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Music City Musings - Trees United

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Trees United are a modern-era family band in Music City who are all about growth, sustainability and sinking roots. We caught up with them to see what's happening at the moment underneath their cool canopy - here's what we found out.

MCN: In a town teeming with talent what makes you standout in Music City?

TU: In a town with so many talented and seasoned musicians; we feel lucky to be able to keep it in the family. Many have dubbed us the modern-day Partridge family. Our band consist of Mom - Amber, Dad - Edi, and four of five children. The smallest member at two years old is still figuring out what instrument he will be playing. Amber is the bass player and back up vocals who along with eldest sister Solbella 13 on drums, may have a new member to the group's rhythm section. Baby Solomon likes the drums. He was already playing shows in mommy's tummy before he was born, so this may be his rhythm influence. Edi is our lead singer and guitarist. Sebastian 16, is our lead guitar. Shiloh 11, plays ukulele back up vocals and some guitar. And Siya 9, has an amazingly soulful voice as well is a being multi instrumentalist on keys, violin and a bit of rhythm in some songs.

We have a broad spectrum of musical heritage from Appalachian Bluegrass to Latino rock. Edi is originally from Guatemala with a variety of Spanish rock and traditional music. Amber from Chicago with Americana folk southern bluegrass roots grew up going to music festivals and events throughout the U.S., as do our family now to be extended abroad.

MCN: What is the most significant musical experience you have been a part of - or witnessed - in Nashville, Tennessee?

TU: There are so many musical experiences in Nashville, TN to enjoy and participate in. We really enjoy Musicians Corner at Centennial Park during the summer. It is amazing that our beautiful Music City offers this free event on weekends to come see local and surrounding area musicians with food trucks and a kids area. We hope to be a part of it next year. There are also the amazing Riverfront shows as well as local festivals as the annual Tomato Art Festival that we have been involved in. Nashville has so many music and artesian experiences for every type of this culturally diverse city. We will be playing the annual festival Latino 2019 in Smyrna where there will be Latino music food and dancing. So no matter your musical preference Nashville the Music City has it all.

MCN: I recently heard Nashville described as a dreamer's town. Can you encapsulate the size and the scope of the dream you brought with you to Music City?

TU: Nashville is really booming as of late and becoming a real 'Big City' on the map. We have been lucky to live here for over 15 years and all of our children have been born and raised in Nashville. Music City is a dreamers town with so many musical and artistic opportunities. Part of our Music City dream is to play the Ryman and or the Opry following in the footsteps of so many founding originators of Music City. It is sad to see some of our historical foundations on Music Row etc. and the like being moved on for progress. As well as so much commercialization of downtown Nashville. At the same time we are growing and with growth comes change. We are glad to be a part of the ebb and flow of Music City.

MCN: What are you currently promoting?

TU: We are currently working on many new projects. In the next week we will be releasing two new singles in Spanish and English. "I See Smiles" is one of them. As well as three more of the originals we are finishing up recording for this summer. Trees United has just started a performing arts and events nonprofit called "Trees United Music" performing arts and events to bring music and arts to underprivileged and/or lacking communities locally and abroad. We are currently developing a farm property in mid western Tennessee where we will host some shows this summer 2019.

To add to that we will have another nonprofit shortly encompassing the same farm location as well as other local farms to bring sustainability awareness. Hosting cob building, permaculture, bio dynamic growing, holistic and natural living workshops. This season as we are an up-and-coming band to the area we have been grateful to have a pretty busy schedule. Playing local and regional festivals farmers market and event venues. We look forward to adding new members to our community and booking new shows so please reach out to us with your interests.

MCN: Nashville is an amazing place. Many call the Tennessee capitol the "It" City while some say we're experiencing growing pains. Either way, it's a fun topic of conversation and the subject always elicits strong opinions. So we ask - what do you love and what do you loathe about the town known as Music City?

TU: We love the fact that Nashville is so culturally diverse. With our amazing Parthenon making us The Greek Athens of the south. As mentioned in one of the previous questions it is sad to see some of the historical buildings of our town being moved on for new development many on Music Row. When traveling downtown we find a lot of the new commercialization of our beloved Nashville off-putting. We know with growth comes change but sometimes history makes a place. There are not many cities that offers such a culturally diverse variety of music art and entertainment. You can always find a show or music venue in Music City and meet some amazing people from all over the world. Trees United loves to call Nashville home.

MCN: When you find yourself in Nashville and the surrounding region and you are out looking for a bite to eat - what is your go to place to dine?

TU: Being a Latino American vegetarian family one of our favorite places to eat in Nashville is Las Americas. Las Americas is an El Salvadorian Restaurant located off of Nolensville Road in South Nashville. For us they have the best Pupusas in the area. Another go to Spanish drink here is Horchata if anyone is looking to try a great authentic Spanish meal. We also enjoy Sunflower Caf , the old-school farm to table and Puckett's for live music and vegetarian options.