Q&A: Deep Sea Peach Tree
SURF ROCK WITH A CITY EDGE is the simplest way to put the music of Deep Sea Peach Tree. Listeners may be surprised to find the dreamy indie rock group is making tunes out of none other than New York City. What started as a group between just Kristof Denis and his friend Adam Wanetik, evolved over time to become the jazzy garage band Deep Sea Peach Tree is today.
Consisting of vocalist and guitarist Kristof Denis, guitarist Wiley Watson and bassist Andrew Dell Isola, the band has been gaining a steady presence in the music scene since the release of their self titled EP in 2016. Most recently, Deep Sea Peach Tree released Milk-Based Religion, a short and sweet EP that no one could get enough of. Read on to hear Denis' thoughts on the impact of NYC, the evolution of the band's creative process and more.
LUNA: What events lead up to y’all going from Disco Cream to Deep Sea Peach Tree?
KRISTOF: I came up with the name Disco Cream in high school based purely off aesthetic and I started to get sick of it and thought it was childish or something like that. I came up with Deep Sea Peach Tree also in high school but for a song title. I thought it had more depth and meaning. The deep sea has always intrigued me, especially since we know so little about it. There's gotta be some magic down there.
LUNA: Is that also when the band became more of a career rather than a side hobby?
KRISTOF: Yes and no. At that point I was taking it more seriously but I wouldn’t say I truly committed to this until I left school to live in the city and do music. The band became more of a career within the last year or so.
LUNA: Always the worst/best question so feel free to get creative - how would you describe your music to someone that’s never listened before?
KRISTOF: I like to describe it as “sleepy surf rock” with a New York feel.
LUNA: How do you think New York City has impacted your music if at all?
KRISTOF: I grew up in Manhattan, so I’ve always considered New York to be home. I think the city has definitely shaped my music. The landscape of the city is so colossal and developed it makes you feel so small and introspective. I think that comes across especially on Vaguely Navy. There are also insane amounts of diversity and variety in every facet of life in New York, always giving me new ideas. The last thing I’ll say is the constant buzz that comes with living there. The energy fills you up and makes it seemingly effortless to write and get projects done.
LUNA: Has your creative process changed at all since the release of your first project Vaguely Navy?
KRISTOF: The biggest difference now is that we have all new members except for myself. Vaguely Navy was basically a bunch of songs I wrote on my own in my bedroom, whereas Milk-Based Religion has more influence of our old drummer and bassist. The new single we have out now titled "Xanzibar" has a lot of influence from the brand new members Wiley Watson and Andrew Dell Isola. The process has become more collaborative and less individual.
LUNA: Did you guys have any artists you found yourself referencing when making Milk-Based Religion?
KRISTOF: I always thought of it as a Joy Again/White Stripes/Cosmo Pyke influenced mash of songs.
LUNA: Is there anything you want people to take away from your music?
KRISTOF: I just want to make people think, while simultaneously feeling the flow of each song. I want to contribute towards the progression and awareness of art and music.
LUNA: What do you want 2019 to bring Deep Sea Peach Tree?
KRISTOF: I would like to get an album recorded. That would be great. Also just want to keep playing live shows and connecting with people on music, that’s my favorite part.