#AudiotreeSessions celebrates Audiotree, the Chicago-based music company that records live in-studio sessions with emerging indie artists, providing high-quality video performances that became essential discovery tools for fans and A&R scouts alike.
Format & Mission
Founded in 2011 by Michael Johnston and Adam Thurston, Audiotree invites indie bands to their Chicago studio for professionally recorded live sessions. Unlike radio performances, these multi-camera video sessions capture intimate performances in a controlled environment. Bands typically perform 4-6 songs, creating a curated showcase. The company releases sessions on YouTube, making them freely accessible. The format sits between DIY bedroom recordings and expensive music videos—professional quality without overproduction.
Discovery Platform
Audiotree became a trusted discovery source for indie fans. Finding an artist through their Audiotree session became a badge of early-adopter status. The sessions showcased bands before major label signings—artists like Car Seat Headrest, Hippo Campus, Pinegrove, and The Districts gained exposure through Audiotree. The stripped-down performances revealed artists’ raw talent without studio trickery. A&R executives used Audiotree to scout emerging talent. The hashtag documented favorite sessions and new artist discoveries.
Business Model & Expansion
Audiotree expanded beyond sessions to include Audiotree Music Festival in Kalamazoo, Michigan (launched 2012), a record label, and eventual acquisition of Chicago venues Lincoln Hall and Schubas. However, founder Michael Johnston resigned in 2021 after being arrested for secretly recording nannies with hidden cameras in his home, creating controversy around the company’s future. Despite this, the archive of sessions preserved hundreds of performances.