Treehouse Empire is a vibrant indie-dance-pop sensation emerging from the creative heart of Austin, Texas. Founded and led by the talented producer and songwriter Jesse Munson, the band embodies a unique blend of musical influences that span across indie rock, dream pop, and dance music. Treehouse Empire isn’t just a band; it’s a portal to a fantastical alternate universe crafted meticulously by Jesse. This universe is where science fiction, the supernatural, and youthful wonder meet, and the key to entering this world lies in the band’s exhilarating and catchy music.
For years, Jesse has been a solitary creator, recording a vast back catalog of experimental, pop, and dance tracks in private. His music reflects his enduring love of pushing the boundaries of sound and fusing components from many genres to create something wholly original. But it was when Jesse made the decision to release his music and solicit the support of other like-minded musicians to realize his aural ambitions that Treehouse Empire really started to take shape.
Treehouse Empire’s lineup is as eclectic as its sound, featuring Jesse as the singer-songwriter, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist Kobie Baus (known for his work with CM Talkington) on bass, Alan Smith, the principal timpanist in the Austin Civic Orchestra, on drums, and Tony Stedge, a symphony violinist and university choir leader, on keys. Together, they have begun sifting through Jesse’s extensive collection of recorded material, bringing these songs to the world through streaming platforms. With each release, they offer listeners a glimpse into their fantastical world, where every note and rhythm tells a story.
Treehouse Empire released “Big Trapeze,” a dance-pop hit that embodies the band’s dynamic energy, as their most recent single on September 5th, 2023. “Big Trapeze” is a song, but it’s also a declaration of freedom thanks to its unconventional syncopated groove. The theme of the song, according to Jesse Munson, is “letting it all go—leaving the bullshit behind.” Listeners are tempted to let go of their inhibitions and lose themselves in the rhythm by the alluring soundscape produced by the captivating beats, shimmering synths, and anthemic melodies. “Big Trapeze” is a great example of how Treehouse Empire’s unique blend of indie rock, dance, and dream pop is captured. The highs and lows of life are celebrated. Get lost in the music and let it to carry you to new heights.
“Big Trapeze” by Treehouse Empire is a track that pulls you into its vibrant world right from the first note. This song is more than simply an anthem; it’s a visceral sensation that perfectly expresses the freedom to let go and step off the tightrope of life. You are welcomed right away by an enticing interplay of gentle piano melodies and appealing guitar strings, which sets the tone for an incredibly engrossing and freeing auditory experience. The subsequent slow buildup primes the listener for the rhythmic explosion that comes next, a metamorphosis that personifies the song’s central message of letting go of expectations and walking into freedom.
The initial moments of “Big Trapeze” are where its magic begins to unfold. At the 0:16 mark, the lead singer’s voice enters with a gentle yet inviting phrase, “Don’t you wanna dance?” It’s a simple question, but it carries the weight of the entire track. As if answering the call, the rhythm section charges ahead with this cue, launching a drum kick that takes the groove to new heights. At this point in the song, its contagious energy really starts to shine through, and you can’t help but start to sway to the beat. A wonderful tango between lightness and intensity is created by the syncopated beats, which give off an upbeat yet grounded feeling of movement.
As the song progresses, the layers begin to build, and it’s here that Treehouse Empire’s mastery of sound really shines. At 0:32, the vocals come into full bloom, and the lead singer’s voice, described as soft yet relatable, brings a comforting warmth to the track. The vocals have an otherworldly feel to them, giving you the impression that they are surrounding you rather than just being sung, creating a surreal soundtrack. The song gains further dimension from the repeating synth grooves and smooth percussion slides that accompany the vocals, which strengthen the already established groove and keep the listener interested.
The true genius of “Big Trapeze” lies in its intricate interplay of instruments and voices. The sleek guitar strings and subtle piano melodies, paired with smooth percussion and groovy synths, create a rich tapestry of sound that is both cohesive and dynamic. The resulting midtempo rhythm is laid-back yet definitely upbeat, evoking the atmosphere of a summer beach. The song’s catchy quality stems from its perfect balance; you could listen to it repeatedly and find something new to enjoy with each listen.
As the song unfolds, additional layers are introduced, further enriching the sonic experience. A richer sound that surpasses the listener’s expectations is produced by the backup and backtracking vocals, which offer warmth and depth. These harmonies are beautiful; they skillfully blend in and out of the main melody in a way that is both delicate and potent. When the song reaches its peak, the listener is completely submerged in the opulent soundscape that Treehouse Empire has created.
What makes “Big Trapeze” particularly compelling is the seamless balance between its elements. The song finds its strongest foundation in the way the instrumentation and vocals interact. Smooth guitar riffs, synth grooves, and percussion slides are just a few examples of how each element gracefully and precisely fulfills its function to create a perfect combination that sounds both well-planned and effortless. The music features small adjustments in movement and alterations, but they are done so deftly that they never throw off the entire experience, instead serving to improve it. This careful balancing acts as the foundation for “Big Trapeze”‘s ability to keep the listener interested throughout.
“Big Trapeze” sticks out as a key song that captures the spirit of the band’s sound and vision in the overall scheme of Treehouse Empire’s discography. This song exhorts you to let go of your inhibitions, dance carelessly, and bask in the emancipating power of music. “Big Trapeze” is a song, yes, but it’s also an experience, a celebration of freedom, and an example of Treehouse Empire’s limitless creativity thanks to its catchy rhythms, compelling melodies, and sophisticated production.
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