Music stirs up memories — concerts, prom, first dates. For Collective Soul, nothing unlocks that nostalgia quite like the 1980s. On its latest record, “Touch and Go,” the band boldly channels its love of the decade, especially the act The Cars.
“We have no bones about writing music and a tip of the hat to what we still listen to today,” said bassist Will Turpin.
“There is a lot of Cars influence. We’re definitely a rock band, but we have that alterative/new wave we all appreciate as well.”
Formed in 1992 in Georgia, Collective Soul —who plays Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale at 8 p.m. Sept. 26 — and Turpin are inspired by the sing-first, lyrically sharp artists who defined the ’80s like U2, INXS, R.E.M. and the Cars.
DEEPER DIVE: Read all the Ranking Arizona Top 10 lists here
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here
That ethos is covered on the 10-track “Touch and Go,” which was originally released in limited quantities for Record Store Day. Now, the album is fully on digital platforms, CD and a teal-marble vinyl pressing.
Turpin was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, but raised in Stockbridge, Georgia, in a musical family. His father, Bill, opened Real 2 Reel Studios in nearby Jonesboro, Georgia, in the mid-1970s.
“I grew up in a recording studio,” Turpin said. “My father had every instrument around us from an early age. I took piano lessons. I love to tell this story: I started piano lessons around 10 years old. I remember the music teacher being bewildered because I understood music theory. I liked music theory and I liked my piano lessons. She said most kids don’t like piano lessons — especially boys.
“Music is something I’ve always been passionate about.”
Turpin majored in percussion at Florida State University and Georgia State University. He knew he wanted to be a musician after seeing concerts such as U2’s “The Joshua Tree” and INXS’ “Kick” tours.
“Those two arena tours were really groundbreaking for me, and they really meant a lot to me,” he said. “I know I mentioned I don’t love the hair band thing; I was a big Def Leppard fan. That would have been the third arena show I ever saw.”
The shows were aha moments for Turpin.
“I remember the moment I walked into that arena,” he recalled. “It was before they did a lot of lighting and special effects. You could see the stagehands on the stage, getting ready for the show. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh. This is the coolest way to see music. I want to do that one day.’”
And he succeeded. Turpin frequently talks about the power of music. When frequencies, harmonies and melodies hit people’s ears, that can change the world,” he contends.
“If it can change the way a human feels, it can change a human’s perspective. If it can change a human’s perspective, it can change the world,” he said.
Singer Ed Roland is known for clarifying Collective Soul’s stance on current events.
“He says, ‘We’re not here to convert you to any religion or political ideology… we’re here to convert you to peace, love and rock ‘n’ roll,’” Turpin recalled.
“The crowds roar every time. It a divided world, that’s a positive message.”
Turpin said Collective Soul has a busy September. The musicians are already deep into its next chapter — a “very symphonic” album built around piano and strings. The act doesn’t have a name yet, but it’s tentatively known as “the piano record.”
“I really think this next record’s probably musically some of the deepest stuff we’ve ever done,” he said. “Not a lot of rock riffs, but really strong music.”
Between the new album, the symphonic project, and its feature‑length documentary “Give Me a Word: The Collective Soul Story,” the band is in a reflective but forward‑moving season. They’ve sold over 15 million albums worldwide, earned seven No. 1 singles — including “Shine,” “December,” “The World I Know” and “Heavy” — and carved out a place in American rock history.
Turpin exudes humility, gratitude and an appreciation for spending decades on the road. He feels lucky.
“It’s amazing that we can still do this,” he said. “It is hard work, but we all love it.”
