Making the move from their hometown of Parkes was a big decision for Bears With Guns, heading to Sydney in 2010 to hone their live show and refine their folk-rock sound. Using a near encyclopedia of instruments including cajon, djembe, mandolin and ukulele, topped off with warm husky vocals and harmonies, the band create a soundscape that’s equal parts rock, pop and folk.
The four original members – Rob, Gus, Drew, and Ryan- moved to Sydney to busk and play gigs. Busking became more than just a past time as they began performing more and garnering bigger crowds, until they were faced with the challenge of getting their instruments around town. This forced them to think about what instruments they could easily transport, and was pivotal in shaping the Bears’ sound.
Drummer Gus, unable to cart a whole kit, would sling the djembe or cajon over a shoulder to make busking expeditions light and easy. “The cajon was the perfect choice, it was something I could make sound like a drum kit, use as a bed side table and it guaranteed me a seat on packed out trains.”
For Ryan and Drew it was the mandolin and the ukulele that allowed them to get around town whilst still providing the energetic, driving rhythms they were known for. With the cajon, mandolin, guitar and ukulele, the addition of Lachlan on keyboards completed the energetic Bears With Guns sound. Something that started as a way to make quick cash for full-time students soon escalated into the dynamic show we see today.
The band continues to maintain a direct link to fans, with an adventurous schedule of markets and suburban festivals dotted throughout their touring calendar.
“A great deal of the joy in our lives is derived from the creation of music and the experiences that come with it,” said singer Rob Saunders. “Simply put, happiness is better when shared. We have held this philosophy since the early days of Bears With Guns and it has allowed us to travel far and wide, while making new friends and fans along the way.”
Bears With Guns’ debut EP was released last year through one of Australia’s newest record labels, Highway 125 (owned by iconic Trackdown Studios), creating a loyal fan base that has stayed with the band leading up to their latest release Only the Quick and the Hungry.
Featuring production from ARIA Award Winner Wayne Connelly (The Vines, Josh Pyke and Sarah Blasko), the EP takes the band’s sound to the next level and will be supported with a bunch of shows and festival gigs up and down the east coast.
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BEARS WITH GUNS TOUR DATES – July/August 2013
18/07
Good God Small Club
Sydney NSW
19/07
The Railway Hotel
Parkes NSW
22/07
The Phoenix
Canberra ACT
25/07
Brighton Up Bar
Sydney NSW
27/07
Ex Servicemans
Grafton NSW
28/07
Black Bear Lodge
Brisbane QLD
03/08
The Loft
Gold Coast QLD
09/08
Gearin Hotel
Katoomba NSW