We recently met James from The White Tree at Wild Hearts here in Auckland, New Zealand. We got chatting to James about his business and his plans to launch in the New Zealand market, we fell in love with his passion and enthusiasm for the New Zealand music scene and we were genuinely intrigued about his business, The White Tree, which has three quite unique arms (music, photography and film) which can work together or be split up. This week The White Tree is officially hitting New Zealand and they aren’t sneaking in quietly via the side door. These guys are having one heck of a party this coming Thursday night, the 28th of June at The Portland Public House in Auckland and you are all invited – we will be there too. To celebrate their arrival they will be giving away the services of a 5 piece band to one lucky New Zealand based couple worth $3,320. To RSVP and enter the draw you just need to email your full name, mobile number and wedding date to mark@thewhitetree.co.nz before 5 pm on June 28th, 2018 and you have to be there on the night to be in with a chance to win a three-piece band for your wedding! – Good luck! And read on to find out more about this very unique wedding company with ten years of experience under their belts…also prepared to be blown away but their visually rich photography skills which have a beautiful high energy emotive feel.
Your name and your business name + website address and Instagram handle:
James Tudball. The White Tree  www.thewhitetree.com.auÂ
Tell us about what you do and how it all came about:
The White Tree was founded by a life-long friend and I back in 2008. Time flies! I’m a musician and Nick (co-founder) is a photographer and filmmaker…hence why we have the three creative services under our one roof. Back when we started, we noticed a heap of cheesy work happening within the wedding industry and we were really keen to shake up the market with some genuinely cool live music, photography and film concepts. So we gathered our respective skill sets, garnered our extensive creative networks, moved into a dilapidated house together to brainstorm day and night, and within a few months, The White Tree was born.
The White Tree have several different arms to their business, can you explain how this all works and if people can opt for some of your services without the others etc.
Live music, photography and film are the main creative ingredients for any great event – and they should work together in harmony. You can book us for all three, or just one or two. Whatever works for the couple, works for us! And yep, we do offer discounts when you book multiple services with us.
What makes you and your work unique:Â
I think it’s the choice we offer. Our business model gives couples the scope to customise their band line up, pick their instruments and singer…and they can choose their photographer too. Also, all of our staff are young talented creatives who don’t just work in the wedding industry, which means our work always has a progressive and modern edge to it.  Â
We are really excited to have you here! Tell us about the NZ team and -your plans for the New Zealand market (here is a good place to mention the launch as well as long-term plans):
We’re excited too! We’re constantly inspired by the creative and breathtaking weddings that come out of NZ on a regular basis, so we obviously can’t wait to be a part of it. Coming up we have our first NZ Live Band Showcase, happening in Auckland at Portland Public House, on Thurs 28th June. Here you can check out our range of live band configurations, meet our team and put together your favourite musicians for the perfect live band! We’re also giving away a FREE FIVE PIECE BAND to one lucky couple on the night! So that’s a great excuse to get together with a few friends, grab some drinks and enjoy The White Tree Band! Jump onto www.thewhitetree.co.nz to find out more details.
What artists, musicians, and creatives inspire you or influence your work?
We love anything a little rough around the edges, with tonnes of personality and a great sense of humour. We love groove-based music that has a funk, soul and RnB flavour…and we have soft spots for legends like The Beatles Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and of course, Cher. To be honest we love looking to all sorts of mediums for inspiration, not just music. We draw inspo from painters, writers, poets, designers, comedians, actors and dancers…pretty much anyone/anything that are masters of sight, sound and entertainment.
Rules or words you live by…
“Music + life are all about style” – Miles Davis
Check out The White Tree live band film here
Don’t forget the launch is this Thursday night, the 28th of June at The Portland Public House in Auckland. If you want to go into the draw to win the three-piece band, be sure to email your full name, mobile number and wedding date to mark@thewhitetree.co.nz before 5pm on June 28th 2018 – Good luck!