Between the Trees was an American rock band from
Orlando, Florida
Orlando () is a city in the U.S. state of Florida and is the county seat of Orange County, Florida, Orange County. In Central Florida, it is the center of the Greater Orlando, Orlando metropolitan area, which had a population of 2,509,831, acco ...
, formed in 2005. The band consisted of vocalist/guitarist Ryan Kirkland, lead guitarist Brad Kriebel, drummer Josh Butler and bassist Jeremy Butler.
Between the Trees released their debut album through Bonded Records in 2006, entitled ''
The Story and the Song''. In 2007, they signed to
The Universal Motown/Universal Republic Group, but it was later announced that the band/label relationship had fallen through, and their next album was to be self-released. Their second album was entitled ''Spain'' and was released on August 11, 2009.
History
Formation and ''The Story and the Song'' (2005–2006)
Formed in early 2005, in the east side of
Orlando, Florida
Orlando () is a city in the U.S. state of Florida and is the county seat of Orange County, Florida, Orange County. In Central Florida, it is the center of the Greater Orlando, Orlando metropolitan area, which had a population of 2,509,831, acco ...
, Between the Trees began with lead vocalist Ryan Kirkland and brothers Josh and Jeremy Butler.
Not long after, in Spring of 2005, they chose a keyboardist, Wes Anderson, Realizing a need for another guitarist, the band soon recruited Brad Kriebel, who was a close friend. After finalizing the line up, they began to write and collaborate different styles of music.
After graduating from their respective high schools, Between the Trees released their first album, ''
The Story and the Song'', on September 19, 2006, through the independent label Bonded Records.
The band's first single was "The Way She Feels", with the music video first being released on May 14, 2006. The song first received radio airplay in the United States on May 27, 2007.
Between the Trees was involved with the non-profit organization
To Write Love on Her Arms
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is an American nonprofit organization that aims to present hope for people struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury and thoughts of suicide, while also investing in treatment and recovery. Based in M ...
, which is dedicated to providing help to those who struggle with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
Two songs on their first album are based upon the organization, and the subsequent problems that it hopes to solve. The band's debut record also covered various other elements, featuring themes of romance, introspection, relationships, and even a song about the band's fans (opener "The Forward").
Record labels and ''Spain'' (2007–present)
In early August 2007, the band announced via their
MySpace, that they had signed with record label
Universal Motown Republic. The announcement came two weeks after their appearance on the
Vans Warped Tour
The Warped Tour was a traveling rock tour that toured the United States plus three or four stops in Canada annually each summer from 1995 until 2019. It was the largest traveling music festival in the United States and the longest-running touring ...
. Prior to the release of their second album, the band's bassist Jeremy Butler stated on
AbsolutePunk.net that Between the Trees had parted ways with the label and had decided to distribute the record themselves.
In August 2008, Brad Kriebel and the band parted ways due to creative differences. They temporarily replaced him with lead guitarist Josh Jove. Also, on June 3, 2009 the band announced the departure of Wes Anderson. His desire to venture in a different direction was stated as his reason of departure.
Between the Trees announced the confirmed release of their second album, entitled ''Spain'', which was released on August 11, 2009.
The first single off the album is "We Can Try", with a music video being officially released on August 28, 2009.
Between the Trees released the
Winter EP, their first EP at the moment. It was only available on dates of their Winter 09' shows. But they have said that at some point it will be available for purchase online, until then the songs are available on YouTube.
On September 8, 2010 Between The Trees announced that by the end of the year, they will disband.
"It is with regret that I announce that Between The Trees will be disbanding by the end of this year. It's not a decision that we all fully agree with, but it's a decision that is final."
The band also announced that their long-time touring guitarist Stevie Benz would be joining the band as an official member.
On December 23, 2011, Ryan Kirkland released "You Showed Up" for his church's Christmas theme.
Farewell Shows
The band performed two farewell shows at "The Social" in downtown Orlando, FL on December 6 and 7, 2010.
Aaron Gillespie
Aaron Roderick Gillespie (born July 18, 1983) is an American musician, best known for being the original and current drummer and clean vocalist for the metalcore band Underoath and the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the alternative rock ...
(of
The Almost
The Almost is an American rock band from Clearwater, Florida, fronted by Underoath drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie. Formed in 2005 as a solo project by Gillespie, the band currently includes guitarist Jay Vilardi, bassist Jon Thompson, and d ...
) performed as an opening act.
Band members
Former
* Ryan Kirkland – Guitar, lead vocals, keyboards
* Josh Butler – Drums
* Jeremy Butler – Bass guitar
* Andrew Kelly - Guitar, vocals
* Stevie Benz – Guitar,
background vocals
A backing vocalist is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists. A backing vocalist may also sing alone as a lead-in to the main vocalist's entry or to sing a counter-melody. Backing vocalists are used ...
(currently in The Rocket Summer)
* Brad Kriebel – Guitar
* Wes Anderson – Keyboards, Percussion
Touring Musicians
* Josh Jove – (former) Guitar,
background vocals
A backing vocalist is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists. A backing vocalist may also sing alone as a lead-in to the main vocalist's entry or to sing a counter-melody. Backing vocalists are used ...
* Jordan Ensminger – (former) Guitar,
background vocals
A backing vocalist is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists. A backing vocalist may also sing alone as a lead-in to the main vocalist's entry or to sing a counter-melody. Backing vocalists are used ...
Discography
Studio albums
* 2006: ''
The Story and the Song''
* 2009: ''
Spain
, image_flag = Bandera de España.svg
, image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg
, national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond")
, national_anthem = (English: "Royal March")
, i ...
'' U.S. No. 138
[ Album Information ]Billboard.com
''Billboard'' (stylized as ''billboard'') is an American music and entertainment magazine published weekly by Penske Media Corporation. The magazine provides music charts, news, video, opinion, reviews, events, and style related to the music ...
Extended play
* 2009: ''
Winter EP''
References
External links
Betweenthetrees.netOfficial website
Between the Treesat
Purevolume
PureVolume (formerly Unborn Media) was a website for uploading and streaming of music files, the first independently run of its type. PureVolume was created by Unborn Media, Inc; Mitchell Pavao; Brett Woitunski; and Nate Hudson, all from the Univer ...
Between the Treesat
MySpace
{{DEFAULTSORT:Between The Trees
Alternative rock groups from Florida
Christian rock groups from Florida
Pop punk groups from Florida
Indie rock musical groups from Florida
Musical groups established in 2005
Musical groups disestablished in 2010
Musical groups from Orlando, Florida
Universal Motown Records artists