Write it - and write it well - and they will listen. That's the philosophy behind the 12 stellar songs that comprise Hootie & The Blowfish, the foursome's first album of all original music since 1998's Musical Chairs. The break between albums gave the band a chance to simultaneously reinvent themselves and return to their roots.

Their debut album, Cracked Rear View, earned the prestigious Diamond Award for over ten million albums sold, was certified 16 times platinum, and tied with Boston's self-titled premier and Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill as the #1 best-selling debut album of all time. The Columbia, South Carolina-bred band has sold some 25 million albums worldwide. In1996 they landed a pair of Grammys (Best New Artist and Best Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocal for "Let Her Cry") the cover of Rolling Stone, and many other accolades.

With a new producer at the helm, Grammy Award-winner Don Wan (Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt), the songs on Hootie & The Blowfish run the gamut from the classic Hootie vibe to funkified sure-hits, to a beautifully melancholic first single "Innocence."

"I dig diversity," enthuses frontman Darius Rucker. Guitarist Mark Bryan concurs. "In the past, we've tried to dabble in different directions, in folk, R&B, bluegrass, soul, and not just a straight rock band...We wanted a producer who could go with us and take us in many directions as possible. Don Wan became that person."

Ultimately, Hootie & the Blowfish is the sound of the band getting back to their roots and moving forward at the same time, while keeping the focus on what really counts - the music they make together.

Farm Aid 2003 marks Hootie and the Blowfish's fourth Farm Aid concert.