Mark Bryan of Hootie & the Blowfish Shines in the Spotlight with Solo Career

Published: June 21, 2025

Mark Bryan, the co-founder and lead guitarist of the legendary band Hootie & the Blowfish, is taking center stage with his solo career, and it's about time. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Bryan shared his passion for giving songs life and making music that resonates with people.

"It's more about trying to give songs life. And I've spent my adult life doing just that," says Bryan, 58, who has been making music for over three decades. "Whenever Hootie & the Blowfish aren't active, I'm still going to find a way to make and release my stuff. I mean, I don't want it sitting on the floor or in my computer. It drives me nuts."

Bryan's drive to create music has led him to contribute to various projects, from playing on soundtracks for movies to producing albums for other artists. He's also released his own solo album, Popped, which was partly inspired by his love for innovative artists like Beck and the late Brian Wilson.

"I realized as I was making the songs that I've gotten to a place musically where I can do whatever I want, and if I can hear it in my head, I can make it happen," says Bryan. "I can now take it as far as I want to."

Bryan's solo career has given him the freedom to explore new sounds and styles, which he couldn't do as part of Hootie & the Blowfish. "When I was younger — and especially being in a democratic band where we were always trying to make something together — I would probably write thinking with the band more in mind, whereas I'm not thinking that now," says Bryan.

The guitarist is set to play a homecoming show on Friday, June 20, at The Atlantis in Washington, DC, with his band Mark Bryan and the Screaming Trojans. The show promises to be an exciting event, with Bryan sharing his latest music and energy with the audience.

While Hootie & the Blowfish may not be touring this summer, Bryan is keeping busy with his solo career and other projects. He's not sure if the band's last tour was their final one, but he's optimistic about their future. "I don't know if [last year was] our last tour or not," says Bryan. "I don't think so, but you never know."

Related Stories: