| Bluetree UK | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | CCM, Worship, Rock, Electronica |
| Years active | 2004-current |
| Website | http://www.bluetreeworship.com, http://www.exchangechurchbelfast.com |
Bluetree is 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 the Passion: God of This City and Hello Love albums. As an independent artist, Bluetree signed distribution agreements with Lucid Entertainment in the USA and Kingsway in the UK & Europe for their album, God of this City.
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Bluetree originated in Strandtown Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) in 2004.[1] 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 originally consisted of five members, with Pete Kernoghan joining later.[2] While the band was travelling on a missions trip to Pattaya, Thailand, the poor conditions of the city became the inspiration for their song, "God of this City". Band members report the song came from divine inspiration when the band was playing in a bar. 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 January 24, 2008, their album was picked up by Fierce! Records for UK Distribution.[3] In May 2009 the band launched their charity "Stand Out International", a charity that indirectly rescues kids out of the sex industry.
The story behind the song "God of this City" (Video)
Aaron Boyd (lead singer) is part of the leadership team Exchange Church Belfast [1] where he regularly leads worship. In January 2010 he recorded Bluetree's first live CD featuring worship from the church. The CD is distributed through Exchange Media, a new company established by Exchange Church to create and distribute various types of media.
Bluetree's second studio album began production in Liverpool's Parr Street Studios in April 2011, and is currently scheduled for release in February 2012 through Exchange Church Media. It is expected to be titled "Kingdom".
| Year | Album details | Peak positions | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US 200 |
US Christ |
US Indie |
US Heat |
||||||
| 2007 | Greater Things
|
- | - | - | - | ||||
| 2009 | God of This City
|
103 | 1 | 8 | 7 | ||||
| 2010 | Bluetree Live at Exchange Church Belfast
|
- | - | - | - | ||||
| 2011 | Kingdom
|
- | - | - | -- | ||||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | |||||||||