Bluetree, God Of This City

Proving yet again that "God works in mysterious ways" something special began happening during one particularly memorable two-hour set. As the band worshipped and prayed, a message of hope for the people of Pattaya emerged—a revelation that even in that darkness, God was still the God of these people. Despite all the depravity and darkness, whether they were the victims or even those who chased after the darkness, God loved them and pursued them—even if they weren't even aware of it. And before long, it became apparent that this "prophetic shout over the city" wasn't just for those living in Pattaya, but for the whole world.

You're the God of this city

You're the King of these people

You're the Lord of this nation

You are

The simple lyrics for what became Bluetree's "God Of This City," the title track of the album which releases in the States on March 3, not only blessed those listening in the Climax Bar that night, but also deeply resonated with another fellow worship artist, Chris Tomlin. In fact, when Tomlin first heard the words during the band's 4 o'clock set in Northern Ireland one afternoon, he knew there was something particularly special about this anthemic cry for God's intervention in every city on the planet.

After connecting with the band later on, a partnership was eventually forged, and "God Of This City" was not only covered on Tomlin's critic and commercial smash Hello Love, but it played an integral role in the Passion's recent world tour—something that Boyd still can't believe.

"It has been one crazy journey," Boyd confides. "It felt really amazing to be part of speaking into the Passion movement. I remember standing on a stage at a Passion event in Los Angeles, and I still couldn't believe this was happening. Here this group of Irish guys were playing alongside David Crowder Band and Matt Redman, and I wondered ‘What is going on?'"

Since then, the band's momentum has been nothing but fast and furious. "Everything has gone so crazy so quickly, and it's only going to get crazier," Boyd says. "But it's all been so much fun, and we're up for the challenge. We have a common goal and a great camaraderie as a band. And it doesn't hurt that we're all a wee bit crazy."

But when Bluetree plays in a city near you, don't expect them just to play a show and hit the road. "We don't want to just roll in, do our thing and leave people with the Bluetree spirit or whatever. We want to build relationships with people," Boyd says. "We want to be able to come back and see people we know. That's what I love about my guys in the band. They absolutely love meeting people." And that community spirit is befitting of the band's name, which is all about being unique in a world that often reveres conformity. "If you're in a forest and there's nothing but green trees —everything being as you'd normally see it—but then you see a blue tree with blue bark, blue leaves, blue branches, well, it would catch your eye," Boyd says. "And as Christians we're called stand out, to be different—like blue trees."

For more information about Bluetree, check out www.bluetreeonline.co.uk.