Bluetree: The Irish Worship Band with a Global Pulse

Bluetree is a Christian worship and rock band originating from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The group achieved international recognition in 2009 when their live worship anthem "God of This City" became a global church standard and was notably covered by the band Passion, reaching audiences worldwide.

Early career

Formed in 2004, Bluetree's roots are in the vibrant church and music scene of Belfast. The band, initially consisting of Aaron Boyd, Pete Kernoghan, and others, began leading worship locally while developing a sound that blended anthemic rock with heartfelt lyrical themes.

Their independent spirit led to the self-release of their debut album, "Greater Things," in 2006. This early work captured their energetic live presence and songwriting potential, laying the groundwork for their subsequent breakthrough.

Breakthrough

The pivotal moment arrived in 2008 with the recording of their live album, "Kingdom," during a mission trip to Pattaya, Thailand. A song written spontaneously in a bar in the city's red-light district, "God of This City," became the album's centerpiece and catalyzed their career.

The track's powerful message quickly spread through church networks. Its significance was cemented when the recording was licensed to major Christian label Survivor Records, leading to the song's iconic cover by Chris Tomlin and Passion in 2009, which propelled it to the top of Christian charts.

Key tracks

God of This City — This globally recognized anthem, written in Thailand, became a platinum-selling standard in modern worship music.

Greater Things — The title track from their debut album established their signature sound of declarative, faith-filled rock anthems.

Each Day — A track showcasing their ability to craft accessible, congregational-friendly songs with a strong melodic drive.

Send Your Light — This song exemplifies their later, more produced studio work while maintaining their core worship focus.

Following their breakthrough, Bluetree continued to record and tour, releasing the studio album "Lift" in 2012. They maintained a dedicated following, particularly in the UK and Ireland, while their influence extended globally through the continued use of their songs in churches. The band's journey demonstrated how a grassroots worship movement could achieve widespread impact.

Fans of Bluetree's passionate, guitar-driven worship style should also explore Rend Collective, another Northern Irish group known for their folk-infused worship energy. The anthemic rock approach is shared by Hillsong United, an Australian powerhouse in the modern worship genre. For a similar blend of rock and congregational songwriting, listen to Tim Hughes, a key British worship leader. The driving musicality can also be found in the work of Martin Smith, former frontman of Delirious?.

Bluetree's music maintains a strong presence on radio formats dedicated to contemporary Christian music and worship. Their tracks, particularly the historic "God of This City," are staples on Christian rock radio stations and online faith-based music streams, ensuring their songs continue to inspire listeners.

You can hear the powerful music of Bluetree on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Discover their catalog of uplifting rock anthems and worship songs by tuning into the Christian and inspirational radio stations available on our platform.