Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band

The Walking Tree is

Warren Trunz, Vocals/Guitar

Raffi Froundjian, Guitar

Mike Divittorio, Bass

Kevin Trunz, Drums

Dominick D’Agostino, Guitar

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to The Walking Tree? How long has the band been around?

Raffi - The origin of The Walking Tree goes as far back as 12 years ago, when Warren and I met up for the first time to jam. We played music together for weeks and soon after formed our first band. We all crossed paths at different points playing in punk/hardcore bands. I would say The Walking Tree officially started in the Summer of 2010.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Warren - As we all know coming up with a band name SUCKS. We talked about it for a while and the name was a combination of a bunch of ideas we had floating around. We committed to it and stuck with it ever since. I guess you could say we all came up with a word. I’ll go ahead and take credit for “The”.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Warren - The songs always come together in different ways. Sometimes its a shitty acoustic demo that I will send to the guys. Usually, it's a basic structure, then we all come together and jam it out until something happens. Other times, Raffi might have a cool riff that inspires a chorus that leads to a song. Maybe Kev and Divo start playing a drum and bass groove. We try not to keep a formula so that things stay interesting. The themes and topics of what I write about are usually inspired by daily mundane events, or weird thoughts I have driving. I think as I time goes on we get to know ourselves better, and we are able to be more true and honest with ourselves. So of course what I write about will always be ever-changing.  

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Raffi - We are inspired by many bands and songwriters, but the bands we’ve been taking the most influence from have been Pearl Jam, Janes Addiction, Incubus, Radiohead, Cage The Elephant, Foo Fighters and The Vines. These are the bands that we love and we want to write music that makes people feel the way these bands make us feel.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Warren - I'll never forget going to my first local show. It was in a gym in my town. It was all hardcore music. It was so loud, everyone was so much older than me. Just being there made me feel so cool and accepted. Everyone was crowd surfing and moshing. My mind was blown. I instantly fell in love and knew that this was what I wanted to do. 

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc…

Raffi - Everyone in the band has different ways to warm up. Warren does his vocal exercises and the rest of us warm our fingers by playing a little. We all get together before the show and usually realize we don’t remember the order of the set! 

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Raffi - So far, our biggest highlight has been releasing the video "What’s in my Head" and the EP itself in 2015. We worked so hard to reinvent ourselves as a band and went against a lot of what we were only capable of. It was received well. We hope that the release of our new EP, Cyclone Baby, will exceed our expectations and be the beginning to a whole new era for our band.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Warren - I would love to tour with Pearl Jam. They have some of the best most loyal, and dedicated fans I have ever seen. It would be an honor to play with a band like that.

Kevin - Jane's Addiction. Their live show is one I could enjoy every night and they seem like a fun group of guys. Also, I've always wanted to dance while hanging by meat hooks!

Raffi - I would love to play with Rush. They were a band that had so many no's before their one yes that got them signed. They're technical, but their songs still impact lots of people. They're a band with great musicianship, a big sound and a fun show.

Divo - I'd say Radiohead, because they are musical geniuses and could teach us a lot.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Warren - Thanks for taking the time to ask us questions, and thanks to everyone who gets this far reading it! Be on the lookout for a bunch of new music. We really feel that we have finally found our sound and cannot wait to share it with everyone! Lastly, check out our latest single “Here Again There Again” on Youtube!!!