Bear Garden

Martin Wirén was born in Gällivare in northern Sweden and was introduced to the instrument that would become his signature, the saxophone, at an early age. He says that “The saxophone is my true expression, but today writing is also at least as important.” His unique playing style and technique have resulted in attention all over the world from viral clips.

Bear Garden has become popular in the US and Europe. European tours with gigs in London, Madrid and Copenhagen, as well as radio plays on BBC6Music as “Beat of the week” and American KEXP. From the previous album, BBC6Music made a post about the creation of the song “Up” on their social media, and the song Earth went viral on TikTok with 3.4 million views. In Sweden, there have been reviews in many major Scandinavian publications, 5 stars in Gaffa, high ratings by Jan Gradvall in DI and presence on Swedish Radio P3.

Born in the small town of Gällivare in northern Sweden, Wirén was introduced to the saxophone at an early age. Spending the two first decades of his life in the garage of his family home practicing the horn, he later moved to Stockholm to attend The Royal College of Music.

In Stockholm, he began working on his debut as a composer. Influenced by the fierce nature of northern Sweden, and aiming at pushing the limits of the saxophone, Bear Garden´s eponymous debut album emerged. The album was released in November 2019 and laid the foundation for Bear Garden´s musical expression.

Compositions defying musical borders, atmospheric soundscapes and an uncompromising movement forward have become trademarks of Bear Garden. His upcoming album features them all.

Inspired by the timeless sound of Motown and the contemporary Icelandic music scene, Bear Garden´s upcoming album explores the friction between old and new ideas; between using established approaches and looking for new paths.
The album will be released in January 2021.