By: Adam Briggs

Chicago-based indie-rock band Pretoria recently made an appearance on Audiotree.tv.

Audiotree, a record label founded in 2011, specializes in producing and recording live music. In their decade plus in existence, they have helped expose their audience to bands from a wide range of genres through their extensive library of recording sessions.

Pretoria has spent the better part the last decade building up their indie-rock/surf rock chops. The band was founded in 2018 in Grand Rapids, MI and worked their way up the scene with their musical prowess (incorporating jazzy guitar voicings and varied musical influences) and raucous live performances. In early 2025, the band packed up and moved to Chicago to continue growing their band.

The Audiotree session represents a showcase of songs from their most recent EP If We’re Pretending, as well as tracks from their 2023 album Where Will The Night Take Us and their significant catalog of singles.

The session, hosted by Psalm One, was recorded in August of 2025. The video treats the audience to live renditions seven songs, as well as interviews ranging in topics from touring, to the dynamics of the guitar role in the band, to their move to Chicago and it’s influence on the new material, and more.

Pretoria used this opportunity to show off what makes them such a live draw. The band’s charisma is on display throughout, as is their incredible musicianship. It’s not often you see indie-rock bands with more than 2 guitars. Pretoria boasts not 3, but four guitarists with Matt and Rob trading guitar and bass duties throughout the 30+ minute set, with Ben and Trevor adding the additional powerful guitar playing. The band’s ability to craft catchy hooks and melodies paired with their technical acumen makes for a performance that really shows what makes this band stand out among their peers.

One of the biggest standout moments of the performance was the incredible harmonized guitar solo during the track “I’ve Got No Wanting.” The solo is impressive enough on the album, but hearing the precision and technicality live really drives home the skill on display. An honorable mention also goes to the drumming of Braeden Janes who, as the band mentions in the interview, performed with the band for the first time during this set and absolutely killed it behind the kit.

To watch the entire performance, visit the following link: Audiotree Live – Pretoria. You can also listen to the audio recording on streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify.

To find out more about the band, you can visit their website http://www.pretoriamusic.com and on social media @pretoriamusic.

Setlist

1. Introduction
2. Boil Water Notice
3. Emerson, Everywhere
4. Interview 1
5. My New Room
6. Black Glass
7. Interview 2
8. Roller Derby
9. I’ve Got No Wanting
10. As If
11. Outro

Personnel

Rob Gullett: Lead vocals, guitar, bass (@rob_gullett)

Matt Burdick: Guitar/Bass/Backing Vocals (@mattburdick99)

Ben DeWitt: Guitar/vocals (t_h_e_b_e_n_s_t_e_r)

Trevor Sharnas: Guitar/vocals (@trevorsharnas)

Braeden Janes: Drums (@braeden_janes)