Mark Bryan, lead guitarist for South Carolina’s iconic band Hootie & The Blowfish since 1986, is celebrating his latest solo release at Greenville’s Radio Room on June 21. Bryan was a key part of the band’s massive success, including their debut major-label album Cracked Rear View, which sold 22 million copies and featured hits like “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Hold My Hand,” and “Let Her Cry.”
Although Bryan continues to perform with Hootie & The Blowfish, the band’s less demanding schedule has allowed him to explore his solo career. His fifth solo album, Popped, marks a new chapter for him.
Bryan shares, “Going solo was never really a goal. I didn’t dream of being a frontman or the greatest guitarist. I just loved songwriting. When the band started taking longer breaks, I realized I had to find a way to share these songs.”
While he modestly admits he’s not quite the vocalist that Hootie’s Darius Rucker is, Bryan’s layered harmonies stand out on Popped, especially on the mostly acapella opening track, “Ain’t Nothing Better.” The album journeys through laid-back rock, psychedelic sounds, acoustic Americana, and even reggae with “Keep the Light On.”
Bryan says, “The record is diverse, but that wasn’t planned. At this stage as a musician and producer, I enjoy shaping songs in different styles — and that’s fun.”
For his Radio Room performance, Bryan has put together a band capable of covering the album’s range and classic Hootie hits. “I’m bringing horns and keyboards for the first time,” he explains. “It’s going to be a bigger, more energetic show than before.”
He’s especially excited to share the stage with Doug Jones, singer-songwriter of fellow South Carolina rockers Cravin’ Melon — a band Hootie frequently played with in their early days.
“Doug was my first call for the show. We go way back to the Carolina bar scene. Maybe we’ll jam on a few songs together. It should be a great night.”
