The Dead Trees
Earlier this year, a friend and I made the trek to The White Rabbit, San Antonio’s oldest (and most badass) rock club, with the intentions of catching up with one of my favorite bands of ‘08, The Whigs. Two bands I had not seen before were sharing the bill with The Whigs that night, Austin’s own What Made Milwaukee Famous, and Portland’s The Dead Trees.
Now, I hate any talking during a set, but I looked over and noticed Whigs frontman Parker Gispert floating through the audience, taking pictures of The Dead Trees, and I felt compelled to go say hi. I pardoned the interruption, and did just so. I mention this for one reason, because Parker had a simple, yet flawless description of what was coming off of the stage via The Dead Trees.
“This band is SO good. Just amazing. I can’t get over it.”
We couldn’t agree more. It’s not too often that an opening band sucks you in right away, and has you racing to the merch table to pick up an album. The Dead Trees will do it to you. And for that reason, I’m honored that Dead Tree Michael Ian Cummings took a few minutes to split some hairs with me regarding their new album “Kings of Rosa”. Enjoy.
1. Can you give the fans a brief history of the band?
The Dead Trees formed in Boston in Jan 2007 according to myspace.com after much deliberation we secured the domain thedeadtrees.com, and the band was formed. Since, we have moved to Portland OR where we jam out, and drink fine coffee!
2. Is there a story behind the album title and cover picture?
Yes. “King of Rosa” can be seen In the insert of our record, behind the credits. His powers are only exceeded, and intensified by his cuteness.
3. The record is available on vinyl, do you guys use vinyl for yourpersonal collections? Is this something important to the band?
Yes. It’s the best format to listen to the dead trees on. Plus the art is slightly different and more awesome.
4. Has touring nationally changed the live show from what you did athome, and if so, how?
Of course. It makes the band tight as hell. Plus, how many basement shows can you play?
5. What’s something you’ve learned about the music business that youknow now, you wish you would have known when you started out?
“The music business” as it’s known is a total farce. But, I think we all knew that going into it.
6. Top ways the band passes the down time on the road?
Passing time us east when you have books, and NPR. We also collect hot sauce.
7. (The band seems to have a great sense of humor, hence the question)Any favorite comedians?
We are actually dead serious But Joel atwill, Neil Hamburger, Mitch Hedburg, and George Bush are pretty funny.
8. Favorite equipment or record stores?
Ameoba records, that place is insane. I spent 2 hours in the SF store last sat, eating a burrito and listening to records. Like “Stax covers The Beatles” what?! Rad!
9. Strangest thing that has happened to the band since its inception?
We were plaing a show in Austin. The doorman told us that “Matt’s daughter” was trying to get in the sold out club. When we went to the door we saw it was a girl “Joe the band member” had slept with in Dallas the night before. Even after we got to the door she still stuck to her story claiming to be “Joe’s” kid. “Joe” is 23 so we deemed her certifiably crazy. So we let her into the show and I think “Joe” ended up sleeping with her again that night.
10. On a scale of 1-10, how painful was this interview?
like Valium and cocktails.
THANK YOU, Michael and the rest of The Dead Trees.
PLEASE treat yourself to a Dead Trees show this winter with Little Joy, another Split Hairs favorite.
And for fuck’s sake, go get King of Rosa now.
