In Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania there is a place located under a Septa bridge called “the Tressels”. The kids go there with the intent of getting high, drunk, or just goofing off. Andrew “Butch” Fullerton informed of this in response to a question I posed during our e-mail interview, as a side-note he added, “Every generation has a “Tressels” story.” While that may be true, every generation does not have a band like the Tressels. Everything about this band is unique.
There are many myths about how the band came into existence, the one that sticks out the most in my mind is that they started playing together due to the Philadelphia Eagles’ devastating 2005 Super Bowl loss. The truth of the matter is that Butch was in another band at the time, but they were not doing any shows. So, when he received an invitation to play at the Speakeasy in Upper Darby a band was pieced together with the belief that it would be their one and only show. This band was started with the help of Big Dirty and Mickey, both of whom Butch had been playing music with on the side. In June of 2013 the Tressels will have existed for eight years, a far cry from the one show they anticipated.
In the past 8 years, many of the band members have changed, but the powerful message behind the Tressels’ music has not. I asked Butch how he felt the departure of Patrick “Cheeseburger” McCullough changed the dynamic of the band. “Cheeseburger is an incredibly talented person. He always understood where my songs needed to go, it was a shame to lose him, though it was the best decision at the time,” he said. Butch also told me that McCullough has a solo album coming out that he is sure will blow everyone’s minds. The sound of the band may have changed, but the masterful storytelling of the lyrics has not.
On February 21, 2013, the Tressels will be doing a show at North Star in Philadelphia. This show marks the first time the band has played in their home state this year. When asked how they felt about playing close to home he said, “ We're excited to be playing the North Star again, this time with our friend Alex Vans, who also has a new record out called "DJ Booth" which is awesome!” In addition to playing songs from their most recent album, “American Midnight”, and the forerunner of the American Trilogy, “American Sunset”, Butch says to listen closely, as there may be a few surprises thrown in.
“American Midnight” is the newest album from the Tressels, and the second installment of their proposed “American Trilogy.” It has a more polished sound than the rest of the Tressels discography. It is full of beautiful and heart-wrenching stories that people of all ages can relate to. In the story section of the band's website it says “recording [of American Midnight] was sidelined briefly as Butch fractured 2 bones in his hand punching a door after he was unable to nail a vocal take after attempting it 49 times.” Keep in mind that according to Butch, “ I usually keep the 4th or 5th try, but this whole recording process has been about pushing our limits.” During the recording of “American Midnight” Big Dirty shot video, which has been made into a documentary on the making of the album.
The stories behind songs are always pretty quiet, and I like the mystery, but I did ask Butch what song has the most meaning to him. “My Brother Called” from the album “American Midnight” was that song. He said, “The details surrounding the song are pretty personal, but I think this song encompasses all the themes of the American Trilogy: Family, Love, Loss, Hope, What we are born with, and what we learn. It is sometimes hard to sing, especially the line "The ones that I needed I could never convince them to stay", it hits home and a lot of people have responded to it in an amazing way.” With lyrics and melodies possessed by the Tressels it is no wonder they have often been hailed as “the Best Bar Band”, and, while their ambitions do not necessarily lend them to working toward achieving any more such titles, with the lyrical power they possess it will come as no surprise if they gain more notoriety.
From their humble beginning in their youth, the Tressels have grown through the years to the band they are now. While inspired by such artists as the Kinks and Neil Young, I think you will find that they possess a style all their own. Be on the lookout for the third installment of the American Trilogy, which Butch promises will be a completion to the story, and possibly a little rougher around the edges.
And to all you fans, Butch loves to hear from you. He takes time from his busy schedule to discuss your mutual love of music. “I've always tried to build relationships with people who liked our music. I'm a music fan, so I like talking about bands and songs and album covers, and I like doing that with our fans. I try to talk to everyone at shows and take compliments when I get them.
“Do I get a ton of perfume scented letters, no, but do I read every one, YOU BETCHA!””
