Cover image via Branko Starčevič //
The eclectic artist’s new album Alone in a Crowd is out this Friday…
The last time we interviewed Oliver Tree in 2019, he was a hot-headed 26-year-old waging war on the world while having it eating out of the palm of his hand. It wasn’t surprising, of course, with the young artist on the rise hot off collabs with the likes of Dillon Francis, Blink-182 and Whethan, while being just months away from the release of his debut album, Ugly Is Beautiful. Fast forward four years, and he’s still every bit as hot-headed and still has the world at his mercy, but the war part seems to have subsided somewhat. Specifically, it seems Oliver has found some semblance of inner peace, while not having as much to prove anymore (while still being an absolute psycho, of course).
It’s a sentiment that he’s been alluding to on recent singles like ‘Essence’ with Super Computer along with his latest release, ‘Fairweather Friends’. The former is a catchy retelling of his falling in love, with the latter being a murky foray into trap and hip hop (we’re not sure if it’s ironic or not yet). Despite their polar opposite sounds and sentiments, however, they’re both tinged with a sense of optimism that’s unmistakeable upon first listen.
Perhaps its due to the emergence of Cornelius Cummings, the latest character to manifest from the crevices of Oliver’s psyche. A fashion superstar with an uncompromising vigour and lust for life, Cummings is one of the driving forces behind Alone in a Crowd, and judging by his appearance in the ‘Essence’ music video, we’re guessing he may need some anger management sessions.
To celebrate the new LP and his upcoming return Down Under next month, we caught up with Oliver to get the drop on Alone in a Crowd, falling in love and his ideas for an Aussie national anthem (does anyone have The Chats’ number?). Check it below:
You appear to be in a never-ending cycle of creating music. Quick question: Does Oliver Tree ever take a day off?
I try to take time off during Christmas or the holidays, but I usually still end up doing a few things. I just love what I do so much that it’s hard for me not to. I’m kind of addicted to it, and now that I’m sober, being a workaholic is probably my biggest addiction. It might not be the healthiest thing, and I’m not advising people to do it, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.
For someone who’s constantly creating, I can imagine it can get quite hectic in your mind from time to time. What does Oliver Tree do to unwind? Are we talking about hot baths, David Attenborough documentaries, chain smoking incessantly?
I enjoy taking hot tubs, jumping in the ocean, skinny-dipping, bubble baths, hot showers, high dives, jumps into small pools, and basically anything related to water. Squirt guns, those little flower-shaped water squirters… you name it.
Is there any particular reason for your affinity for water?
No, I just love water. I’m not really into astrology, but technically, I’m a water sign. There might be something there, but I don’t buy into it.
Your new single, ‘Essence’ featuring Super Computer, is your latest release. It’s a laid-back pop song that suggests you’ve found some inner peace or even love. Is that accurate?
That’s accurate. This album was the first time I had a real chance to document falling in love. Typically, I create music when I need it the most, like during heartbreak or tough times. Music is always there for me. So, I tend to forget to document the good moments like falling in love because I don’t need music as much during those times. But this time, I felt it was important to capture that feeling. ‘Essence’ is a snapshot of that experience.
I saw someone comment on one of your recent posts, “Bro wrote a whole breakup country album and now is in his loverboy era.” Would you agree?
Personally, yes. I’d say this era represents the most significant period of self-growth for me as a person and as an artist. I’m very happy with the music I’ve created. I’ve been working on this album for three years. In the middle of Cowboy Tears, I started working on this album. It’s been a long journey, and I’ve been through a lot during the process. I’m proud of the eclectic mix of genres in this album – there’s something for everyone.
The album title “Alone in a Crowd” suggests that you are more connected to your fans and community than ever before. How does that relate to being “Alone in a Crowd”?
I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily more connected to my fans or anyone, really. I tend to keep to myself and live in my own creative world. However, I think we all experience loneliness at times. Even if you have a partner, you still have your own thoughts and experiences that make you feel alone in some ways. Fame, in my case, has isolated me in unusual and perhaps unhealthy ways. Loneliness is a universal human experience.
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Is the album character, Cornelius Cummings, born out of this concept of loneliness?
Cornelius came to life during a period when I was designing a lot of fashion, like the outfit I’m wearing right now. I designed it myself. I was exploring the idea of the runway show as a parallel to being on stage. Cornelius has a background in fashion design from London, and he’s just one of the many characters within me. I couldn’t ignore him, and he found his way into existence.
The video for ‘Essence’ shows you causing quite a ruckus in public, even tripping a blind person and scootering recklessly through the streets. Is there some sort of social commentary you’re making about society in that video?
Well, that’s a character who woke up and chose violence. I think we often suppress thoughts, and this character just acted on everything he was thinking. There are various interpretations, and I don’t want to impose my own on the viewers, but ultimately, you see karma catching up to him. You get back what you put out into the world. There’s more to the video, like the character talking to himself and encountering different versions of himself, but it’s open to interpretation.
And yes, kicking over the baby carriage was quite a moment. There was an actual baby in it. We even built a helmet for it. Now it’s crazy because anytime I see a baby in a stroller, I literally want to kick it over. You probably need to edit that part out of the interview. But someone’s got to do it and it’s not the first time anyone’s kicked a baby in a pram and it certainly won’t be the last.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mAeFNERZoI
You’re returning to Australia for some headline shows. What’s your connection to our country like?
You might not know this, but I was born in Sydney and then moved to Brisbane, Melbourne and Wollongong as a kid. I lived in Australia until I was six, and then I moved to California, where I’ve spent most of my life. So, my accent disappeared over the years. However, I still go back to Australia every year, and my family is there. It’s nostalgic for me, and I consider it my home.
The Australian crowds at my shows are fantastic – they really understand what I do.
*(Update: We’ve since found out Oliver frequently mentions he’s from different countries in his interviews and live shows – so sadly, he’s not true blue).
What can we expect from your upcoming shows Down Under?
I’ve been working on this live show for five years. It’s a mix of a movie, a TV show, a concert, a play, WWE wrestling, and even professional scooter stunts. It’s a fusion, and I’ve invested a lot in it. I’m bringing some of the artists I’ve signed, like Little Ricky and Super Computer, along with Swaco. It’s going to be a stacked lineup, and the show is immaculate. I’ve fine-tuned it over the years, so I’m really excited about it.
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If Cornelius Cummings and Oliver Tree got into a mud wrestle, who would win, and what would they be wearing?
They’d both strip down to their skivvies, and I imagine they’d end up covered in mud from head to toe. Oliver Tree would definitely win though; Cornelius talks a big game, but he’s not as tough as he thinks. One headlock from Oliver, and it’s game over for Cornelius. Maybe a punch to the gonads, and Cornelius would be crying.
Lastly, if you were tasked with writing a new Australian national anthem, what would it be called, and which Aussie artists would you feature on it?
I’d call it ‘Cleaning Dunnies at Maccas,’ and I’d feature The Chats. They’d do proper justice to it.
