To celebrate the release of Before The Amplifiers, Sister Hazel's new live, acoustic album, we exchanged a few questions with their guitarist Ryan Newell. Find out which member always plays barefoot, what's their favorite HBO show, and how they all choose to give back below!

Can you give us a first-hand perspective on who, what, where, when, why and how Sister Hazel became Sister Hazel?

Sister Hazel started in Gainesville, FL in the early to mid '90s. Ken and Drew used to play as an acoustic duo. Ken wanted to put a band together and posted a flyer. Jett Beres (bass) was the first to join. I (Ryan Newell) joined a band that Jett once played in called Waterdog. Then I played in a band called Black Creek Band. Those two bands would cross paths with Ken and the guys frequently. Ken and I always said we wanted to be in a band together. After forcing Drew to be in the band, Mark came on soon after. I would play shows with the guys, but was still a part of the other bands. When Hazel decided to go full time and quit the day jobs, I officially joined. It has been the same line up ever since.

Do you all have any traditions/superstitions/lucky charms you carry with you while performing?

I personally do not have any superstitions but Drew has a couple. Drew always plays barefoot. A real bummer when we play outdoor shows in the winter!!

The latest album is going to send fans into a blissful frenzy... where'd the idea come from?

We have always played acoustic shows. These shows would normally be charity events, radio events or in-store performances. Our fans love the electric shows but it is always nice to hear our songs interpreted the way they were written. We worked up different arrangements and used a variety of instruments to keep it interesting. It is live/in studio so you can hear what we would sound like if we played in your living room.

Favorite group activity (outside of music)?

Some of the guys love to play golf. We all love to get out on a boat. Hey, we're from Florida!

You've been described as American rock, with hints of southern rock, folk, etc. What do you classify yourselves as, and why?

It is hard to classify our music ourselves. We do not try to sound like anything. It just sounds like Sister Hazel when the five of us play. I have heard people say we are "modern classic rock."

Any TV show you gather around for, regardless of where you might be?

We ALWAYS watch the Florida Gators play. The band loves the HBO show Entourage.

If you were to compare yourselves to any other groups of musicians, who would it be and why?

I would say we are similar to the Eagles because of the strong individual personalities in the band. We each bring our part / identity to the band. We all write and sing. We all have projects and solo material outside the band.

Sister Hazel is associated with a lot of charitable events and organizations. Can you talk about how and why you got started in that field?

Everyone in the band has had a close person in their family affected by cancer. Ken Block lost his little brother to the disease. My mother is a survivor. We always want to walk the walk when it comes to charity. Ken started our charity, "Lyrics for Life", in 2002. We auction hand written lyrics from countless musicians as well as play shows for the event. Anything we can do to give back and help the cause, makes us feel like we are making a difference.

Featured Tracks:
Champagne High
All For You