Starting the brand new year with creativity and sentiment, an elusive George Bendemann returns with his most eclectic and genre-blending album yet.
From acoustic roots to punk-rock explosions and intimate piano solos, The Trees delivers a versatile collection of brief but impactful songs, and highlights the best of the songwriter and artist’s abilities across a breadth of original moments.
We caught an interview with Georg Bendemann, to find out how the new project came to be. Here’s how it went.
* * *
Hey – great to catch up with you, Happy New Year! How has 2025 been for you so far?
2025 so far has been great. My heart feels full, my ears are clear, and my spirit is light.
What was the inspiration both creatively and conceptually for the new album The Trees?
The main source of inspiration for The Trees came from me finding my faith in Christianity.
The album sees things switch gears in a multitude of ways. The story, the rap vocal and simple programmed drums of Ruth mark a striking example. Why this style, and why did you feel compelled to tell this story?
I wanted to make instrumentals that were simple so that the lyrics could shine.
For Joel we then get a 36-second explosion of punk-rock energy and grit, as you declare your commitment to being a great father. How did this track come about – was it planned, spur of the moment, a single edit? What was the process?
The song Joel was inspired by the band United Super Villains. In the studio, we worked to emulate their sound.
What made you switch to piano for Genesis and Revelation, why begin and end in this way, and how has that creative shift been for you as a songwriter?
I wanted the album to feel like you’re in church. Having it open and close with piano was my way of capturing that.
Colossians then takes us back to the more familiar style of recent projects. Why this title and theme, and why the simplicity of the acoustic sound in this case?
The simplicity of the acoustic sound comes from my Johnny Cash influence.
Can we expect further instrumental changes in the future?
Definitely. I’m the world’s most unpredictable musician!
What’s your plan creatively for 2025?
To continue to improve my skills as an artist and make great music.
* * *
Find Georg Bendemann on YouTube, Apple, Genius & Bandcamp.
