Of The Trees Opens Up About Positive Experience of Touring Without Alcohol

DJ Of The Trees has documented his experience of touring without the influence of alcohol.

The EDM community is known for its eclectic beats and often, hedonistic lifestyle. However, Of The Trees has chosen a path less trodden by staying sober on the road. In a post on X, Coombs listed the various benefits that he felt while playing without the use of alcohol. He claimed that of the different benefits, he felt a stronger connection to his fans, as well as feeling less nervous on stage. His openness is a fresh narrative in a scene often saturated with tales of excess. His tale is not only a personal triumph but a beam of inspiration for many within and outside the EDM scene.

The Maine-based DJ and producer has always been recognized for his ethereal and unique sound which can be described as a blend of downtempo, dubstep, and experimental bass. His music is a melodious exploration of sound where he plays around with different lo-fi samples of nature and technology. His unique sound is often dubbed ‘organic bass music’. 

His fans were quick to congratulate Coombs with some even imploring him to elaborate more on his experiences. In a follow-up response, the bass producer clarified that he on quit alcohol and that, “[he still] smokes weed and partakes in psychedelics.

Substance abuse and mental health have long been topics of discussion within the EDM community as heavy drinking and substance use have put many artists at major health risks. Most notably, world-renowned DJ, Avicii, faced major health problems with his liver just five years into touring. 

The pressures of touring and his addiction to opioids due to health complications from drinking are just some of the factors that led to the DJ taking his life at the age of 28. Another famous artist, Carl Cox, also explained in interviews that he has since quit all substances after a health scare 21 years ago. The pressures to perform and hectic touring schedules often make it an easy environment for artists to lose themselves.

Still, Of The Trees’s recent step into a more sober lifestyle is a testimony to what can be achieved even without alcohol. Beyond his experimental beats and his mind-bending music, Coombs has shown us that it is the music that connects his fans. Through his eyes, we hope to see a scene that is as vibrant, energetic, and non-reliant on substances. Check out more music by Of The Trees below:

Edward Fang

Edward Fang has been an avid raver since the early 2010s. While he started off with the bass-heavy genre of Dubstep (Excision was his very first EDM concert!), Ed has love for all types of EDM and believes there’s an EDM subgenre for everyone. His current favorite artists include: Porter Robinson, Odesza, ISOxo, and Fred Again.., but he is always looking to discover new artists!

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