] Roland's younger brother, Dean Roland, serves as the rhythm guitarist for Collective Soul, a role he has held since the band's inception, which underscores the strong musical bonds within the family. The siblings grew up together in Stockbridge, Georgia, sharing a lifelong connection through music that has extended into their professional collaboration without overshadowing personal family dynamics.[64][65] Roland's family provides essential emotional support for his career, allowing him to balance extensive touring with home responsibilities. In October 2025, his daughter Tara joined him on stage for a performance, indicating some family involvement in music. In interviews, he has emphasized prioritizing family as the foundation of his personal success and stability.[66][62][67]Discography
Albums with Collective Soul
Ed Roland served as the primary songwriter for all of Collective Soul's studio albums, often writing or co-writing the majority of tracks on each release.[68] The band's studio albums, released chronologically, are as follows: Hints, Allegations & Things Left Unsaid (1994)This debut studio album features Roland as the sole or primary writer on every track. It peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1996 for sales of 1 million units.[69] Collective Soul (1995)
Roland wrote or co-wrote all 12 tracks, including the hit "December." The album reached number 23 on the Billboard 200, spent 76 weeks on the chart, and earned triple platinum certification from the RIAA in 1996 for over 3 million units sold.[70][71][72] Disciplined Breakdown (1997)
Roland contributed songwriting to all songs, with notable tracks like "Precious Declaration." It debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1998.[73] Dosage (1999)
Roland penned or co-penned every track, including "Heavy" and "Run." The album peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 and received platinum certification from the RIAA in 2000.[74][75] Blender (2000)
All songs were written by Roland, showcasing a shift toward harder rock sounds in tracks like "Gel." It reached number 22 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA in 2001.[76][77][78] Youth (2004)
Roland wrote the majority of the material, collaborating on a few tracks such as "Count Down." The album peaked at number 66 on the Billboard 200 and achieved gold status from the RIAA in 2005.[79][80] Afterwords (2007)
Roland handled songwriting for all tracks, including the single "Hollywood." It did not enter the Billboard 200. Rabbit (2009)
Every song was credited to Roland, with themes of introspection in cuts like "Choose to Be Me." The album entered the Billboard 200 at number 24. See What You Started by Continuing (2015)
Roland wrote or co-wrote all songs, marking a return to independent production. It debuted at number 25 on the Billboard 200. Blood (2019)
Roland composed the bulk of the material, including "Right as Rain." It did not enter the Billboard 200. Vibrating (2022)
All tracks feature Roland's songwriting, with energetic rock elements in songs like "Goodnight Goodnight." It did not enter the Billboard 200. Here to Eternity (2024)
Roland wrote every song on this latest release, continuing the band's evolution with tracks such as "Bound to Each Other." It did not enter the Billboard 200 but peaked at number 15 on the US Top Album Sales chart (as of June 2024).[81]