Collective Soul and Target Partner to Release New Album, "Afterwords"

Press release
Source: Lippin Group

Collective Soul announced on July 9 that they are partnering with Target to release their new album, Afterwords. Scheduled for release on August 28, Target will be the exclusive retailer for “Afterwords,” on the group’s independent El Music Group label. The album will retail for $13.99 and also will be available for download on iTunes.

Afterwords is the band’s seventh studio effort and follow-up to 2005’s acclaimed Youth album, the first release on their own El Music Group label. Collective Soul will kick off a massive 70+ date U.S. concert tour beginning in June. Shows are scheduled with both the Counting Crows and Live.

Afterwords captures Collective Soul at a time when the band is writing from a hard-won, more mature perspective. “As a band, we released five albums and were with a major label for seven years. Traditionally, that had been the ultimate dream and only outlet for an artist and songwriter to present their music,” said vocalist and songwriter Ed Roland. “The music business is different now. Our exclusive partnership with Target and their brand is exciting. It’s truly a unique and intriguing alternative. This was our choice and we’re enjoying being independent. Together as a band and organization, we couldn’t be happier with our new relationship.”

Afterwords was recorded at several different studios, but mixing was mainly completed at “Edible Studios,” Roland’s home studio in Atlanta . The new single “ Hollywood ” may strike listeners as the perfect top-down summer song, featuring an infectious melody with tinges of ‘80s pop. “The theme of Afterwords is love,” says Roland. “I always liked writing positive songs. I want to be positive. I want everyone around me to be positive.” Other tracks, including “All That I Know,” “Good Morning After All,” and “Georgia Girl,” range from poignant songs of strength and faith, heavy melodic rock to the rollicking three minute pop song. “We’re still a guitar oriented band,” Roland says, “but we’re more confident than ever in the music we’re making and the reason we’re making it.”

Multi-platinum hitmakers Collective Soul formed in 1994 and had 19 singles reach the Billboard charts. “December” was one of seven songs to go to #1 on the Billboard Rock Tracks charts, along with the omnipresent upbeat pop number “Shine,” the soaring ballad “The World I Know,” “Gel,” “Blame,” and “Precious Declaration” and the list goes on. Collective Soul is brothers Ed Roland (Vocals/Guitars/Keyboards) and Dean Roland (Guitar), Joel Kosche (Guitar), Will Turpin (Bass/Percussion) and Ryan Hoyle (Drums/Percussion).

Official website: www.collectivesoul.com

MySpace: www.myspace.com/collectivesoul

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,502 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

COLLECTIVE SOUL 2007 CONFIRMED TOUR ITINERARY**

DATE VENUE CITY/STATE
July 11 Stampede Roundup Calgary , AB
July 10 River Cree Special Events Ctr. Enoch , AB
July 13 Summerslam Grande Prairie , AB
July 14 Nakusp Music Fest Nakusp , BC
July 15 Greyhound Park Amphitheatre Spokane , WA w/ Live
July 17 Sun Valley Outdoor Pavilion Sun Valley , ID w/Live
July 18 Snowking Center Jackson , WY w/Live
July 20 Mountain Rock Fest 2007 Farwell , MI
July 21 Rock Fest 2007 Cadott , WI
July 22 Daniel S Frawley Stadium Wilmington , DE w/Counting Crows & Live
July 24 Classic Park East Lake , OH w/Counting Crows & Live
July 25 Consol Energy Park Washington , PA w/Counting Crows & Live
July 27 Fifth Third Field Dayton , OH w/Counting Crows & Live
July 28 Fifth Third Ballpark Comstock, MI w/Counting Crows & Live
July 31 Jerry Uht Park Erie , PA w/Counting Crows & Live

August 1 Dunne Tire Park Buffalo , NY w/Counting Crows & Live
August 3 Louisville Slugger Field Louisville , KY w/Counting Crows & Live
August 4 Victory Field Indianapolis , IN w/Counting Crows & Live
August 7 GCS Ballpark Sauget, IL w/Counting Crows & Third Eye Blind
August 8 Drillers Stadium Tulsa , OK w/Counting Crows & Third Eye Blind
August 11 Principal Park Des Moines, IA w/Counting Crows & Third Eye Blind
August 15 Harry Grove Stadium Frederick, MD w/Counting Crows & Live
August 17 Merchants Auto.com Stadium Manchester , NH w/Counting Crows & Live
August 18 New Britain Stadium New Britain , CT w/Counting Crows & Live
August 19 Brookhaven Amphitheatre Farmingville , NY
August 21 Blair County Ballpark Altoona , PA w/Counting Crows & Live
August 22 First Energy Park Lakewood , NJ w/Counting Crows & Live
August 24 McCoy Stadium Pawtucket , RI w/Counting Crows & Live
August 25 Dutchess Stadium Wappinger Falls, NY w/Counting Crows & Live
August 30 Memorial Stadium Ft. Wayne , IN w/Counting Crows & Live

September 1 Midway Stadium St. Paul , MN w/Counting Crows & Live
September 2 Newman Outdoor Field Fargo, ND w/Counting Crows & Live

** more dates TBA

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