Is Oliver Tree an Industry Plant?

Oliver Tree, the quirky musician and artist known for his unique blend of alternative pop and hip-hop, has been making waves in the music industry since his debut EP "Alien Boy" in 2018. However, some skeptics have raised the question: is Oliver Tree an industry plant?

What is an Industry Plant?

For those unfamiliar with the term, an industry plant is a musician who appears to have risen to fame organically, but in reality, has been strategically placed and groomed by a record label or other industry companies to generate profit. This usually involves creating a manufactured persona, a team of professionals behind them, and a marketing campaign that appears grassroots but was actually orchestrated by industry executives.

Oliver Tree's Background

Oliver Tree, whose real name is Oliver Nickell, began his career as a graphic designer and illustrator. He eventually transitioned into music, producing beats for rappers and recording music under various aliases. Tree gained attention for his unique style and visuals, incorporating elements of punk, hip-hop, and electronic music. However, despite years of producing music, he only rose to popularity after signing to Atlantic Records in 2017.

Marketing and Persona

One of the main arguments for Tree being an industry plant is the carefully crafted persona and marketing behind him. He often appears in oversized, retro-inspired outfits and a helmet, which has become his signature look. His music videos feature outrageous stunts and antics, including jumping off of a building in "Hurt" and crashing a demolition derby in "All That." While these visuals are undoubtedly eye-catching and entertaining, they also appear to be meticulously planned and executed with the help of a team of professionals.

Label Backing and Connections

Another point of suspicion is Tree's connection to Atlantic Records and other industry professionals. Before signing to Atlantic Records, Tree was associated with Trash Talk, a Los Angeles-based punk band managed by Odd Future's Tyler, The Creator. Tyler has been vocal about his distaste for major record labels, so his connection to Tree's signing with Atlantic raises some questions about the authenticity of Tree's success. Furthermore, Tree has collaborated with high-profile artists such as Whethan and Diplo, both of whom have worked with major labels in their careers.

Counterargument - Organic Growth

Despite the skepticism surrounding Tree's rise to fame, there are counterarguments to the industry plant theory. Tree has been producing music for years, and his unique style and visuals could be attributed to his background in design and illustration. Furthermore, while his music videos may be over-the-top, they still showcase his genuine talent and creativity. Lastly, many musicians have come from connections within the industry, and Tree's collaboration with Tyler or his signing to Atlantic Records could be a product of networking and hard work as opposed to manufactured success.

Conclusion

So, is Oliver Tree an industry plant? The answer is not clear cut. While there are elements of Tree's career that point to label backing and manufactured success, there are also aspects of his artistry and background that suggest organic growth. Ultimately, whether Tree is an industry plant or not does not change the fact that he has created music that resonates with fans and has a dedicated following. As long as his music continues to connect with listeners, the origins of his success may not matter.