Play On

Swizzle Tree definitely has a ring to it's name which in a strange way defines the style of the band. Soaring melodies, crunchy guitars, magnetic harmonies, a solid rhythm section and strange personalities make up the unique sound of this infectious rock band. Born and bred in Chicago, Swizzle Tree's members are no strangers to all music. With influences ranging from Bad Religion to Weezer and Stone Temple Pilots to Material Issue, the band shows no signs of weak spots in good songwriting. Steve, Saarang, Todish all went to high school together at Downers Grove South in Downers Grove, Illinois. Working together at a retirement home, they became quick friends - getting high and serving 'old' people food is a good form of bonding. Not too long after that, they realized they had the same likes in music. Steve and Todish both played guitar and, with an older brother in a successful local band, Saarang decided to follow in his footsteps and start singing. With a bass player and drummer, the band was born. After a falling-out and church robbery, the Tree needed a new rhythm section-no fucking around this time. The addition of Jiggles (2000) on bass was worthy, and 18 drummers later( okay, it was only 4), Nik took over the sticks in early 2008. Releasing their self-titled album, Swizzle Tree (2001), featuring the song Green Eyed Fool mixed by Johnny K (Disturbed, 3 Doors Down, Simple Plan), and selling a few thousand copies, the Tree started playing bigger and better shows in Chicago. Along with opening for such acts as Eve 6, Lit, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Sum 41, the Tree played Lollapalooza as well as clubs like House of Blues, Metro, and the Riviera. The release of Play On (2003), spawned a new-improved machine that started branching out in the Midwest, touring states like Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, and Indiana building up markets, spreading the word. After a lot of hard work, agonizing van trips, and a radio add in Omaha, Nebraska-the Tree saw a steadily growing fan base and surge in record sales. With the track Marc's Car becoming a hit on Omaha based KIWR (89.7 The River), the band sold close to 10,000 copies of their independent release Play On throughout the Midwest. Now opening for acts like 311, Blue October, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Matisyahu, Kottonmouth Kings, Vans Warped Tour, River Riot (NE/IA), Yellowcard, and Lucky Boys Confusion. The release of Here We Are (2006) on Areena Records took the band on a long and rocky road, but Swizzle Tree is back on course....we won't get into that part. Sprouting from all over the Chicago-land area, Swizzle Tree's members know what they want to do in life: Play music. Go with the flow. Not give into the ever-changing times, and they definitely show why they are here to stay by sticking to their roots.