Chad's Tree
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 in Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Founder | Mark Snarski, Rob Snarski |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
Area served | Australia, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Chad's Tree is a rock group originating from Perth, Western Australia in 1983, fronted by siblings Mark and Rob Snarski. Their unique musical style captured the desolation and ruggedness of the Nullarbor Plain, drawing comparisons to fellow Perth ensemble The Triffids.
Biography
Born in London to Polish refugee parents, the Snarski brothers spent their childhood on a farm near Perth. Their initial musical inspirations stemmed from AM radio hits and artists like Tom Jones, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra. During their teenage years, they bonded over bands such as the Doors and the Velvet Underground.
After moving to Sydney in 1984, Chad's Tree enlisted Amanda Brown (The Go-Betweens) for recording sessions on their first album, Buckle in the Rail (1987), although she chose not to become a permanent member. Early in their career, they supported performers including John Cale and Nico.
The band’s first single, "Crush the Lily"/"Toll for Josephine," was released in 1985 through Hot Records, followed by "Sweet Jesus Blue Eyes"/"To the Highest Bidder" (1987) and "Stroller in the Attic"/"The Orchard" (1988). Their debut album was issued on Nude Records, with distribution in the UK handled by Rough Trade Records.
Over six years, the lineup shifted, featuring bassists Mark Hemery, Peter Michael, Barry Turnbull, and Simon Kain; pianists and violinists Susan Grigg and later Kathy Wemyss; and guitarist Jason Kain who replaced Robert Snarski after his departure in 1988 to establish The Blackeyed Susans. Their sophomore album, Kerosene, came out in 1989.
Following the completion of Kerosene—funded by Waterfront Records—Mark Snarski disbanded Chad's Tree to focus on travel and new ventures. Afterward, Snarski and Wemyss formed the Jackson Code. Mark eventually settled in Madrid after touring with author James Ellroy; meanwhile, Rob Snarski continues his musical career with The Blackeyed Susans based in Melbourne.
In 2010, Memorandum Records released Crossing Off the Miles, an extensive anthology compiling both albums alongside singles, B-sides, demos, live recordings, and an informative booklet featuring insights from band members and music scholars.
Members
- Mark Snarski – vocals
- Rob Snarski – vocals, guitar, bass
- Jason Kain – guitar
- Kathy Wemyss – vocals, violin, trumpet
- James Hurst – drums
- Kenny Davis Junior – violin
- Sue Grigg – violin, piano
- Amanda Brown – violin
- Rodney Howard – bass
- Peter Michael – bass
- Kim Bettenay – bass
- Barry Turnbull – bass
- Mark Hemery – bass
- Simon Kain – bass
Albums/EPs
- Chad's Tree (EP) – Hot Records (HOT 1229) (1986)
- Buckle in the Rail – Nude Records (Fine 1) (January 1987)
- Kerosene – Nude Records (DAMP96) (March 1989)
- Crossing Off the Miles – Memorandum Records (MEMO7) (22 March 2010)
Singles
- "Crush The Lily" / "Toll For Josephine" – Hot Records (HOT 727) (November 1985)
- "Sweet Jesus Blue Eyes" / "To The Highest Bidder" – Nude Records (FIG 100) (February 1987)
- "The Orchard" / "Stroller in the Attic" – Nude Records (FIG 110) (March 1988)
Compilations
- This Is Too Hot – Hot Records (1986) – features the track "Crush The Lily"
- High Temperature: A Collection Of Hot Records From 1982–1985 – Hot Records (1986) – includes "Crush the Lily"