Between the Trees
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Orlando, Florida , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
| Website | betweenthetrees |
Between the Trees was a rock ensemble originating from Orlando, Florida, established in 2005. The group consisted of Ryan Kirkland on vocals and guitar, Brad Kriebel as lead guitarist, Josh Butler on drums, and bassist Jeremy Butler.
Their first full-length album, The Story and the Song, was launched in 2006 under the Bonded Records label. In 2007, the band secured a contract with The Universal Motown/Universal Republic Group, though this collaboration concluded prior to their subsequent album release. Their sophomore effort, Spain, was independently issued on August 11, 2009.
Formation and The Story and the Song (2005–2006)
Between the Trees formed in early 2005 on the east side of Orlando, initially featuring Ryan Kirkland alongside brothers Josh and Jeremy Butler. By spring that year, keyboardist Wes Anderson joined the lineup, followed shortly by guitarist Brad Kriebel. Once their roster was complete, they cultivated a collective sound that fused diverse musical influences.
After completing high school, they debuted The Story and the Song on September 19, 2006, through the independent label Bonded Records. The lead single "The Way She Feels" premiered with an accompanying music video in May 2006 and received radio play across the United States by May 2007.
The band became affiliated with the nonprofit organization To Write Love on Her Arms, which supports individuals dealing with depression and addiction. Two songs from their debut album reflect themes connected to this cause. Additionally, the album touches on topics such as love, self-reflection, interpersonal relationships, and appreciation for their audience—highlighted by the opening track "The Forward."
Record labels and Spain (2007–present)
In August 2007, Between the Trees announced via their MySpace page that they had signed with Universal Motown Republic, following their participation in the Vans Warped Tour. Prior to releasing their second album, bassist Jeremy Butler disclosed on AbsolutePunk.net that the band had ended their contract with the label and chose to release music independently.
Brad Kriebel departed from the band in August 2008 due to creative disagreements and was temporarily succeeded by lead guitarist Josh Jove. On June 3, 2009, it was announced that Wes Anderson would also be leaving to pursue other interests.
Their second studio album, Spain, came out on August 11, 2009, featuring "We Can Try" as its lead single; a music video for this track followed on August 28, 2009.
Additionally, Between the Trees released their inaugural EP titled Winter EP exclusively during their Winter 2009 tour dates. While initially available only at shows, they indicated plans for a later online release; meanwhile, some tracks were accessible via YouTube.
On September 8, 2010, Between The Trees declared they would disband by the end of that year. Despite some internal debate over this choice, they described it as definitive. They also confirmed that touring guitarist Stevie Benz would be promoted to full-time member status.
On December 23, 2011, Ryan Kirkland shared "You Showed Up," a song created for his church’s Christmas celebration.
Farewell Shows
The group performed two final concerts at "The Social" venue located in downtown Orlando, Florida on December 6 and 7 of 2010. Opening acts included Aaron Gillespie of The Almost.
Past members
- Ryan Kirkland – Lead vocals, guitar, keyboards
- Josh Butler – Drums
- Jeremy Butler – Bass guitar
- Andrew Kelly – Guitar, vocals
- Stevie Benz – Guitar, backing vocals (currently performing with The Rocket Summer)
- Brad Kriebel – Guitar
- Wes Anderson – Keyboards, percussion
Touring personnel
- Josh Jove – Former guitarist and backing vocalist
- Jordan Ensminger – Former guitarist and backing vocalist
Albums
- 2006: The Story and the Song
- 2009: Spain U.S. chart position: No. 138
EPs
- 2009: Winter EP
External resources
- Betweenthetrees.net Official site
- Between the Trees on Purevolume
- Between the Trees on MySpace
- Alternative rock groups from Florida
- Christian rock groups from Florida
- Pop punk groups from Florida
- Indie rock musical groups from Florida
- Musical groups established in 2005
- Musical groups disbanded in 2010
- Musical groups originating in Orlando, Florida
- Universal Motown Records artists
- Musical groups disestablished in 2010