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]
^"Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project Released This Week!". Santa Monica, CA: PR Newswire. September 6, 2013. Retrieved October 5, 2017. 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.
