MusicTree Fest will be taking place in Manchester, Tennessee – June 6-7, 9-10. We will be publishing interviews with the performing bands as we close in on the 3rd year of this festival. View the full line-up.
Let’s start with the basics, who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you create?
We are Vintage Blue! Ben, Ryan, Will, Matt, Cesar and Brent. We are from all over the country, but currently call Chicago our home. We create music that would most likely be called Indie Rock, or Indie Pop Rock, but we like to think of it as an amalgamation of all of our different backgrounds in music.
This is MusicTree Fest’s 3rd year. Is this your first time? If yes, how did you learn about MusicTree?
This will be our first time at MusicTree and we are STOKED! A couple years ago, right when our band started, and we were a bit naive, we tried to run a campaign for Bonnaroo. Surprise! We did not get in. Ha. But we have been honing our craft and believe our new record will push us to new levels. Part of that is teaming up with people in the music world who are putting together great ideas and great places for music, such as MusicTree!
Was there an “ah-ha moment” in your life when you knew you would pursue music?
For me, music has always been a part of my life. My stepdad played piano to me while I was in the crib, my stepbrother was always in bands. Then when I was in high school I joined my first band, imagining I was Jim Morrison, singing languid slithery ballads out in the 100 degree heat in Chico, CA on the quad. I loved it. I loved performing and entertaining people. It was not really until I joined a couple of the guys in this band and started playing out, that I really began putting the picture together. Then, when we made our first record with Jamie Candiloro (REM, Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson) I was ALL IN!
Who (or what) motivates and inspires your writing and playing style(s)?
Our band is really a blend of a lot of personal history. One guy was in jazz band, one guy in marching band, another was a violist and then a couple of us were just old-fashioned self-taught wizards. haha. I think our tastes also change over time. On our first record, we had a bit more of a rock n’ roll feel, more horns, power chords, in an almost DMB/Stones type way. Our new record includes a lot more layering, piano and synths, like the Killers or more current indie bands.
What can we expect from your performance at MusicTree Fest 2014?
Our band loves to entertain in a variety of ways. First, you will be sure to see a group of guys having a good time. You also may see a cowbell competition, a multi-generational mash-up of songs and a ton of sweat and rock.
Where can we connect with you online? Where can we listen or download your music?
Vintage Blue and our music can be found all over the interwebs! Our music is on Spotify, Itunes, Rhapsody, etc etc
Do you have plans for Bonnaroo this year?
We did not have any plans as of yet for Bonnaroo, but are steadily making some since we will now be down in the area! Looking forward to it!
Any closing thoughts? Shout outs?
We hope to see everyone out in Manchester! It is going to be a RAWKFEST!
