Some bands arrive with a carefully constructed image. Others evolve organically through years of shared experiences, changing line-ups and a determination to let the music lead the way. Brisbane outfit Scandal Tree firmly belong in the latter camp. Fronted by a collective of musicians whose influences and backgrounds are embraced rather than constrained, the band have built a reputation for crafting songs that are as unpredictable as they are distinctive. Their latest album, Never Look a Gift Foot in the Mouth, takes listeners on a darkly entertaining journey through betrayal, obsession, deception and redemption, all wrapped in what drummer and founder Dano affectionately describes as "Tarantino garage rock".
Who is answering the questions?
Hi there I'm Dano aka Rip the founder, manager, promoter and drummer for Scandal Tree
How did you get to the band name, and what does it mean to you?
The band name is actually from a song I (Dano) created and sang many years ago when I was in my 20s. We had revived the song and had been playing it and then we eventually recorded it. We agonized over a band name until one day someone goes. Scandal Tree, is a cool name. They asked - Dano what the hell is a Scandal Tree? I explained the meaning behind the personification and they all said and agreed it was a great kname for a band. No one's going to come up with a name as twisted as the thought behind it. So the band name Scandal Tree was assumed!
When did you realise that you wanted to do music full time?
That's always been the dream since the countdown, MTV and RAGE eras. Watching our favourite music clips and bands doing what they love on the big screen and stages has always inspired, but we also realise that we all have to make a living, work hard and hope that someone will notice our music. Nothing happens overnight and it's a lot of passion and hardwork.
How did the idea for your latest release come about?
That's a Huck our vocalist question as he usually has the ideas and cooky themes behind the songs. We just compose the music and he rides a vibe that comes to life as a story with in the music. However our album Never Look a Gift Foot in the Mouth is an assortment of little twisted stories about life. There's elements of betrayal, lust, upheaval, anger, cannibalism, loneliness, passion, determination, death, deception, love addiction and many other concepts.
Can you tell us about the themes and influences that run through out?
It's like a choose your own adventure novel set to music. It snakes from one twist plot to the next entwining the senses and dragging one into a disturbing world. Despite it all one discovers that truth can be stranger than fiction no matter how the tale is told. The album is influenced by Quentin Tarantino and is set to music - Tarantino Garage Rock….
Who produced the release, and what were they like to work with (If you produced it yourself, then what do you love the most about working that way?
Nik Carpenter from Core Studios recorded, mixed and produced our latest album Never Look a Gift Foot in the Mouth. We've been using Nik for some time now as he's professional in his approach, very knowledgeable and liaises with the bands in a relaxed atmosphere to understand the musical direction in order to achieve the best results. We couldn't recommend him highly enough.
How would you say that the sound of the band has grown/changed over the last couple of years?
Our sound has evolved over time with an interchange of musicians. However the main goal has always been to embrace each individual musicians musical background and experiences rather than making one conform to a set genre. That's what makes our music unique. We allow the song to dictate the flow as everyone in the group adds their magical touch to the writing process and the songs grow from there.
What do you want your latest release to do for the representation of the band?
I think mainly to highlight how versatile and different we can be. That each song has a story and a unique twist both musically and themed.
What else can we expect to see from the band in 2026/7?
We're winding up with a final shows for 2026 as our sights start to focus firmly on 2027. We're currently in the studio writing new material to hopefully record and release mid way through 2027. The idea for 2027 is to try and branch out of Brisbane and go regional and interstate Of course we'll be continuing with all our online banter and shares so to keep up to date on all things Tree related just follow us and interact!
With new material already taking shape in the studio and ambitions to expand beyond their Brisbane roots in 2027, Scandal Tree show no signs of slowing down. What shines through this conversation is a band committed to storytelling, individuality and allowing each song to find its own path. Whether they're exploring life's stranger corners or building immersive musical worlds filled with unexpected twists, Scandal Tree continue to prove that their greatest strength lies in never settling for the obvious. If Never Look a Gift Foot in the Mouth is any indication, the next chapter promises to be every bit as intriguing as the last.
Keep up to date with their musical happenings via LINKTREE