Jim Sonefeld: The Power Of Asking ‘Why Not?’

This week Andrew talks with Hootie & The Blowfish drummer & 2x Grammy Award winner Jim Sonefeld. In 1989, Jim & bandmates Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, & Darius Rucker were playing gigs at small bars & fraternity parties at the University of South Carolina. In 1994, they released their first album Cracked Rear View — and it became a massive success. The band went on to win 2 Grammys, release 6 more studio albums, & sell over 25 million albums worldwide. In this conversation, Jim shares a behind-the-scenes look at his extraordinary career & the success secrets that have made Hootie & The Blowfish one of the most iconic bands of all-time. Jim also talks candidly about his battle with addiction & how he ultimately charted a path to recovery. He also shares a timeless lesson on the power of asking yourself “why not?” when trying to overcome fears. This conversation is a raw & emotional look at the highs & lows of success. 

Show Highlights:

(3:04) - First experience with Hootie & The Blowfish
(4:29) - Unique beginnings
(4:54) - Auditioning in self-storage unit
(7:20) - Simple mindset
(7:42) - Enjoying the process
(8:24) - Focus & attention to detail
(9:03) - Keeping things simple
(11:13) - Navigating rejection
(12:50) - Dealing with setbacks
(14:40) - Collaborating as a band
(16:12) - Adapting & evolving over time
(17:14) - Processing change
(19:24) - Maintaining connection with fans
(22:57) - Sustaining success
(25:30) - Addiction & recovery
(28:15) - Willingness
(30:44) - Darius Rucker’s solo career
(31:25) - 2019 tour
(33:56) - Childhood doubt
(34:05) - Overcoming fears

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