A modern pop rock quintet who built their reputation on a rugged touring schedule and stern work ethic, Sister Hazel were rewarded with a contract from Universal Records in 1997. Formed in Gainesville, Florida, USA, the band had already recorded their self-titled debut for independent label Soul Trax by this point, attracting a strong local following and critical attention from both the mainstream press and regional fanzines. Lead singer and songwriter Ken Block (b. 23 November 1966) attributed their rapid expansion to the supportive Gainesville college scene: ‘Gainesville was a great place to start out as a band. It’s a solid, original music scene, and the bands network between each other regardless of what kind of music they play.’
The rest of Sister Hazel comprises Andrew Copeland (b. 21 March 1968; guitar/vocals), Ryan Newell (b. 8 December 1972; guitar), Jeff Beres (b. 23 February 1971; bass) and Mark Trojanowski (b. 27 January 1970; drums). Their follow-up album, ... Somewhere More Familiar, was originally issued on Autonomous Records (run by Steve Epstein of the band’s Split Nickel management) before it was remixed and re-released by Universal. The vested interests in the band were rewarded when ‘All For You’ became a major breakthrough hit and pushed sales of the album beyond expectations. The band then undertook a series of support slots to the Allman Brothers Band and began making inroads into the lucrative mainstream rock market. Their third studio album, Fortress, was another collection of pleasant, melodic pop rock, appealing to the same audience that had boosted the sales of acts such as Hootie And The Blowfish and Matchbox 20. However, waning commercial interest led to the end of the band’s major label contract with Universal. They have continued on their resolutely unfashionable way, returning in 2003 with a new studio album, Chasing Daylight.
