Drew Copeland considers himself extremely blessed to be a musician. For more than 12 years, Drews trademark harmonies, Rhythm Guitar skills and songwriting ability have been a vital element behind the success of the adult alternative rock band Sister Hazel, who are best known for their sincere, heartfelt music which has sold over two million albums with hits that include: Life Got In The Way, All for You, Happy, Change Your Mind, Champagne High and several other unforgettable tunes.
Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, Drew fondly recalls the role music played in his early childhood, not yet realizing the significance music would ultimately play in his life. "My Family has always been very musical and I've always enjoyed sitting around with my family singing three and four part harmonies.I really didn't plan on having a career in music. In fact, Drew often claims that he did not pick music music picked him.
After graduating high school, Drew left Gainesville to play football at a Jr. College in North Carolina. Drew returned to Gainesville only to move to Hawaii a few months later, where he lived for two years. "After I left college in North Carolina and realized that my football days were behind me, I wasn't sure what was next for me. Drew adds. My brother was in a transitional phase of his life so we decided to go out to Hawaii, find some jobs and surf for a few months. Two years later I realized that if I didn't come back home to Gainesville I may never finish college and finishing college was a really big deal for me. I changed majors many times in college (like most people) but I finally got my degree in Building Construction from the University of Florida."
It wasnt until Drew returned to Gainesville from Hawaii that his musical career was set in motion. It was at this point in time when he met guitarist, songwriter and future Sister Hazel frontman Ken Block. "Ken and I met in Gainesville at a University of Florida football tailgating party back in 1991. concludes Drew, He picked up an acoustic guitar and started playing "Peaceful Easy Feeling" by The Eagles and I jumped on some harmonies. Friends at the party heard us and said, "You two ought to do some gigs together like this" and away we went. I owe a lot to Ken for getting me involved in music.
Shortly Thereafter, Drew and Ken teamed up with bassist Jett Beres, lead guitarist Ryan Newell and drummer Mark Trojanowski to complete the full band arrangement known as Sister Hazel.
Sister Hazel toured while Drew was attending The University of Florida, but as graduation approached, he decided that it was time to seriously consider moving on to the business world, at which point Drew asked Ken find someone else to replace him in the band.
After a few unforeseen events in his personal life, Drew reconsidered his decision to leave the band, telling Ken that he would give music one year of his full attention.
During that next year, Sister Hazel toured heavily, working concentric circles in several cities throughout the southeast; repeatedly playing those cities until they quickly established a reputation as one of the most consistent draws of the grassroots circuit. As Sister Hazels following, affectionately referred to as Hazelnuts, rapidly grew, so did their recording and touring demands.
It was during this early stage of Sister Hazels history that Drew developed his trademark habit of taking the stage barefoot. Its funny, says Drew, Superstition can make you do crazy things and for the last 12 years Ive consistently played shows in my bare feet. I love the feel of the stage and the vibrations of the music not to mention it is really comfortable!
To this day, even with their constant recording and touring schedule, the band not only makes themselves very accessible to their fans, but they also dedicate a great deal of their time and influence to events and organizations they feel strongly about, including Lyrics For Life, an organization Sister Hazel founded, which sponsors charitable events to raise money for and awareness of cancer research.
Even with the bands hectic touring and recording schedule Drew found time to record his first solo effort entitled No Regrets. "No Regrets is a collection of songs that I've written or been a part of writing that represent many different time periods in my life, confesses Drew, "My greatest fear is looking back at my life and wishing I had done something other than what I am doing. No Regrets is more than an album title, it's a lifestyle.Do what you love and love what you do."
Drew concludes This was really different from a Hazel album because I had the final say in everything. These were all songs that I had written or co-written and they all came from the heart and are very special to me. I really had the creative freedom to see my vision all the way through with every song. With Hazel, we are lucky because there are 5 of us bouncing ideas back and forth and that means you always have four really talented guys helping make creative decisions."
For his No Regrets project, Drew joined forces with producer Stan Lynch who helped put together a team of musicians from Nashville; some Stan had previously worked with, and others that he had heard great things about. Stan Lynch was a huge factor in me jumping in head first and making this happen, states Drew. Stan co-wrote most of the album with me and did an amazing job producing it. Lynch, the former Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, began his successful producing career in 1994 producing such distinguished artists as Don Henley, The Eagles, Sister Hazel and others. Stan also plays percussion and guitar on a couple of No Regrets tracks.
Drew is also joined on this album by two Hazel bandmates, Ken Block, who appears on "A Little Like Heaven" and Ryan Newell, who appears on "It Won't Matter." Another musician to make an appearance on No Regrets is talented singer / songwriter and long time friend Edwin McCain. "Edwin really went out of his way, flying down to Gainesville and taking time out of his already busy schedule to sing on my record." Copeland explains, "I consider myself lucky to have friends like that."
No Regrets contains all the same heartfelt songwriting and vocal talent Drew is recognized for, but assures Sister Hazel fans that this solo effort is, by no means, a suggestion of a conclusion to Sister Hazel.
"The band is and always will be my top priority, Drew insists, The band could not be more supportive of my record. A lot of fans were concerned when they heard the term "solo project" because they thought it signaled trouble with the band but it is just the opposite. The band, as a unit, is stronger than we've ever been and if it wasn't this way then I don't think No Regrets could have ever happened. Sister Hazel will be around for a long time.
All accomplishments aside, Drew remains a grounded musician and individual who still only desires to follow commendable goals in both his personal and musical life which include living every moment to its fullest and to be a worthy husband and father. Career wise; continue to nurture what Ive been blessed with. Keep writing and putting out music that means something to me I guess just keep trying to live a good life and let the chips fall where they may.Myspace Layouts
