In this interview spotlight, I chat with Addison Eilers (guitar, vox) and Paul Jensen (drums, electronics) of Tiny Tree about the band’s latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
Addison “the push and pull of what we are creating attracts me. The way the music can relax and excite my mind and help me feel balanced at times. I love the dynamic energy of what we are creating.”
Paul “I have always loved rock and all it’s genres and I really dig the dynamic changes, sounds, and the passion that Addy and I have with Tiny Tree.”
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
Addison “growing up music was a major connection with my dad and self, playing music has been a therapy for my life. I love performing in front of people and sharing what we are doing, and I love peoples reactions. I feel it’s special.”
Paul “ever since I was a kid and played my first garage show I was hooked. I have always loved music and tried to surround myself with it. I love creating and sharing with others what I feel.”
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Addison “My musical tastes have broadened with time. A band that influenced me in my early stages were Russian Circles. They were one of my “ah-ha” moment bands. The first bands when I was young that got me going were Super Tramp and Sweet.
Paul “What doesn’t influence my creativity? I think you can draw influences from many different aspects in life for your music and they all don’t have to be musical influences. I feel that’s me at times. My music tastes have changed mainly by just becoming broader. As a kid I would only listen to certain bands and genres and now I feel I find something that grabs me in most every style.
What is your current project? (Give some details.)
Addison “Finishing up the final touches on the Tiny Tree debut album and bringing AMEX BIG counsel back to life”
Paul “booking the Tiny Tree spring east coast tour and continuing all the side hustling to survive in life.”
What was the last song you listened to?
Addison ‘can’t get away’ by Turnstile
Paul ‘Youth of America’ by The Melvins
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Addison “I like mp3 and Spotify.. I use it every day’ I also do love vinyl.
Paul “I actually prefer Vinyl but use MP3 way more”
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Addison “Spotify, it interduces me to so much music and so many genre of music. I never feel stagnated and lost for new music.”
Paul “Spotify is my fav. It’s like a modern version of my old ‘hunt for a new band or new sound’ at the CD store that I would do every pay day back in the old times.”
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
Addison “my biggest challenge connecting with new fans is my introversion and focus on my family and less with being on-line and pursing those connections. I’m more in my head then I am anywhere else.’
Paul “I think the biggest issue is being seen or heard through the abundance of streaming media or bands out there right now. It’s very easy to get lost amongst the herd to say.”
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Addison “Instagram for me. @anologtimemachine
Paul “Instagram @therealpauljensen or FB. To discover more Tiny Tree I would say through iTunes or Spotify.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off
Addison “Thanks for taking the time with us… and cheers”
Paul “I second that cheers”
