Tag Archives: wojtek the bear

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

wojtek the bear ‘some states’

 Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘some states’ via Scottish Fiction.. The single continues the bands fruitful working relationship with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert].The video for the single shot by Kris Boyle, sees the band expand on the darkly-comic theme of failure with a Nigel Mansell obsessed Killean trying, and failing, to emulate his hero’s exploits on the track. 2019 has seen wojtek the bear playing as part of Belle & Sebastian’s The Boaty Weekender, being play-listed twice by Radio X, and playing live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland. The band have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show

‘some states’ is a glorious melodic number that glissades effortlessly upon wojtek the bear’s majestic mellow sound with a dash of indie bite to keep things fresh. With elegant strings lifting the track to wonderful ethereal heights the band create a wholesome satisfying song that is so sweet and pure its almost immaculate. The warm jangle on guitar meanders and weaves a zesty flourishment of delight throughout and creates a radiant atmosphere with an indie undertone. These guys have a sublime knack with melodies and ‘some states’ follows this trend beautifully with a dreamy cushioning melody caressed charmingly by cosy velvety vocals. The track rests marvelously on the ears with a pacifying and soothing tone as the band blend and entwine sweet delicate tones with hues of nostalgia seamlessly to create a stunning  piece of music to submerge yourself in. 

 Lead singer, and chief lyricist Tam Killean explains how the song came about, “it’s a song about that particularly painful end section of a failing relationship when it feels like all you’re doing is arguing with other person over the most ridiculous things, like who used the last of the toothpaste and didn’t replace it. The title comes from that old(ish) Scottish expression – “I’ve never been to America, but I’ve been in some states!” I just really liked the dark, self-deprecating humor of it. I think it’s that ability to see the humor in the darkest of times that allows us to get through things sometimes”. 

Watch the video for ‘some states’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music

wojtek the bear ‘a long wait for bad news’

Working again with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux], Glasgow’s wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘a long wait for bad news’. The song is the second of four singles being released by wojtek the bear during 2019, all of which will be collected on a limited edition 10” vinyl, ‘old names for new shapes’, in November.

‘a long wait for bad news’ is a twinkling light track that drifts along majestic instrumentation and sweet melodies as wojtek the bear present a melancholic yet uplifting number. Dainty guitar lines glisten and charmingly lament through the sombre soundscape as a steady beat and soft vocals cushion the track in smooth comforting tones. The track builds becoming more buoyant and uplifting as the chorus enters. The drums become more lively and spirited as the song approaches its crescendo before softening again for the melancholic end. Well crafted and richly textured ‘a long wait for bad news’ is a prime example of the emotive and beautiful musicianship of wojtek the bear.

Lyrically,singer Tam Killean explains his thought process, “I’ve been thinking a lot recently about smartphones, technology, and social media. In particular how they’ve affected all of us, how we interact with each other, how we feel about ourselves, and specifically my own relationship with them. The song deals with how I’ve struggled to restrict myself from these things in an attempt to walk back from the insidious, awful effect it can have on our self-esteem and mental health.” 

Stream ‘a long wait for bad news’ below