Read Between the Trees

INTERVIEW. The group of Orlando high school buddies who make up Between the Trees seem to have that rarest of major label rock star qualities: humility. It comes through on their album, “The Story and the Song,” a collection of oddly sincere, punchy pop rock hooks. Bassist Jeremy Butler tells us how he does it.

I heard you guys blew your first big label showcase.
We were pretty nervous, of course. We were up in New York for the first time, and there were a bunch of people in suits just staring at us. It just fell apart, man. Definitely one of the worst shows we’ve ever played.

None of you could play your instruments when you started. Do you feel like you’ve finally mastered them?
It takes a whole lot to master an instrument, and we’re all far from that. But judging from where we first started, it’s a huge difference for sure.

There seems to be a real sense of sincerity to your music.
We try to write about our life experiences. Our lives have been filled with hope and compassion for others, so we embrace it. We hope people receive it well, and so far, it seems like they have.

Between the Trees
Friday, 9 p.m.
Middle East Downstairs
480 Mass. Ave., Cambridge
MBTA: Red Line to Central
$15-$18, 18+, 617-864-EAST
www.mideastclub.com