We Are Trees Interview

The leader and brains behind indie pop band We Are Trees, James Nee, considers himself to be your average hipster kid. “I wear glasses, am really good and knowledgeable at things that don’t matter, and I smoke Camel cigarettes.” So he may be a walking stereotype, but there aren’t too many hipster kids capable of creating the kind of music that Nee can, swirling folk-pop with flourishing violins and heart-wrenching vocals. Many have compared We Are Trees to the likes of Daniel Rossen and Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear, and the comparison is definitely not baseless, even if Nee himself doesn’t see it. But We Are Trees is not just another copycat band. Gravy and Biscuits writer Jebbica recently talked with Nee about We Are Trees, his plans for the future, and what’s hiding in his closet.

Okay, so I have to ask given your name, but if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
I can draw really good lollipop trees. So I’d probably be one of those.

How did We Are Trees come into existence?
We Are Trees has been my solo project since I was 16. And occasionally, I ask my friends my help me out with live shows, but no one has ever wanted to be in a band with me.

What was your inspiration for creating Boyfriend?
Well prior to it, I’ve always just recorded in my bedroom and did shitty demos. So I really just wanted something I could be proud of when I looked back in my life.

What made you write “Dear Chan Marshall” (a track off of Boyfriend)?
I had a huge Cat Power phase in my life. Hopefully she hears that song, and we become best friends.

What do you think of all the comparisons to Grizzly Bear?
It’s cool. I’m not offended. I mean there are worse bands to be compared to, and I really like Grizzly Bear. So I’m lucky I’m being compared to idols of mine. On the other hand…I just can’t hear it.

What do you like to do when not making music?
I’ve been having my own personal Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathons. It’s the best show ever!

If you were the size of a pencil and were dropped in a blender, how would you get out?
Assuming I’m a freshly sharpened standard No. 2 pencil, I would bounce on my eraser to gain some height. And at the right moment, lodge myself against the walls and start “climbing” my way out while leaning diagonally. I hope that made sense.

Who are your influences, and if you could go on tour with anyone, who would it be?
Michael Jordan and The Strokes, and it would be a dream come true if I went on tour with Wu-Tang Clan.

What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
I really want to open up my own trendy noodle shop. It’d be mixture of a ramen shop, a record store, and a venue.

Is an upcoming full-length album on its way?
I hope so! Girlfriend [the upcoming EP] is just the “other side” to Boyfriend. They’re different, but similar at the same time. They make each other complete.

What’s the weirdest thing in your closet?
A ghost (maybe?). I just get weird vibes every time open it.

You can check out Boyfriend and an upcoming track from Girlfriend on We Are Trees’ Bandcamp Page.

We Are Trees Bandcamp
We Are Trees Facebook