Kat Harlton
Vancouver-based rock band Chase The Bear, recently released their new single “Under Water” on September 2 via exciting new Canadian rock label Rock Is Dead Records and all streaming platforms.
“Under Water” is a high energy rock anthem, with infectious melodies and powerful electric guitar lines. The song was produced by Danny Craig, the co-founder of innovative new Vancouver-based record label Rock Is Dead Records (the first-ever label to be distributed by 604 Records) and member of chart-topping, million-selling Canadian rock band Default. “Under Water” is off Chase The Bear’s forthcoming album Honey.
Originally hailing from the wild wilderness of Fort St. John, BC, Chase The Bear includes vocalist Troy Gilmore, guitarists Leo Gilmore and Jordan Philips, drummer Connor Brooks, keyboardist Kevin Parker and bassist Braedan Royer. The group mixes catchy hooks, roaring electric guitars, and hard-hitting rhythms inspired by classic rock with soul and pop influences. The act has performed over one hundred shows, including a sold-out show opening for The Trews at Vancouver’s iconic Commodore Ballroom.
I had the opportunity to chat with Chase The Bear‘s bassist Braedy Royer about the band’s new single, songwriting and what to expect for the rest of 2022.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your new single “Underwater”? How did this song come about?
Braedy: Most of the songs on our forthcoming record started acoustically on our kitchen floor. We were in the middle of another summer where half the province was on fire, and Troy and I (Brady Royer) were feeling a little cynical. Troy had the chorus but a completely different verse with interesting lines about serial killers from some true crime documentary he had seen. I interpreted his chorus differently: his passionate vocal, for whatever reason, made me think about climate change. We digged each other’s perspectives, met in the middle, and I think we ended up with a song about feeling hopeless in the face of overwhelming situations completely out of individual control.
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process as a band?
Braedy: Sifting through new material and coming to a consensus on what’s worth developing, and what should be dropped. We all have different tastes, and with six unique voices, it can be hard to agree on what new material should be kept. Signing with a label we trust has been a huge help in that regard.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Braedy: Opening for the Trews at the Commodore Ballroom is easily one of our proudest moments as a band. Troy and I (and this is 100% true) were sitting in my parents basement way up north in the peace region during 2016, joking about how we wanted to open for the Trews at the Commodore. Three years later, it happened. Life’s funny sometimes.
Enduring throughout the global pandemic is another thing we’re proud of. This industry is a bit of a rollercoaster: once things start rolling it can be hard to keep perspective. The pandemic was a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a step back and reaffirm that all six of us really, truly want to be here.
Kat: What’s your favourite part about the Vancouver music scene? Any other local bands that have caught your attention?
Braedy: We enjoy the wide variety of tastes, cultures, and venues we encounter. The rock scene is a tight knit community, and is very welcoming. Some of our favourite acts are Brass Camel, Old Soul Rebel, The Vidos, and Gnarfunkel.
Kat: What’s next? Any new show announcements coming up?
Braedy: We have a Biltmore show in the works with local act Dealer’s Choice on September 16th! We are also preparing to release our album so stay tuned!
Facebook: /chasethebearmusic
Instagram: @chasethebearmusic
TikTok: @chasethebearmusic
Twitter: @ChaseThemBears
Website: https://chasethebearmusic.com