The Gardener & The Tree Release New Single “Kingdom Far” And Announce Upcoming EP ‘SOLE’
December 5, 2025 BY Emma Orland
This Friday, Swiss indie-folk band The Gardener & The Tree return with their new single “kingdom far”, opening the next chapter of their story. Alongside the single, the band announce their upcoming EP „SOLE“, set for release on 17 July 2026 via Nettwerk Music Group.
On “kingdom far”, The Gardener & The Tree channel their signature blend of emotional storytelling, cinematic scope and organic band energy. The track explores inner growth, the courage it takes to confront your own shadows, and the quiet belief that things eventually fall into place. Frontman Manuel Felder delivers the song with a vulnerable yet powerful vocal performance – intimate and honest, yet widescreen and anthemic.
“For me, ‘kingdom far’ is a reminder that growing can hurt, and that this is okay as long as we stay honest – with ourselves and with each other,” Manuel explains. “We wanted to write a song that feels like taking a deep breath after a long storm.”
Produced together with Rob Stephenson, the EP SOLE pushes the band’s sound further than ever. Manuel’s vocals are arranged in multiple layers, making the melodies feel even bigger and more intense, while the band kept the live character of their recordings intact – balancing studio polish with raw, human energy.
Thematically, SOLE picks up where “kingdom far” leaves off. The EP paints the portrait of someone caught between closeness and distance, doubt and hope, chaos and calm. Alongside the single, songs like “distance”, “fuck It!”, “inspiration gun” and “warm embrace” dive into relationships, self-worth, digital overload, and the simple longing to feel held and understood.
“The band gives me a sense of purpose, and music is my way of giving something back to the world,” says Manuel. “When you listen to our songs, I want you to feel that you’re not alone. In the end, it’s going to be okay.”
More about The Gardener & The Tree
Like a stone dropped into still water, the songs of The Gardener & The Tree send ripples outwards – lingering in the minds and hearts of those who listen. The band absorb the lessons life throws at them and weave experiences, thoughts and truths into their indie-folk anthems.
The line-up consists of Manuel Felder (vocals), Benjamin Lupini (keys), Vincenzo Restuccio (guitar), Oliver Meier(drums) and Philippe “Pete” Jüttner (bass). Since forming in 2012, the band has built a loyal following drawn to the emotional depth and soaring melodies of their songs. Releases such as the revolution EP (2014), 69591, LAXÅ (2018), Intervention (2021) and the silver lining EP (2024) have earned them millions of streams and sold-out shows across Europe and beyond. Highlights include “Wild Horses” with over 16 million streams and “Wonders” (with Neelix & Ghost Rider) surpassing 25 million streams.
Manuel spent several years of his childhood in Australia before moving back to Switzerland, where The Gardener & The Tree were eventually born. This experience of growing up between two worlds continues to shape the band’s sound – an international perspective rooted in emotional honesty and real human connection.
With the release of “kingdom far” and the upcoming EP SOLE, The Gardener & The Tree build on this foundation while stepping into a new era: bigger in sound, more detailed in their arrangements, and even closer to the questions and feelings that move so many of their listeners.
Tracklist
1. warm embrace
2. distance
3. inspiration gun
4. fuck it
5. kingdom far
6. mistaken for a while (OST Hundertdreizehn)
