Bluetree

Although it was worship leader Chris Tomlin who first made the praise anthem “God of This City” popular in the United States, it was actually written by a group of Irish lads known as Bluetree.

Lead singer Aaron Boyd first penned the song during a mission trip to Pattava, Thailand. He was inspired by the impoverished state (spiritual and financial) of the people living there, a place best known for its booming sex trade. The powerful chorus displayed that there can still be hope amidst the depravity that existed, “greater things have yet to come/and greater things are still to be done in this city.”

Currently based in Belfast, a city marked by violent outbursts and faithlessness, Bluetree is comprised of Aaron, along with Conor McCrory (guitars), Pete Kernoghan (dee-jay), Jonny Hobson (drums) and Pete Nickell (bass). They serve up innovative, rock-infused praise songs with a social conscience that connect with believers and non-believers alike.

Not content to simply “talk the talk” without “walking the walk,” the band recently launched a charity called “Stand Out International” that helps kids escape the bondage of sexual slavery by “building upon the platform of worship, music and justice.”