Tree 63 was formed in 1996. Their first album released in the United States, Tree63, won the GMA Dove Award for “Rock Album of the Year” in 2001. The current band members are Jon Ellis (Vox, Guitar & Piano), Daniel Ornellas (Bass) and Darryl Swart (Drums).

Originally from Durban in South Africa, the band are now based in the US (Nashville, Tennessee) and do extensive touring worldwide, bringing music and the news of the Gospel to all they encounter.

From the Tree63 MySpace page:
“Each day is full of constant curveballs and soul-searching, but out of our most vulnerable and defenseless periods often come the most valuable lessons of character, spiritual sharpening and insight to the questions that weigh heavy on our hearts. Some of our music is prophetic, some contemplative, some confrontational – all worship ultimately. Our music is about God, about our love for Jesus, about some of the frustrations that come from being alive with Christ in a world dead with sin. We believe that life is about more than music. It is about people and we would love to get to know you and hear your story.”

I was able to get in touch with Darryl and pester him with some questions while he was touring and playing all over the place and he was gracious enough to answer all my questions! The best part was that Tree63 were in Belfast in April and I was able to catch up with Darryl to have a good chat about all things drumming and beyond! Continue reading »