New Collective Soul Album "Afterwords" Debuts at 25 on Billboard Album Chart

Press release
Source: The Lippin Group

Multi-platinum hitmakers Collective Soul’s new album Afterwords debuted this week at #25 on the Billboard Comprehensive Albums chart and #5 on Billboard’s Top Digital Albums chart. The band’s last studio album Youth debuted at #66 in 2004. Collective Soul are joining the likes of other artists (Garth Brooks, The Eagles, Josh Groban, Michael Buble and George Strait) who have inked highly successful exclusive distribution deals, foregoing the traditional major label structure.

Digitally in its first week of release, Afterwords hit #5 on iTunes top 10 Albums chart and #3 on iTunes top 10 Rock Albums chart. Target is the exclusive retailer for Afterwords on the group’s independent El Music Group label. The album is also available as an exclusive download through iTunes. The first single “Hollywood” is currently Top 30 at Hot AC and Top 10 at AAA. The band performed “Hollywood” Friday, August 31st on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and is scheduled to perform on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson later this fall.

The band’s new album Afterwords captures Collective Soul at a time 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 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 kicked off a massive 70+ date U.S. concert tour this summer with Counting Crows and Live. September 18th, Collective Soul and Live will begin a co-headline tour Auburn, AL. Shows are scheduled through October with additional dates being added.

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

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COLLECTIVE SOUL & LIVE 2007 U.S. TOUR

DATE / VENUE / CITY / STATE
September 18 Auburn University Auburn, AL
September 19 Bi Lo Center Greenville, SC
September 21 Bank of America Pavilion Boston, MA
September 22 Hershey Stadium Hershey, PA
September 23 Tweeter Center Philadelphia, PA
September 25 Mizner Amphitheatre Boca Raton, FL
September 26 Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater, FL
September 28 The Sugarmill New Orleans, LA
September 29 Amphitheatre at the Wharf Orange Beach, AL
September 30 Snowden Grove Amphitheatre Southhaven, MS
October 2 Verizon Wireless Center Houston, TX
October 3 Nokia Theatre Dallas, TX
October 5 Congress Theatre Chicago, IL
October 6 Harrah’s Casino Council Bluffs, IA
October 7 Fillmore Denver, CO
October 9 The Great Salt Air Salt Lake City, UT*
October 12 4th & B San Diego, CA**
October 13 Konocti Field Amph. Kelseyville, CA**
October 19 Arizona State Fair Phoenix, AZ

* headline show
** with Big Head Todd
*** additional dates to be added

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