In this interview with The Pinetree Tapes, we dive into their eerie, atmospheric sound inspired by found recordings, haunted forests, and classic horror. We explore their influences, storytelling, and mysterious journey ahead.
1. Let’s
start at the beginning—what inspired the formation of The Pinetree Tapes, and
how did the concept of “found recordings in the forest” come to life?
THE
PINETREE TAPES is based on an actual set of recordings that Chris, the founder
and songwriter of the band discovered and is currently restoring. The
contents seem to be a collection of audio diaries that recount folklore and
personal stories.
2. You’ve
cited early Melodic Death Metal bands like Children of Bodom and Norther as
influences. What elements of their sound do you aim to carry forward, and how
do you make it your own?
As with the
bands that inspired us, there is a lot of focus on melody and harmony, yet the
base of the songs are fast and technical riffs and lead guitar lines. The
production relies heavily on the texture and grid of analog or early digital
hardware, instead of the high fidelity sound of modern sample libraries.
3. Your
debut single, These Woods Are Haunted, instantly immerses listeners
in a chilling, atmospheric world. Can you tell us about the story or imagery
behind this particular “tape”?
‘These
Woods Are Haunted’ was based on the first tape that Chris was able to restore.
The song follows a grief-stricken figure who ventures into the woods in search
of something they’ve lost. There, they encounter a presence - an entity willing
to make a deal.
4. The
aesthetic of warbled cassettes, ghost stories, and mysterious woods is
incredibly evocative. What draws you to this kind of storytelling?
Art doesn't have to be pitch perfect and clean in order to ewoke emotions. There is beauty in imperfection.
5. You’ve
released Downhearted Mill as your second track. Is there a
larger narrative forming between the songs, or are they standalone glimpses
into different corners of your eerie universe?
All songs
share indeed a connection, which will be fully uncovered over the course of the
upcoming first album.
6. The
anonymity and lack of clear explanations in your concept adds a lot of
mystique. Do you plan to maintain this ambiguity as the project evolves?
These days
it is common to overshare, which is not what the band and the journey to
uncover the tapes are about. We don't fully understand some of the things that
are on them ourselves, so we will investigate together with our fans and
listeners.
7. Can
you walk us through your creative process—do you start with the story, the
atmosphere, or the riffs? How does a “tape” come together from start to finish?
The
contents of the actual tapes inspire Chris to write lyrics, melodies and riffs
around them, which he then tracks as demos. Once the rest of the band
re-recorded their parts properly he will then finalize the song by mixing it in
his home studio.
8. There’s
a strong cinematic feel to your sound. Are there any non-musical
influences—like horror films, folklore, or literature—that feed into your
writing?
Classic
horror literature like Poe, Stoker and Lovecraft did indeed influence the
creative writing a lot. Chris loves a good ghost story.
The tapes
were found in an actual forest, we have yet to share its location.
10. What
can we expect next from The Pinetree Tapes? Will the mystery deepen, or are we
slowly going to learn more about who—or what—is behind these recordings?
The second single "Downhearted Mill" was released 11 April, 2025. A full EP is set to be released Summer 2025, after which the band will then start to perform the material live. There is much to be discovered on the tapes and we are not sure what other stories we will find on them.
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