Blake Hunter - guitar, trumpet, vocals Paul Rosner - drums, vocals Brian Wahl - bass Rob Mezzanotte - guitar, sax, keys, vocals Justin Esposito - keys, violin, accordion, guitar, vocals
Influences
Radiohead- Mozart- Beatles- Bob Dylan- Ryan Adams- James Jamerson- Robert Johnson- Bob Marley- Pink Floyd- The Police- Talking Heads- Bach- Jimi Hendrix- Led Zepplin- Marvin Gaye- Stevie Wonder- The Roots
Smokin’ hot music with a cause! That’s definitely one way to sum up the provocative, innovative and eco-promoting material of the Charlottesville, Virginia rock band Trees on Fire. Nearly four years into their career, Trees on Fire’s five members have already built a sizable fan base and captured the attention of music heavyweights such as violinist Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band.
Looks like these trailblazers could be on their way to the big time!
“Trees on Fire is a band to watch for sure,” said Tinsley after judging the group at a songwriting competition at the Star Hill Music Hall in Charlottesville. “I look forward to working with them.”
What is it about Trees on Fire’s sound that has people like Tinsley singing their praises? According to co-founder and vocalist/guitarist Blake Hunter, the group skillfully fuses ear-catching melodies with unique harmonic concepts and world rhythms. He said he and his bandmates are not afraid to push the creative envelope in order to provide the listener with a fresh, exciting and inspiring experience.
Brendan Fitzgerald of Charlotteville’s weekly newspaper C-Ville offers his take on the band’s vibe in his review of Trees on Fire’s song “Birds and the Bees” from their latest EP “Organica Volume One.”
“A song that opens like a manic cousin to Seals and Croft’s ‘Summer Breeze,’ then gets all ‘90s funk-rock on your ass: distorted vocals burrowing into your headphones, thudding fuzz bass,” said Fitzgerald. “The first half of the tune is radio-ready; the second half is a dare, and a nice way to end the first volume of new tunes.”
Trees on Fire doesn’t just want to write and record stellar tunes, though. The band aims to bring attention to environmental issues, such as the destructive practice of mountaintop removal in the eastern United States. Mountaintop removal is a form of surface mining for coal that causes extreme topographical and ecological changes.
“Organica Volume One” explores these issues and others that are at the forefront of today’s ecological movement. The three-song project is the first in a series of EPs by Trees on Fire, featuring the band’s signature blend of rock, classical, hip-hop, electronica, reggae and more.
“The themes of our songs are born out of what’s going on in our world at the moment,” said Paul Rosner, drummer and vocalist. “It’s like we’re taking snapshots of what we see and asking some important questions along the way.
“We all feel what’s happening to our earth is a little out of whack and hope what we’re doing will inspire people to want to help do something about it.”
Trees on Fire has been working toward its goal to build a better planet since forming in 2005. Early that year, Hunter and Rosner teamed up with Hunter’s Boston University buddies Rob Mezzanotte (vocals, guitar, saxophone, keyboards), Brian Wahl (bass) and Justin Esposito (keys, violin, accordion, guitar, vocals). They began writing songs, recording and performing at local venues around Charlottesville. Among the band’s accolades are winning the First Amendment Writes songwriting competition in 2007. The group also was named “Greenest Regional Band” by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine that same year.
Hunter admits it took a while for Trees on Fire’s sound to come together. "We’ve all had to learn how to communicate with each other on every level. Without communication, there’s no hope.”
In striving to be better artists, Hunter said he believes that process has made every person in the band a more responsible, well-rounded individual. And whether or not Trees on Fire achieves fame like its musical idols Radiohead and the Beatles, the band’s burning passion to spread love, goodwill and great music will remain.
“We’re a lot more concerned with making quality music than making it in the business,” said Hunter. “That seems like a waste of energy. Our goal is to expand, explore and enjoy every minute of it. So far, that’s what’s been happening and it’s a beautiful thing.”
blake. its good to hear (read myspace messages from ya). i heard amazing thing about the reunion and really wish i could have been there. maybe next year. i'm actually still in the loveland area. i hope to make it out to the west eventually but i think i have several more years in the front range
Please join us this Friday for a night of rowdy rock n' roll and fist pumping jams at the iS Venue (formerly Starr Hill Music Hall) in Charlottesville, VA
My husband is the drummer and recording engineer for two bands. His favorite project has more of a folk rock sound and they have just released their first album. They have a MySpace page where you can check out the tunes and order the CD. I hope you will.
Hey Trees, register at www.createaconcert.com for FREE to get some college concerts. We're here to help bands like you get way more grassroots exposure.
Let me know if you have any questions, I will personally respond to all myspace messages/wallposts.
i'll see what i can do. since schools almost done, i don't know if i can get you guys anything during this semester but i'll try to figure something out. you get your van fixed?
It was so great to see you, guys! We keep listening to your tunes and they make us happy! Please come back soon! I would love to dance with you when you are back or in Cville when I am there. Just let me know!
All of you are beautiful people. Great, down-to-earth personalities topped with incredible talent makes for the awesome band that you are! I look forward to the next time we all cross paths. Don't stop doing what you're doing.
Hey, once we drank 40s with a bum on the streets of Miami. Do you want to drink with us at Mono Loco this Saturday? I don't think they'll let us drink 40s. Ocean Man
