Interview with Bear on Trail

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Well I played in different bands when I was younger. Now, when getting older I wanted to record all the music I made through the years. And when I started to do that at the beginning of this year I have loads of inspiration and released 20 songs already.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I’m actually making music every day. I live somewhere between the fields, so I get out with my dogs a lot and really like to take photos. And don’t forget, I have a small vineyard, where I make my own wine every year.

How long have you been making music?

When I was younger I played in several bands. I played guitar, bass and keyboards, just what was needed. My first band was when I was 15 and never stopped playing. So I make music for about 50 years.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

I’m living in the Netherlands, in a small village between the fields. It’s quiet here and we have a very close community with a few farms and houses. When I walk with my dogs I sometimes meet with farmers around, working on the land and have little chat about everything in the world. It is an every day inspiration to make music.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

I played a lot shows, but now I can’t do that anymore.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Unfortunately I’m diagnosed with last stage cancer and don’t have enough energy to do live shows. So I decided to do no live shows. I did get some proposals to do live performances and I would certainly love to do that when I’m in a better condition.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Radiohead, Damian Rice, Nick Mulvey, Beck, The Decemberists/Colin Melloy, Nick Cave and the bad seeds.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Enjoy every minute of music making.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

“This is who I am”. It is because, after a few sad songs about my diagnose, this song has a more positive view on the future. So it helps me dealing with cancer.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

“How to carry stones” and “A tear” are songs on which I get feedback from people. The first is kind of sad the second is about to be inspired by people that are heading for a goal, no matter what.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

Obviously it is my diagnose that gives a lot of inspiration. But that is mainly in writing lyrics. Just for the music I am inspired by I nice rhythm a good sounding piano or trying to get my mood out on a guitar. Just little things that lead to an idea. And when the idea is good it leads to kind of demo song. I give it some more instruments en try to sing with it. When that feels good it can finally become a song. I have ideas every day, make a demo every week and finish a song every month. The last is not quite right. I finished and released 20 songs this year. And mad a few more but they seem not good enough to release after all.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music? if so please tell me about them.

I try to deal with cancer. So some of my songs are about that. I thought there was no actual message for the world, but nevertheless it seems that it helps some people, because they have the same feelings.

Do you have any new singles, videos, or albums out that you would like to tell me and your fans about?

Yes, I have 20 songs out this year and that is with a reason. I’m raising money for research on cancer. All revenues from streaming my music are for research on cancer. So I try to get as many streams as possible. Really hope this interview gets you to search for Bear in Trail on one of the streaming services and listen the songs.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I want to write more songs, to raise money for research on cancer.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

You can find me on Facebook and Instagram of through my site https://bearontrail.nl

https://www.facebook.com/bear.on.trail

https://www.instagram.com/bearontrailmusic