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. :)