Tree63
Tree63 Bio
Each day is full of constant curveballs and soul-searching,
but out of our most vulnerable and defenseless periods often
come the most valuable lessons of character, spiritual sharpening
and insight to the questions that weigh heavy on our hearts.
The members of Tree63 can certainly relate to having their
artistic pursuits and personal plans being tumultuously tossed
around since the release of 2002's The Life and Times of Absolute
Truth, but that spin cycle has also spawned their most visible
growth on all planes.
"It's been an incredibly challenging and difficult time
for all concerned," notes front man John Ellis. "Throughout
this last year and a bit, we've continued to believe that
Tree63 has a distinct and definite calling from God, but the
circumstances that God has led us through have often tempted
us all to believe the opposite. The last record didn't sell
as well as we'd hoped in the U.S.; our drummer Darryl [Swart]
left the band in July '03 after seven years; not to mention
the additional responsibilities related to our ever-expanding
families. We've endured uprooting ourselves from South Africa
once again and a constant feeling that we're not achieving
anything. And yet we've all come out still committed to God's
plans for our lives. Growth indeed!" he affirms.
As much as such circumstances could have warranted throwing
in the towel, there were several career milestones that were
impossible to ignore. After all, since 1999 the South African-bred
troupe defied the odds by not only topping their homeland's
mainstream charts, but securing spots in American waters as
well. The group's venerable string of singles from its self-titled
Inpop debut, including "Look What You've Done" and
"Treasure," which hit #1 stateside, resulted in
the 2001 Dove Award for "Rock Album of the Year."
Tree63 was also featured as part of 2002's Festival Con Dios,
performing for thousands on a nightly basis and garnering
consistent critical praise.
But amidst the attention and accolades garnered throughout
their American introduction, Ellis and company remained committed
to God's master plan instead of faltering with ego swell or
directional doubt. Along with exposing wounds from Tree63's
recent season of change, perhaps that unwavering steadfastness
is what makes the lyrical dichotomy of 2004's The Answer to
the Question so intriguing.
"Tree63 is not called to just entertain. We've been
called to proclaim Christ, and there's an enormous difference,"
clarifies Ellis. "There are many artists we've met who
do have a calling to entertain, to 'rock the flock,' so to
speak, and so long as they're following God that's fine. But
Tree63 has a prophetic edge that keeps us always searching
for other ways to do things, and that puts us out on the edge
sometimes."
Tree63's distinct vocals and intimate lyrics fill the disc
with a current of spirituality, unwavering trust and complete
surrender. The band finds its foundational footing amidst
"Now My Eyes Are Open," retools its evangelical
focus on "I Stand For You," casts aside the world's
temptations and pressures on "Overdue," and bows
down in humble praise before "Blessed Be Your Name."
It's a topical turnstile that further delivers practicality
throughout the life-affirming "Let Your Day Begin"
and the victorious empowerment of "So Glad."
"There's a real intimacy in the lyrics, a way of addressing
Jesus that is integral to the way I pray and write songs—the
intimacy this band was first built on," reflects Ellis
on the regained balance. "Some of our music is prophetic,
some contemplative, some confrontational—all worship
ultimately. That's what Tree63 is truly about. This is a record
of songs about God, about our love for Jesus, about some of
the frustrations that come with being alive with Christ in
a world dead with sin."
On the sonic front, Tree63's passion breaks through yet again,
revisiting its revered muses (The Police, U2, Crowded House,
Coldplay) without sounding derivative. Cuts like the anthemic
"King" tower with blood pumping aggression, "You
Only" saunters with guitar-driven purpose and rhythmic
attitude, while "Over & Over" capitalizes on
Ellis' distinct wail and a series of inviting instrumental
flourishes.
"We try to keep constantly aware of what's currently
in fashion, but at the same time to draw carefully and wisely—and
tastefully!—from the pool of our influences," explains
Ellis. "There are only so many 'rules' when it comes
to sonics: it's all been done before, it just costs more these
days! We don't want to keep repeating ourselves. This new
record happens to be the closest we've ever come to capturing
the true essence of what Tree63 is live, which is exciting."
In keeping with the band's road warrior tradition, the remainder
of this year will be spent on tour in support of the project.
More than just commanding concert crowds with their sheer
performance aptitude or production spectacle, the guys hope
their stretched insights will convey a message that's insightful
yet digestible for all audiences, regardless of anyone's faith
level.
"We'd love to see this music excite people who didn't
know that being a Christian is actually the most awesome thing
one could possibly do with one's life," affirms Ellis.
"Hopefully, Tree63's style makes our message palatable
enough to make non-believers at least curious. We want to
honor God with our talents and gifting, to be faithful in
our calling and to celebrate as we see God's will for our
lives—and for the lives of those we come into contact
with—come to pass. That's all we can do." Courtesy
Inpop Records
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