"Get back to the Root of It All," sings Chuck Dennie, a song from By The Tree's new album Root out July 1, 2003. "Root of It All" is one of those pop/rock songs written by Dennie that is not only full of hooks for the listener, but holds a lot of meaning to the band. The past year, members Chuck Dennie (lead vocals, guitar), Aaron Blanton (drums, vocals), Charlie Goddard (lead guitar, vocals) and Ben Davis (bass guitar, vocals), have spent their time recording an album that truly states who they are … a rock-n-roll band!
"This album means a lot me," Dennie says. "I feel that this is our best attempt to capture what we do on stage and bring it to the studio." By The Tree, with newest member Goddard, has continued on playing and recording music that truly expresses their musical style. "Since joining the band almost a year ago, I've grown to be best friends with the guys," guitar player Goddard adds, "and this album feels completely natural."
Root was produced by Joe Baldrige (Jewel, DC Talk, Newsboys) and Dennie was the main songwriter. "Root of It All," was written prior to their involvement with the Newsboys tour in 2002 and is a song inspired by getting back to the basics. Phil Joel helped write the finishing touches on the song once the band was in the studio. Phil also sang background vocals as well. This song is the first AC single from the record.
"Faith That Breathes," is a full on rock song that has an intense message about being broken and allowing God to breathe life into our souls. This song was picked to be inserted into over 25,000 copies of a book with the same title.
Their first CHR single, "Far Away," was also written during the Newsboys tour and stays true to their theme of being men of conviction. "In the chaos of this world, God will never leave us or forsake us and He is always closer than we are far away," expresses Dennie.
Other stand-out tracks on the album include "Your Arms" and their popular fan favorite from their independent album "Shoot Me Down." "It's a great musical arrangementvery emotional moments, it's powerful," states bass player Davis regarding "Shoot Me Down," "and it has turned in to the song that the die hard fans request the most at By The Tree shows."
Not only has By The Tree been busy finishing their new album, they have also spent the first part of 2003 headlining their own tour. As a two-time Dove Award winning band, their ultimate mission is to reach the masses with their pop/rock, energetic sound that encourages the message of faith.
After six years creating music including their first successful Dove Award winning album, Invade My Soul; their sophomore venture, These Days; and now Root; they continue to strive for people to relate with their songs and ultimately hear their heart through their music.
"Our goal is to make music that has a chance to become transcendent in people's lives and is genuinely authentic," concludes Dennie. "Root is an album that fulfills this goal!"
Source: http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/bythetree.html
