The Symphony Tree
The Symphony Tree consists of Nick Paisley(guitars/vocals), Robert Mensch(guitar/keys), Shea Hartley(lead vocals), and recent additions Katie Lloyd(vocals) and Vladislav(piano/flute). For this blog entry I spoke to Nick Paisley. Rob and Nick had started off as friends in elementary school. Life took them in different directions and the two met up again around a year ago. Shea and Rob had already been in a band together and Nick joined the team. Eventually they decided to add a female vocalist. Nick had known Katie in high school and knew she would be a good fit. In Nanaimo, there is a growing music community surrounding The Vault Coffee shop. The band would play there with several other musicians, Vlad being one of them. The three had a unique sound forming and decided on a name change. The Symphony Tree was the title of a poem Shea had written:
"The name 'The Symphony Tree' actually came from a poem that Sheamus wrote in high-school. To us, it means a lot. It basically implies that we draw from a great many genres, which we do. As well as that, we draw a lot from nature, the elements around us."
To prepare for shows, the band usually runs through their set list twice. They also try to practice two to three times a week. The band's sound draws from many genres and inspirations. Each member has their own style that contributes to their unique sounds:
"If I had to pin us to a 'genre-set', I would say we are Experimental folk-blues with alternative and hardcore tendencies."
They draw some of their inspirations from bands such as Modest Mouse, Bright Eyes, At The Drive-In, The Mars Volta and The Sound Of Animals Fighting.
The Symphony Tree has already played acoustic sets on the radio and are looking to play many shows. With lots of support and their own drive for success they are sure to be a hit!
"I think that we can all say that our families definitely helped us a long the way. As well as our amazing group of friends. Demeter at 'The Vault' has been very good to us, and is a blessing in our slowly growing music scene. Everyone at 'The Vault' has been great, there is a very warm and intimate group of musicians down there, that often get overlooked in a mostly bar-driven downtown scene. Also, Brian Hazelbower and Pam Edgar from CHLY's 'Songwriter's Circle' have been great to us, and given us many tips on where to go as professional musicians."
You can catch The Symphony Tree Sat,Nov 20 @ The Vault in Nanaimo, BC! NO COVER!
Symphony Tree Facebook