Between the Trees

So, this is the last post. And I saved the best (or one of, in my opinion) for last. I think I mentioned in the first post that the name of this blog, The Story and the Song, was named after an album by Between the Trees. I said that every song has a story and is interpreted differently by people.

Between the Trees is hands down one of my favorite bands, and always will be. I have lyrics by them tattooed on my foot. I have seen them 13 times. I interviewed them once. And they played in my apartment. Which was the last time I saw them. Unfortunately, they broke up-not on bad terms, but they were all just moving on to different things. All of them were married, one of them had just become a father, etc. They're all still friends...they just aren't in a band together anymore.

They actually started out as a five piece, but then went down to 3 members, and then added a touring guitarist, and then kind of became an official member. Between the Trees (when they broke up) consisted of Ryan Kirkland, Jeremy Butler, Josh Butler (yes, they are brothers) and Stevie Benz. I first saw them (when they were a 5 piece) in 2008 at Warped Tour. The following summer, my friend and I saw them 3 times and then from there every time they toured I went to at least 2 shows). I actually kind of got to become friends with them from seeing them so much. I feel kind of weird when I say that, but it's kind of true.

So, when they announced they were breaking up, they also announced they would be going on a house tour, playing acoustically for people. It was kind of on a first come, first serve basis. I luckily was one of the people that got to have them come and play. They came to my apartment this past October. It was October 19 actually. I don't think I'll ever forget the date. And they hung out for a while and played. It wasn't exactly cheap to have them come, but it was well worth it and I'm so happy I was able to do it.

They're just something about them that is so great. I feel like I should be able to explain it better, but I really can't. They're music is just positive, good music. They're good people. Some of the nicest, most genuine people I've ever met. And they are so appreciative of everything.

There aren't really words that can describe it. Now that I've written a novel, here's their music video for 'We Can Try'.

PS-Have you ever heard of the organization To Write Love On Her Arms? Ryan Kirkland had a huge hand in that. I won't explain it. But just thought I would share. :)

Wakey! Wakey!

I first heard about Wakey! Wakey! from One Tree Hill (I do still watch that show). :) I was really interested in it, it was slightly different, but his voice was incredible. Wakey! Wakey! is essentially Michael Grubbs. He did have a role on One Tree Hill for a while but then left to tour.

I finally saw him on Saturday (along with Jukebox the Ghost) and my friend actually got to interview him for the radio station. We were both going to do it, but then I just told her to do it. The interview went extremely well. He was very nice and really talkative. He was great live as well. He played sooo many good songs.

Below is the video for Light Outside. Also check out War Sweater. I love the eeriness of the song.

Jukebox the Ghost

I had heard of Jukebox the Ghost before, but just saw them this past weekend at The Grog Shop. They were soooo good. And now I'm hooked. They're stage presence is awesome, they're hilarious, and they seem like down-to-earth, genuine people. They are also very personable.

They're from Washington D.C. I really don't know too much about them, other than that they're music is fun, I really like them, and I can't wait to see them live again.

Here is their video for "Hold It In".

This Providence

This Providence is a band from Seattle, Washington. The lead singer, Dan Young is actually from Australia, but moved to the US when he was about 16. I like that you can hear his accent when he sings.

I don't even really remember how I heard of them, but they are one of my favorite bands. I've seen them a few times now. On the last tour they were on (which was about a year ago) it was probably one of the best tours. It consisted of The Bigger Lights, Anarbor, The Audition, and then This Providence as the headliners. I listen to all of these bands, so it was just an awesome line-up. This was their first headlining tour as well. They played their latest album, Who Are You Now? in its entirety, plus some songs from their other two albums.

They are currently working on their next album. In the photo above, which is the album artwork-that building that you see is actually in Cleveland. I believe it's the side of the House of Blues downtown. When they were on tour with Relient K, they had Ethan, the drummer from RK take that picture, and they ended up using it, which I think is pretty cool. :)

Below is their most recent music video for "Keeping On Without You". It's one of the slower songs on the album. Give their other stuff a listen-it's a lot more upbeat.

Goot

Goot, also known as Alex Goot, is huge on YouTube. You may have seen his videos before. He covers popular songs. He's covered Katy Perry, Oasis, Bruno Mars, even The Jonas Brothers (and sounded very much like Nick Jonas). He recently won an award from MTV through a contest. People could vote on videos people had done of covers, and he won! :)

He also records every instrument in the song. And the way he does the videos is really cool. You can see him playing all of the instruments. But aside from doing covers, he also writes his own music. I have seen him 4 times. 3 of those times was when he was on tour with Between the Trees (a post about them will be coming up!) We actually got to know the guys really well. He had a touring drummer and bassist. They were all extremely nice. It was actually really hot out the one day, and they let us chill out in their van before the show. They're just really genuine people, which I love.

Here is one of the songs he's done a cover of. Check out his other music though too! :) Goot Music

Yellowcard

Yellowcard was recently in Cleveland. They're on tour with All Time Low. I didn't buy a ticket in time and it sold out, so I unfortunately couldn't go. Yellowcard is one of my favorite bands and I'm so excited that they're back after a 7 year hiatus. I used to listen to them allllll the time in high school. Ocean Avenue is probably one of my favorite albums.

I'm hoping they'll go on a headlining tour soon in support of the new album. And when they do, I will buy tickets as soon as they go on sale. I definitely don't want to pass up the opportunity to see them again. My friend went to the show at the House of Blues and when they started playing classics like Ocean Avenue and Way Away, she said the crowd went crazy. I think that would be such an awesome feeling to be there and just have so much love and appreciation for them. Especially because this is their first tour in a long time. And in turn, the band must feel incredible getting that reaction. I guess at the show they said they would definitely be back to Cleveland soon. My friend said Ryan Key, the lead singer, was just the happiest person that night. Aahh...so jealous I wasn't there.

Here is there latest music video for 'For You and Your Denial'.

Two Door Cinema Club

Two Door Cinema Club is an Irish indie/rock band. I love how fun and catchy their music is. I don't listen to them as much as I would like to, but they are definitely worth trying out.

Check out their music video for Something Good Can Work.