https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557614114972
Sounds like: Country/Grunge/Rock
From: Washington
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Grunge Tree" come about and is there any meaning to it?
I’ve always been a singer and started taking guitar lessons when I was 11. I’ve always loved writing songs that are stories. I’m very much influenced by outlaw country and when I moved to Seattle in the mid 90’s pretty much everyone I jammed with was influenced by the grunge scene. Naturally the music we played together was a country/grunge hybrid. From that, Grountry (Grunge Tree) was born. Our first drummer Kelly was the first to say it out loud.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
I want people to have as much fun as we’re having. If they connect with the stories we’re telling and tap into the energy we’re sharing, then that is success. I enjoy our partnership with the audience and just want us all to have a great time.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
We’re loud. We’re proud. We’re not overly polished. Our songs are ever evolving, like life they are a work in progress. Waylon and Willie meet the Singles soundtrack.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
The Jayhawks, Deer Tick and Willie Nelson.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
I try not to think of generic AI music as competition. It lacks soul and real life experience. I definitely prefer music that comes from people’s brains.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
Rock is hibernating. When rock-n-roll music takes over again (and it will) that current generation will act like they discovered it. Currently it’s not as popular but these things are cyclical. In the meantime, we’ll keep playing it because we’re waiting until old school becomes the new cool.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Washington?
There are a lot of great bands here and lots of competition for gigs and such. I try to get out and see as much live music as possible. To me it feels like bands don’t support each other as much as they should and have in the past here. I believe building other bands up by supporting them helps us all. I’ve lived in Seattle since ‘95 and still feel like an outsider in the music scene.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Royalties? I think Spotify owes me about $7. If I want to make money I get a show and tell everyone about it and hopefully sell some records and T-shirts to the folks who show up. Streaming platforms help us get our songs out there but that’s where it ends. They help themselves to the money we help generate.
9. What’s next for Grunge Tree?
I’m continuing to build our own music festival Ciderfest on the Dark Side in Vader, WA. That is taking place this year on September 20. We’re also going to be back in the studio this winter recording a few new songs. I would like to release a 45.
10. Any shoutouts?
A big shoutout to the Group Together Facebook Group that has really given me some direction with promoting my material. But mostly a shoutout to people helping along the way, all of my current and past bandmates and everyone who has come to a show or at least gave us a listen. This is a blast.
