Highway 9

Highway 9 originated in Ashbury Park, NJ, a locale already known for launching artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. The members had first shared stages in Mr. Reality before reuniting during the late '90s as Samhill. That remained their billing even after securing a contract with Epic, until they learned another group had already claimed the name. They promptly adopted Highway 9 instead and used the shift to solidify their sonic identity before entering the studio. Peter Collins oversaw sessions for the self-titled debut that Sony issued in 2001. What In the Samhill? followed the next year.