Jersey City resident “Tree” brings a bit of Southern charm to her Jersey City band, Any Day Parade. Although the Kentucky native wouldn’t reveal the origins of her nickname – which seem to have to do with her creative spirit and disregard for the norm – she did say, “I used to be much more ‘debaucherous’ growing up.”
Whatever the reason, Any Day Parade is getting ready to release their new E.P. in early March. Think Johnny Cash meets The Killers at the corner dive. Their classic Americana sound is blended with an urban Jersey City edge, fresh yet familiar.
They played a packed show at Maxwell’s late last year. For more information or to listen for yourself, visit: www.myspace.com/anydayparade.
Here are a few questions for Tree.
Describe the sound:
“It definitely has a country sort of feel. But, I don’t want to say rootsy or folksy, because it’s not. It’s about the simple things, like love, and drinking, and heartbreak. As we evolve, we’re getting a little more punk rock.”
When did you start singing?
“I used to think it was a unique story, but a lot of people, especially females, first start to sing in church.
I was always trying to out-sing everyone else, much to my father’s dismay. I counted once in the seventh grade, and my family had gone to 33 different churches. My father was constantly seeking his version of the truth.”
What are some of your favorite places to play?
“The Lamp Post in Jersey City. We’ve played there three times now. It offers a neighborhood venue to play; it’s great to play in front of friends. Spike Hill in Brooklyn has a great sound too. It’s a really nice venue. Logistically, it’s like 50 steps from the L train, so it’s easy to get a great crowd to come out.”
Inspirations:
“My inspirations are from personal experiences – trying to play music in this area, and living in this area and the struggles that come along the way.”
How did you come up with the band name?
“I wanted it to be festive and upbeat. I was thinking like rainy day parade, Thanksgiving Day parade, and then just decided on Any Day Parade.”
Influences:
“Some of the guys in the band like British garage bands like the Kinks and the Faces. We all love Creedence Clearwater Revival. For me, Elvis Presley has always been big…Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash. Nothing too crazy.”
Besides music, what are you and the band really good at?
“I’m an extremely good parallel parker. I’ve been driving to work for a really long time, and when I’m parallel parking, I think, ‘I wish I could put this on my resume.’”
“The band members are really good beer drinkers. Most bands have a portable table on the side of the stage where they have a keyboard or turntables; we’re thinking of getting a portable bar we could flip out on stage. But, I think we’re good songwriters, too. We’re really comfortable with each other and have a good chemistry. We know what each other’s strengths are, and everyone has their own voice.”
What is important to you in a relationship?
“I’m in a relationship now, and I think that someone who understands my lifestyle is important. And, someone who is driven in their own arena – what they want to do with their life.”
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
“Try to think more positively about life and the direction of the band. I believe that positive energy attracts positive energy, and it’s actually been working!”