Phoenix Tree Celebrates New Crowdfunded Album

From Phoenix Tree: Phoenix Tree, a Danbury-based band that has been performing for 11 years, is celebrating their new crowdfunded album with the second of two album release parties, this Saturday, May 27 at Billy Bean’s Cafe and Pub in Danbury.

The album, “Heartwood” was a year in the making, from concept to prep and crowdfunding (via Indiegogo) over five thousand dollars while performing countless shows all year. The band took a much needed hiatus in the Fall and Winter to record, mix and master at the well known Carriage House Studios in Stamford, CT.

"We were really excited to help Phoenix Tree with their crowdfunding campaign," said Mike Kaltschnee, co-director of the Danbury Hackerspace (and Innovation Center). "Phoenix Tree is an amazing band, and we have been helping people raise money online with social media support, advice, and a venue for launching crowdfunding campaigns. Phoenix Tree was the first live performance we had at the space, and hundreds of people watched it online."

Bonan credits the group's longevity to its musical evolution from a band that infused jams into songs to something that’s more improvisation-oriented. "We're a lot louder and experimental these days, and are versatile in that not only are we a quintet for large venues, but we also perform as a quartet, trio and duo depending on the space.”

The group also wanted to give back with this new project and is donating 10 percent of all physical and online music sales to Danbury Arts in Action / Youth Advancement Through Music and Arts.“I am overwhelmed with the support Danbury's Music and Art scene give each other”, said Jill Hancock, Director of A Common Ground. “We have developed a close-knit community of people who are intelligent, creative, very talented and mostly, care. I would like to thank long time friends, Phoenix Tree, for their continued support of Danbury Arts In Action; donating a portion of their new Album's sales to the organization. They are part of an the roots of our efforts which is how we continue to grow stronger and flourish.”

Phoenix Tree is comprised of Fishkill resident Dan O'Connor (guitar, vocals), Justin Virga (guitar, vocals, glockenspiel) originally from Bridgewater/Danbury, now living in Bantam, Conn., Bethel resident Hector O.K. Jimenez (bass, vocals), Mike Schwartz from New Fairfield on (drums) and Danbury resident Dave Bonan on percussion.

As of press time, the band’s digital album presence is now available on CDbaby, Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, YouTube, Google Play and Amazon. Phoenix Tree’s 2nd album release party is this Saturday, May 27 at Billy Bean’s Pub, 80 White Street in Danbury. The show starts at 10pm with drink specials and special guests. The new album will be for sale. For more info: www.phoenixtreemusic.com/heartwood

Image Via Pixabay