-
10 Questions with ... By The Tree
November 20, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:By The TreeTITLE:MusiciansSTATION:Fervent Records
Brief Career Synopsis:
Line-up:
Aaron Blanton - lead vocals, guitar
Ben Davis - bass
Garrett Goodwin - drumsLabel:
Fervent RecordsDiscography:
World on Fire - 2006
Hold You High - 2004
Root - 2003
These Days - 2002
Invade My Soul - 20011) There have been some line-up changes in the band recently so introduce the members of By The Tree using musical history and signature personality traits.
My name is Aaron Blanton. I am the lead singer and I have been in the band for six years. I was the drummer before I became the singer. Next is Ben Davis, bass player. Ben is our numbers guy, a very cerebral thinker. He's been in the band six years as well. The newest addition to BTT is our drummer, Garrett Goodwin. Quiet natured until he gets drumsticks in his hands. Garrett joined a year and a half ago; did I mention he is 19?
2) Can you offer a brief history of the band and some thoughts on how this new season with new members keeps the spirit of By The Tree alive?
A brief history of the band is pretty hard to give, mainly because we are on our fifth record, but here goes. By The Tree started in Weatherford, TX at a local college. The ministry began to grow and generate interest from labels in Nashville. We signed with Fervent in 2000 and began working on our first record, "Invade My Soul." A ton has changed since then. New direction, and we have a direct purpose and a cause for what we are doing. Not that we didn't before, but I think we needed to go through those experiences to be where we are now, thinking clearly and desiring to be effective in the world around us.
3) Tell us your funniest radio station experience so far.
The one that sticks out is when we arrived and did an interview with a guy who asked us a bunch of questions and then wrapped up the interview naming us as a TOTALLY different band! Oh my goodness, it was so funny! He had no clue who we were. And to top that, they didn't even play our music, which has since been remedied. That is one of those moments you never forget.
4) What does the new record World on Fire talk about?
The new record is a compilation of songs that speak of being a light in this world. That is what we are told to do in Matthew 5. We want to remind those who are Christians to live life on purpose, to affect those around you and remember what Christ did for us on the cross. On the other side of things, we hope to make those who are not Christians think about life and where they are, causing them to turn to Jesus as their Savior. All in all, it's a record to challenge.
5) If you weren't doing By The Tree, what would you guys be doing?
We would all be in music to some capacity. We love it too much to not be involved somehow. Of course, being the head of marketing for Apple computers would a sweet job, too!
6) Does By The Tree have an end purpose in mind? What's the band's mission?
Our mission statement is to be effective. I know I keep saying that, but that is what's on our minds and hearts all the time. "How can we be effective," is the question we are constantly asking each other. Why would we do this to get awards and No. 1 songs? That stuff has ZERO eternal value and doesn't much matter to us. We are in this because we were given a platform to make a difference and that is exactly what we are doing. Don't get me wrong, we love accolades like the rest, but it's not a focus point for us.
7) What musicians are listed as By The Tree's musical influences?
We are one diverse bunch of guys. We love it all from rap to classical. Some of the major ones (most recently) are bands like Snow Patrol, Magnet, Goo Goo Dolls. We like a lot of pop stuff, but that isn't all we like. We're huge fans of Delirious, Leeland and Day of Fire, too.
8) What are the band's touring plans for the near to distant future?
We tour all year long. We love the road. That is our chance to connect with people, our chance to be effective. Chances are, we're coming to your town soon, and we're excited about it!
9) What's your favorite part about coming home?
Friends and family! We love to hang out with our huge group of friends in Nashville. It makes coming home so much fun!
10) What would you consider to be the most important song on the new record?
I would say the title track "World on Fire." It sums up the message behind the music and sets a tone of atmosphere, thinking and challenging. But to us, they are all important. It's a record, so it takes all of the songs to rightly represent who we are and our message.
Bonus Questions
1) Who would be a dream artist to record with (any genre)?
Snow Patrol
2 ) What is your favorite city to visit?
Oslo, Norway (unbelievable!)
3) What is your favorite road meal?
Any grandmother's home cooking
4) Musical guilty pleasures
Ok, we admit, we're Bee Gee's fans. Shhh, don't tell.
-
-