Bluetree

Last updated

Bluetree
Origin Belfast, Northern Ireland
Genres
Years active2004–2017
LabelsBluetree Worship, Integrity
Website bluetreeworship.com

Bluetree was a Northern Irish contemporary Christian band. The band is best known for its song "God of This City", which received international exposure when it was covered by Chris Tomlin on both the Passion: God of This City and Hello Love albums. As an independent band, Bluetree signed distribution agreements with Lucid Entertainment in the US and Kingsway in the UK & Europe for their album, God of this City.

Contents

History

Bluetree originated in Christian Fellowship Church in Belfast in 2004. [1] Bluetree originally consisted of five members, with Pete Kernoghan joining later. [2] While the band was travelling on a missions trip to Pattaya, Thailand they were inspired to write a song, "God of this City". Band members report that the song came from divine inspiration when the band was playing in a bar. The song refers to the impoverished and desperate conditions the band witnessed during their trip.

As an independent band, they recorded their debut album, Greater Things, at the Windmill Lane Studios (U2's preferred studio). [2] The record was initially released in September 2007 but on 24 January 2008, their album was picked up by Fierce! Records for UK Distribution. [3] In May 2009 the band launched a charity "Stand Out International" which indirectly rescues children from the sex industry; they also had their first album, God of This City, released in North America. In 2013, the charity was relaunched in the US with the name Bluetree Worship, a US 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Bluetree was nominated for a Dove Award in 2009 for "God of This City". Their second studio album Kingdom began production in Parr Street Studios which is in Liverpool, England in April 2011, and was digitally released on 8 May 2012 with a small-scale US CD release in June. In 2013, two live projects were released. The first was recorded in 2010 in between their first two studio albums; all funds raised went to missions and a trip to Cambodia with Ratanak in November 2013. The second was recorded at the Super Summer camp in June 2013 and features guest and fellow Nathan Jess, who is also from Northern Ireland. In 2014, Bluetree's music with Integrity Media was released; they had publishing and recording contracts with Integrity at the time. The first album of the deal was recorded in May 2014 with production by Michael Rossback. Bluetree's lead singer and founder, Aaron Boyd, regularly leads worship at his home church CFC in Belfast. Bluetree has toured with American Christian rock band 2nd Mile. [4]

In September 2017, Aaron Boyd discontinued the Bluetree moniker and he still tours as a solo artist.[ citation needed ]

Members

Discography

YearAlbum detailsPeak positions
US
200
US
Christ
US
Indie
US
Heat
2007Greater Things
  • Released: 2007
  • Label: Independent
2009 God of This City
  • Released: 3 March 2009
  • Label: Lucid
103187
2012Kingdom
  • Release: 8 May 2012 [5]
  • Label: Bluetree Worship
2013Live: Mission Edition
  • Released: 1 Jan 2013
  • Label: Bluetree Worship
2013Live in Oklahoma
  • Released: 28 October 2013
  • Label: Bluetree Worship
2014Worship & Justice
  • Release due: 26 August 2014 [6]
  • Label: Integrity
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Awards and accolades

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References

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  2. 1 2 "Bluetree: Rock worshippers and one of the Greater Things to emerge from N. Ireland - Bluetree". Crossrhythms.co.uk. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  3. "UK Distribution: Irish rockers Bluetree get UK distribution by Fierce! Distribution". Crossrhythms.co.uk. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  4. "2nd Mile plays Christian music fest". Gladwin County Record. 7 July 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
  5. "New Album 'Kingdom' Expected From Bluetree in February". Louderthanthemusic.com. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  6. "Bluetree To Release New Album 'Worship & Justice' After Signing With Integrity Music". Louderthanthemusic.com. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  7. "The 20 Best Albums Of 2007: According to Tony Cummings & Mike Rimmer". Crossrhythms.co.uk. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  8. "The 20 Best Tracks Of 2007: According to Mike Rimmer and Tony Cummings". Crossrhythms.co.uk. Retrieved 8 June 2020.