Louder Than The Music

Northern Ireland worship band Bluetree will release their second full length studio album 'Kingdom' this month (May 2012).

The band shot to fame when their self-written song 'God Of This City' was covered by artists such as Chris Tomlin and American Idol winner Kris Allen. The band are an integral part of Exchange Church in Belfast, having originated in Strandtown Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) in 2004.

According to lead singer, Aaron Boyd, Bluetree was born out of frustration. "I was frustrated with the idea that worship is only to do with your heart. I don't really agree with that. It's bigger than just your heart attitude towards something. Like the idea that music can be secondary and as long as you love Jesus, that's fine! I don't think that's right." Bluetree are made up of Aaron Boyd, Peter Nickell, Peter Burton & Matt Weir, and have had many other members over the years to help them along the journey. 



As an independent band, they recorded their debut album, Greater Things, at the Windmill Lane Studios (U2's preferred studio). The record was initially released in September 2007, but in January 2008 the album was picked up by Fierce! Records for UK Distribution.



Bluetree's best known song has to be the amazing God Of This City. While the band were traveling on a mission trip to Pattaya, Thailand, the poor conditions of the city became the inspiration for the song. The band members say the song came from divine inspiration when they were playing in a bar.



The band's newest album, Kingdom was produced and mixed by Paul Mills (Third Day, Lincoln Brewster). The eleven-song album was recorded at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, England, the same studio where Coldplay famously recorded their first three albums. The new album features guest vocals from former Delirious? lead singer Martin Smith, while Ryan Griffith, worship director at Exchange Church Belfast, contributed songwriting to the project. Included on 'Kingdom' is first single, 'Jesus Healer' written by singer Aaron Boyd about the journey with his young daughter who has cystic fibrosis.

"My eldest daughter Lily (6) was born with cystic fibrosis, and the song came out of the journey of trying to figure out what the Bible actually says about healing" explained Aaron in a forthcoming interview with Louder Than The Music. "So even though we are yet to see Lily completely healed in the natural, we know that all Jesus' promises are His will for our lives and our journey to see that wholeness and fullness continues."