Interview: Sister Hazel release new single, full album out this winter

Written By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

After more than thirty years as a band and having an all original lineup since forming in 1993, platinum-selling band Sister Hazel remains stronger than ever and they continue to release hit songs.

The Gainesville, Florida-based quintet just released a new single titled “All Goes By So Fast,” which was co-written with lead vocalist, guitarist Ken Block’s 18-year-old daughter, Alaina.

About the new single, Block said: “As I sat down to write with my youngest daughter, who is now a senior in high school, we couldn't ignore how swiftly life was passing us by. What started as a straightforward track evolved into something uniquely different from our previous recordings. I absolutely LOVE it!"

The single will be included on their forthcoming 11th album, releasing Nov. 15 via Rock Ridge Music. In the meantime, Sister Hazel has a slew of tour dates this month among other shows into next year. See Tour Dates Here.

Block recently took some time away to discuss the upcoming album, fan engagement during the pandemic, in-studio and on-stage band chemistry and more in this interview with OOTB.

Stream "All Goes By So Fast"

How did you approach the upcoming new album differently as a band, compared to past releases?

We had some new songs come in that people were excited about and we started tracking those a few at a time. We also tried to have an open mind about a song direction.

We had worked a song up in pre-production, and the week before tracking we decided to take the song in a different direction. So, we just let things happen naturally and took some chances, probably more than we usually did.

We also went back into the vault of songs that have been written over the years, and some people became passionate about a few of those songs. One of those songs was "Coconut Trees" that Drew had written with Kyle Jacobs many years ago that never made a record.

Thinking of the new single “All Goes By So Fast,” what’s one moment in your life you wish would have lasted forever?

My kids when they were 6-8. It was such a fun time that brought many special memories.

Being a very fan-engaged band, what fan interaction has been one of the most memorable to date?

During Covid we did a few live streams and we had people on a Zoom video from several different countries watching the broadcast. I think there were fans from Germany, Brazil, South America and Australia on a live stream performance.

We kind of put them in boxes like Hollywood Squares and they got to ask questions and send comments in the middle of the show.

Since establishing Lyrics For Life in 2002, which next year’s event is March 8, 2025 in Gainesville, what moment stands out the most?

These are very moving shows and videos with many families that are dealing with children with cancer. The fact that we can raise over $500,000 in a night to help them is very special.

What has motivated or inspired you personally to carry your musicianship into longevity?

It has been great to be in a band with the same five guys that know each other. In a recording studio we all know how each of us can add to a song. In a live show we are all dialed in to bring the audience the best show. It really is about making those people happy to come see us live.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

We will be releasing some more songs before the record comes out, so keep following us on all the streaming sites and our webpage.

Sister Hazel are:

Ken Block-lead vocals, acoustic guitar

Jett Beres-bass, harmony vocals

Andrew Copeland-rhythm guitar, vocals, keys

Ryan Newell-lead and slide guitar, harmony vocals

Mark Trojanowski-drums

Follow Sister Hazel

https://www.sisterhazel.com

https://instagram.com/sisterhazelband

https://twitter.com/sisterhazelband