A surprise—that’s what awaits when you listen to Bitter Tree.
This one-man band was officially created by William Patton, a fourth-year Carleton University bachelor of humanities student, about six months ago.
However, the conception of the musical act occurred several months prior.
“It was March 3, 2013, when my roommate was reciting Old Persian poetry,” Patton said. “I felt it needed to be accompanied by the heaviest guitar sound that could be created.”
It was through this moment of inspiration that the name—Bitter Tree—was also born. It’s taken from an old Conan the Barbarian novella. In the story, Conan becomes a pirate and raids the coast of Stygia.
“The author, Robert E. Howard relates: ‘So the Stygian Princes remembered this man long and long, and their memory was a bitter tree which bore crimson fruit for years to come.’ I felt that this sentiment perfectly captured the essence of my project,” Patton said.
Although Patton acknowledges Bitter Tree has evolved from its original manifestation, he said he still believes the origins are reflected in the music.
“It retained its defining quality, and each song was a crimson fruit fallen from the tree,” he said.
As for the songs themselves, Patton said they are a labour of love.
“I weave through with different genres and recording techniques to create narratives and themes,” he said.
With such an impressive undertaking, personality and passion are key to this form of music, which Patton identified as “post-doom.”
“It reflects a humpback whale’s song. It is droning across the oceans, breaching into the sky and exploring the depths of the beauty of immortal souls and ideas,” he said.
The uniqueness of Bitter Tree captured in three words would be, “wind over sea,” according to Patton, who said he draws influence from a variety of disciplines in order to create his songs.
“Whatever has the semblance of massiveness inspires me to create these pieces,” he said.
All of the lyrics and music are composed by Patton, though he has collaborated with a number of musicians, including fellow humanities students Angus Cairnie and Hwayeon Penniman.
Bitter Tree’s first EP, The Heart of a Great Silence, is a four-song collection that he said exemplifies the essence of Bitter Tree.
Early May will see a second album released on Drowning Records in Denmark. Patton said he hopes this will provide more opportunities, such as tours and shows.
“The future is blooming for Bitter Tree,” Patton said.
