Sister Hazel is an American Alternative Rock band with a large fan base who calls themselves the “Hazelnuts”. The band’s name originated from Sister Hazel herself. She was known for running a homeless shelter, but unfortunately she passed away in 2016.
Sister Hazel is best known for their #1 song, “All For You,” which hit the top of the Billboard Singles AC Chart in 1997. The band’s music has been featured in such movies and soundtracks as “The Wedding Planner,” “Back to the Minors,” “Clay Pigeons,” “Bedazzled” and “10 Things I Hate About You.”
You may also recognize the band from the 14-track live performance DVD, "Unplugged From Daryl’s House Club," which features their classic hits and new offerings for a one-of-a-kind intimate live experience debuted at #75 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. It was recently captured at the infamous “Daryl’s House Club” in Upstate New York. Sister Hazel has a lot going for them. They were named One of the Top 100 “Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine.
Sister Hazel shares a unique 20 year friendship that is derived from musical sentiments. Each member contributes and embraces their roots and Florida music influences wholeheartedly. This can be easily seen and heard in the band’s performances and songwriting. Although the band writes a lot of music themselves, they have been known to work with other talented songwriters who have felt that Sister Hazel was the band that should perform their songs. The debuted single “We Got It All Tonight” was written by Chris Destefano, Ashley Gorley, and 2015 BMI Songwriter of the Year, Rodney Clawson.
Being from Gainesville, Florida the band decided that it was time to dip their toes into their country roots. The band has promised to release a compilation series titled “Elements.” Each volume will include a bonus seventh track that will continue throughout the series.The first EP that was released in February 2018 is titled “Water.” “Water” debuted #9 on Billboard Country Charts and #2 on the Independent Album Charts. However, this was not the band’s first showing on the country music charts. Sister Hazel made a strong debut with “Lighter In The Dark” at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #6 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, #30 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart, and #79 on the Billboard 200 album chart. With the release of “Water,” Sister Hazel also made their Grand Ole Opry debut. Being able to perform on the Grand Ole Opry Stage, says a lot about the talent that this band continues to share with the world.
But guess what folks? Sister Hazel has done it again! The second EP “Wind” will be dropping this fall on September 7th, 2018. The band announced the release of this EP by releasing one of the tracks, ‘Small Town Living.’ ‘Small Town Living’ is a hit! Personally, I have had the song on repeat all weekend. The track talks about how your “small town” roots are a part of you. If you have wandered away from home, you’re not too far away. You can check out the track on Sister Hazel’s YouTube page or when you pre-order the EP on iTunes.
I have had the privilege of hearing the rest of Volume II a little early. Let me tell you, you will want to pre-order this EP. Volume II, “Wind” features 6 tracks with a bonus 7th track. “Wind” includes:
‘Come A Day’
‘Small Town Living’
‘Whirlwind Girl’
‘In Two’
‘You’ll be Safe Here’
‘Midnight Again’
‘Elements II’ (I’m Free)
The EP features anything from a working man’s anthem ‘Midnight Again’, a more emotional ‘In Two’, to a more upbeat and driven ‘Come A Day’. You can expect to be emotionally attached to this EP. Along with the already released track ‘Small Town Living’, I find myself really loving ‘Whirlwind Girl’. This track is a classic love song. Its gung-ho and relatable nature will have you begging for more. Fortunately for you, there is more! “Wind” has contributions from some of Nashville’s hit songwriters such as Andrew Copeland, Ryan Newell, and Barry Dean. Be sure to check out the rest of the tracks and stay tuned for future “Element” releases. “Wind” will be made available on all streaming services.
Aside from Sister Hazel’s musical work, they are also dedicated to their fans and community. The band hosts an annual weekend-long “Hazelnut Hang” each year to give fans the opportunity to connect with them on a personal level and create unique experiences. In addition, 2019 will mark the 19th year for their signature “Rock Boat Cruise.” Sister Hazel hosted the 3rd Annual Camp Hazelnut at Camp Crystal Lake outside of Gainesville, FL October 20 – 22, 2017. In addition to the events and touring, the band also gives back with “Lyrics For Life.” Founded by singer Ken Block, the charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to benefit cancer research and patient-care charities. In november the Lyrics for Life benefit raised over $200,000 that was then given to non-profit charities such as Lyrics for Life: Camp Hazelnut, Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation, and STOP Children’s Cancer. The next Lyrics for Life: An Evening of Making Music Matter! Event is Friday September 14, 2018 and will benefit Lyrics for Life's Camp Hazelnut and Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
Sister Hazel has been equally attentive to connecting with their audience through social media having amassed over a million social followers. You can follow Sister Hazel and become a true “Hazelnut” by following the links below.
Sister Hazel Official Website: http://www.sisterhazel.com
Sister Hazel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SisterHazel
Sister Hazel Twitter: https://twitter.com/sisterhazelband
Sister Hazel Instagram: https://instagram.com/sisterhazelband/
Sister Hazel Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/sisterhazel
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7m60UAnbgFFNuJbmS6OxTk