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Don't feel bad if you haven't heard of The Dead Trees. Originally from Boston but now kickin' out the jams in Portland, Oregon, the rock quartet is just getting their feet under them. However, if their debut full-length King of Rosa (out October 21 on Milan Record) is any indication, it shouldn't be long till kids from Brooklyn to Berkeley are talking, blogging and texting all about them. With strains of older alt-country gold like Uncle Tupelo mixed with bits of Built to Spill or a folk version of Dinosaur Jr., it's no surprise they've already played in Japan and were snagged for an opening tour across the States in premier venues with The Strokes' Albert Hammond Jr. all on the merits of their demo. On tour now with Little Joy, you can catch them here.  

Name: Michael Ian Cummings
Band(s): The Dead Trees
Instrument(s): Guitar, Vocals
Nicknames: "Dude" and sometime even "Mike"
Place You Call Home: Portland, OR
Last album to flip your lid: Steve Shiffman & the Land of No (self titled) FIND IT!
Album you always take on tour: Modern Lovers - Modern Lovers 88

What would someone always find in your van or tour bus?  What supplies don't you leave home without?

Never leave home without a bunch of new music on the Ipod, and lots of books courtesy of the Multnomah County Library. We also can't seem to live without our hot, British speaking GPS Deidra.

What personal rituals do you have to help keep your sanity while on tour?

I don't really believe in rituals, but pot helps.

Speaking of rituals, does the band have a pre-show ritual to help prepare for the stage?

Our drummer Noah believes in the top shelf double tequila. Personally, I just try to picture my power animal. 

Audiences come in all shapes and sizes.  What's the screwiest and/or best fan encounter you've had? 

Both great and screwy. The last time we were in Dallas, TX with The Whigs we were playing a game of catch in the parking lot, then all of a sudden this giant pick-up truck speeds into the lot and there are a bunch of dudes blasting our EP screaming, "HOLY SHIT IT'S THE DEAD TREES!" We were a bit taken back by the soon to be titled, "Dallas Five" boys. Then, just as fast as they showed up to the gig (two hour early), they screeched off. We thought, "We are defiantly in Texas."

What's the strangest thing you've seen from the stage while performing?

A bartender NOT serving drinks amid an empty and thirsty room. Where was this? Salt Lake City of course.

What's the first thing you like to do after a show?

Load out the gear. NOT! 

Tell us about a great road food stop you've discovered in your travels.

Monell's in Nashville, TN. It's a house in a residential neighborhood and they serve you at a giant table that seats about 20 people. It's all southern "soul food." The best part - all you can eat. Just two rules, pass it to the left, and if you kill it you fill it!

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be a (blank) because (blank).

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be a (barista) because (I am).

(Fill in the blank) are the baddest mothas on the planet.

(The Democratic Rebels of San Marcos) are the baddest mothas on the planet.

Your band mates will often reveal strange things about themselves during a tour.  What stuff have your fellow musicians shown you that took you aback or delighted you? 

Nothing too weird has come out. I think sleeping habits are the funniest. I shared a hotel room in Tokyo with Matt and got to witness him talk so loudly in his sleep he actually woke himself up. Then I laughed for 20 minutes.

Name a few things we'd find on your rider.

Makers Mark, "Ms. Packman" access, two copies of the New York Times, a poster of Barack Obama, a stereo, a friendly club staff, diner, those little carrots, and a list of stuff to do later in Nowheresville. Though, with the stuff above, I think we'll be pretty busy.

What was the musical highlight of your last or current tour and why?

The last tour we were on was in Japan this summer and that was altogether crazy. I'd say playing on the beach in Tokyo for SummerSonic '08 was a highlight.

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