The Sweet Tea Project Explained

The Sweet Tea Project is an American rock band from Atlanta, Georgia.

History

2011–12: Early years

Ed Roland, frontman of the rock band Collective Soul, formed the Sweet Tea Project in 2011 with a group of friends and musicians.

The Sweet Tea Project recorded a cover version of "Shelter from the Storm" for the Bob Dylan tribute album Chimes of Freedom (2012).^[1]

2013–16: Devils 'n Darlins

The Sweet Tea Project were among eight artists who recorded a version of the NBA on ESPN theme, as part of a contest held by ESPN where fans could vote for their favorite.^[2] The Sweet Tea Project won the competition, which resulted in their rendition being featured during the network's coverage of the 2013 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.^[3]

The Sweet Tea Project's debut album, Devils 'n Darlins, was released on September 3, 2013 by 429 Records.^[4] The album's first single, "Love Won't Bring Us Down," was released on August 13.^[5] 429 Records noted the single received strong airplay in markets such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston.^[6]

In June 2015, a music video for the track "Just As I Am" was released.^[7]

2017–present: Alder Lane Farm

In February 2017, it was announced that Roland hired Tony Caporale, the TwinBear Management founder and CEO, as the band's new manager.^[8]

The Sweet Tea Project's second album, Alder Lane Farm, was released on October 6, 2017.^[9] An official music video for the track "Evangeline" was released on September 29.^[10]

Origin of band name

In a 2013 interview with ESPN, Roland explained the background of the band's name: "It's a very Southern thing. We wanted to have an Americana flavor. There's nothing more American or Southern than sweet tea. That's what we grew up drinking."^[3]

Discography

Studio albums

Year	Title
2013	Devils 'n Darlins Released: September 3, 2013 Label: 429 Records Formats: CD, Digital
2017	Alder Lane Farm Released: October 6, 2017 Label: Fuzze Flex Records Formats: Vinyl, CD, Digital

See also

• List of artists who have covered Bob Dylan songs
• Music of Atlanta

Notes and References

1. Web site: Chimes of Freedom – Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project: Shelter From The Storm. Amnesty International. October 5, 2017.
2. Web site: Hudak. Kristen. Robert Cray, Ozomatli and a Jay-Z producer among recording artists re-imagining ESPN NBA theme music. ESPN Front Row. February 1, 2013. October 5, 2017.
3. Web site: Hudak. Kristen. Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project win ESPN's NBA theme cover contest. ESPN Front Row. February 14, 2013. October 5, 2017.
4. Web site: ED ROLAND AND THE SWEET TEA PROJECT ANNOUNCE RELEASE OF DEBUT ALBUM, DEVILS 'N DARLINS, ON 429 RECORDS SEPT. 3. Red Light Management. August 6, 2013. October 5, 2017. Santa Monica, CA.
5. Web site: ED ROLAND AND THE SWEET TEA PROJECT ANNOUNCE 2013 U.S. TOUR DATES AND SINGLE. Red Light Management. August 14, 2013. October 5, 2017. Santa Monica, CA.
6. Web site: Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project Released This Week!. PR Newswire. September 6, 2013. October 5, 2017. Santa Monica, CA. The new project spearheaded by the Collective Soul front man is off to a great start with strong radio airplay of their first single "Love Won't Bring Us Down" in Los Angeles (KCSN), San Francisco (KFOG), Boston (WXRV) and many more..
7. Web site: Ed Roland & Sweet Tea Project's 'Just As I Am' Profiles Stories of Courage. Georgia Music. June 19, 2015. October 5, 2017.
8. Web site: Hudson. Phil W.. Collective Soul, The Sweet Tea Project taps Atlantan as manager. Atlanta Business Chronicle. February 13, 2017. October 5, 2017.
9. Web site: Ruggieri. Melissa. The Sweet Tea Project with Ed Roland releases new album. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. October 5, 2017. October 5, 2017.
10. Web site: Watch the "Evangeline" Official Video. September 29, 2017. October 5, 2017.