Hi lads, welcome to the RGM virtual lounge, pull up a seat lets chat..
What made you decide to become band?
We all actually studied the now defunct Jazz degree at The Sage music venue in Gateshead. The group I was in at the time had just disbanded and I had a few songs floating about that I wanted to make use of so I asked Michael if he wanted to come jam one night and if he knew any bassists to get them to pop along to. It just so happened that the first person he invited along was Lewis and it just clicked from there. We all bonded over the same music pretty quickly and Ten Eighty Trees was born.
Introduce us all to the members?
We have myself, Nathan on Vocals and Guitar. Football kit fanatic.
Lewis on Bass and backing vocals. Whisky connoisseur and the strongest liver in the band.
Michael on the Drums. Once witnessed him eat a whole gammon shank with his bare hands. Terrifying yet mesmerising.
What have you been doing during lock down to progress the band?
We were fortunate enough to get a lot of recording down before the lockdown initially hit last March so in the meantime we have just been putting plans together on how we would approach 2021 and releasing music under uncertain conditions.
Other than that we have been writing remotely and firing ideas back and forth for new songs and recording a few lockdown cover versions here and there which can be found on our soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/teneightytrees
How has it been coming from Sheffield + Newcastle in a band recently?
It’s been weird recently as it felt like we don’t really come from either city due to the lockdown. The lack of possibilities to meet up and talk music on either city’s respect music scene has made it really tough in the last year. That said Newcastle music scene has really flourished in recent years and some the artists currently coming out of tyne & wear are proving real exciting and a big source of motivation and inspiration.
What support is out there for new artists in Sheffield and Newcastle?
I moved to Sheffield back in 2016 and the music scene has always been a massive source of encouragement here I feel. All the bands and artists on the scene have a real thirst for live music and that is the biggest form of support out there I think.
The lads involved with Neighbourhood Recording Studios and Madbox Creative also offer great creative assistance and support in Sheffield. Check them out.
Who is inspiring you at the minute?
Really into Tired Lion and Baby Queen at the minute. I love the 90s indie rock and pop sensibilities. They both have such a youthful energy about them too. Really gets me pumped to write music.
I’m also finding the constant uncertainty of life in general right now to be pretty inspiring. I like to think I’m pretty good at occupying myself and that quality is proving to be pretty useful right now in getting ideas for the Trees together.
If your fans could remember one thing about you what would it be?
Not really fussed how we’re remembered if I’m honest, providing its positive of course. Just want to give the people some catch tunes that’ll stick with them for years to come.
What was the most fun you have had on stage?
I think our last show he played before lockdown at Newcastle Cluny might have been our best and most fun. Everything just seemed to click into place from our onstage performance to the audience response. It felt like a moment. Really electric.
What was the worst experience on stage?
One of the first shows we played was at Northumbria University a few years back as part of an all-day festival. Michael broke a stick within about 10 seconds of the first song and accidently threw it into a cup of water I’d put side stage for mid-set hydration purposes. I can’t remember how big the cup was but it seemed to completely flood my side of the stage and practically turned it into what felt like an ice rink for the whole set. We look back and laugh now but at the time I was furious and fearful of landing on my arse any second in equal measures.
Tell us something about each member that you think people would be surprised about?
Me and Lewis used to play in a McBusted tribute act on weekends to make some extra coin on the side. Thankfully we don’t do that anymore. It was a dark time.
Tell us a funny story from backstage?
It’s not often we have a backstage to be quite honest. It’s a bit of a luxury when we do. But there was a time Michael managed to push an ear plug so far into his ear canal before going on stage he couldn’t get it back out. Then proceeded to try and extract it with a guitar string as me and Lewis looked on in horror. We look back and laugh now but it was pretty terrifying at the time. Drummers, innit.
Who would you like to work with on the circuit right now?
I’ve always said a gig with us and Pulled Apart by Horses would be amazing! Their debut is still one of my favourite albums from my teens. Would love to work with Saint Agnes as well. They’re great! They remind me of Dead Weathers but with the spookiness and riffs tuned up to ten.
Also The Pale White. Would be cool to be on a bill with them at some point in the future.
What advice would you give someone going into the music industry?
Obviously put the graft in but also just try and enjoy the ride. It’s dead easy to get bummed out by not reaching your own lofty heights of what you think success is. Taking it all as it comes and relishing every opportunity that comes your way. I wish someone had drilled that into me sooner too.
What makes you stand out as a band?
I think the way we use a colour scheme in every aspect of the band makes us stand out quite a lot. You see so many bands who don’t have any continuity in image or visuals. For some bands that’s great but I do love a good theme. So using the turquoise, black and white really helps set us apart even before anyone hears a note of the music.
Right now, whats pissing you of the most? (Cant say the virus 🙂
Newcastle United. That is all.
Whats your favourite song to play live and why?
Something Feral is always a highlight, especially since we started extending the funky breakdown in the middle and messing around with it a bit more. People seem to enjoy losing it to that one which is always a good laugh to watch. We are chomping at the bit to get out and play some of our new tracks though as we’re confident that they will become some of our most popular live cuts to date.
I hear you have a new single brewing, what can you tell us about it?
This is our first of many new releases we have coming out in 2021 and Born Free felt like the perfect way to kickstart the year. The track is a no nonsense shot of taught rock riffery to the senses. I’ve always been fascinated by the art of writing a song that says everything it needs to say without pausing for a breathe or wasting a second. Songs like Tame by The Pixies or Sliver by Nirvana come to mind. I wanted this track to follow in the same vein, being an unforgettable speeding bullet of a song. Concise yet catchy.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Just want to share some ten eighty love with whoever is reading this. I know we’re living through canny crap times but just hope everyone is doing alreet and staying strong x