Indie rock band Spirit of the Bear are thrilled to release their new single “Wires” that is out now along with the music video.
“Wires is filled with new and old recording techniques. One of my favorite moments while creating was when we finally took a step back, and just looked at the digital file of the song. Literally over a hundred tracks, filled with synths, strings, sax, and more. It all comes together in a perfect blend and makes you travel to another time and place.” Ethan Schwendeman (keys) says.
Spirit of the Bear quickly became one of the most fresh and exciting bands to emerge in the Ohio music scene with their unique blend of indie rock, pop, and electronic sensibilities coupled with their affinity for pop song writing. The band’s years of musical experience are accentuated by their use of two keyboard players, bringing a unique depth to their sound. Consisting of James Harker (lead vocals, guitar), Danny Svenson (keys, electronics), Ethan Schwendeman (keys), and Jamie Vitullo (drums), Spirit of the Bear’s new single “Wires” is set for release on March 2, 2022 with an EP to come in summer 2022.
“Wires” Is out everywhere at https://music.bmg.com/sotbwires
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
Spirit of the Bear started as some highschool kids who just wanted to create together, writing and performing as soon as we could to get out of the mundane life of an average highschool kid in a small town. Once we started we couldn’t stop. The format hasn’t changed much in that sense, we write music that speaks to us, we release it , then we go out and play it for whoever is listening, much as we did 7 years ago when we started. Since highschool, and now more recently post college, we’ve spread our residences throughout Ohio, which allowed us to to really grind our teeth playing shows in many of the fantastic music scenes Ohio has to offer. I think we’d all agree by saying we are where we are now through accumulated experience , and that we’re only just at the tip of the iceberg of the career we’re working together on through releasing music and performing. We’ve been blessed to all find each other and grow our friendship through this band and all of the crazy experiences along the way.
What is the favorite song you wrote and why?
This is one that we collectively bounce around on, every new song becomes the best. Right now, It’s definitely Live on the Sun. I like to say that one we don’t look back too much, because we’re always twice as excited for what’s next then what has already happened.
Who are your all time musical icons?
Personally, Chet Atkins, Chopin, Sufjan Stevens, Mr. Carmack, and Stevie Wonder are the first 5 that come to mind at this moment. This is another one that is hard to say, the list of people who have deeply influenced both the band and I is too long to do any honor just listing a few.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
James: For me, inspiration comes in random waves and I never really know what will set it off. Since I work as a music producer/engineer full time, I always get really excited and inspired by albums that push my production limits (most recently that was the album Crumbling by Mid-Air Thief). In other parts of my life, though, I get inspiration from all sorts of places, like getting a new shirt that I really like or something. It truly is random, for me at least!
Who are you binge listening to these days?
Mostly Hippo Campus right now. They’re one of my favorites ever and they just put out a new record so it was bound to happen, haha. Other than that, I’ve been listening to a ton of Alabama Shakes for whatever reason. I never got into them until a month or so ago and I can’t believe I never gave them a chance! The Sound and Color album is unbelievable.
Favorite movie or TV show?
Twin Peaks, by far. All my friends will attest to this, haha. I’ve even been to all the filming locations in Washington and hosted a Twin Peaks themed party at my apartment last Halloween, if that’s any indication.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
Ethan: With (wires,ep), we wanted to work within a classic, vintage sound and make it sound like a SOTB song. For me, it feels like we are expanding upon the ‘Summer Snow’ aesthetic and sound we created, and going all out to make it feel as live and powerful as the music in the 70s was. The new music/single is definitely more acoustic then some of our other music. It’s filled with some amazing vocals, strings and saxophone done by family and friends, and I think it’s going to be a new era for us SOTB boys!
Do you have any peculiar pre or post show rituals?
As a band, we don’t really have any rituals. Most of the time, after sound check, we just enjoy each other’s time at the venue and relax. I do at least one thing before each show: I scan the stage and the pit for the best places to jump and crowdsurf for the one song I don’t have to play my keyboard!
What’s the future looking like for you?
It’s looking to be absolutely incredible. This is our first release with Shelter/BMG, and it feels great to have others supporting our release. We have pushed ourselves to make sure this music is at a new level, and I am personally so excited to see where it takes us.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
I think we all really take from the people we keep close. We all have creative girlfriends as well, who I can guarantee helps each of us have better style and clothes for our videos, shows, and photos! This EP was 70s inspired, so we took to the vintage shops around Columbus to find outfits of the time, and basically tore apart James’s living room to create our photo sets for this release.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
Jamie: I think I am proudest of how we feel like we enjoy being in this band more and more as time goes on. Our relationships with each other have gotten so strong and it only makes us feel like there’s so much more for us to discover as long as we keep at it. We also have gotten to meet so many amazing people we can now call friends through SOTB, and that’s such a beautiful thing.
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
It honestly feels like we already have. People tend to assume that selling out arenas is what “making it” means, but all we’ve done for years is make music that we love, and if other people like it that’s just a massive bonus! Not to speak for everyone else, but I think if this band ended tomorrow we would all say “Man! That was amazing!” and it’s a feeling I hope all aspiring artists chase after.
What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?
This has gone on longer than last year, but I wish the industry would pay artists what they deserve for the hard work they do, because it’s not very fair to put months of work into a project only to net $16 for it. We hope to make music full time, but I didn’t invent bills so unfortunately it’s hard to do that at the moment. Either way this is still the coolest job I’ll ever have so money or not, I feel very lucky to be making jams with my friends all the time.
