Roaming Bear

Roaming Bear is a name that is synonymous with fun and adventure to his small cult of loyal followers; the “Roaming Bear Militia.” Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago and Milwaukee, Bear was inspired by the riff-heavy midwest emo bands that shaped the Chicago music scene, but also the lyrically comedic acoustic folk punk ballads of Milwaukee sweethearts the Violent Femmes. He began writing songs in 2008, and they are often somewhat sad but also bring a surprisingly positive demeanor and gaiety for life into the mix. He might talk about heavy subjects such as suicide, but while doing so he will beg the listener to let down their hair and run clear into the wide f*cking open. As a young man Roaming Bear made a name for himself by hitchhiking and hopping freight trains all across America and documenting the process; teaching other young people how to “travel for free.” His songs are heavily inspired by these hobo-escapades, the people he met along the way, and the eternal truths that can only be found while out on the road.

Since the devastating 2020’s struck the world, Roaming Bear switched gears and set his mind to over achieving mode. He stopped his hobo-ing, and got a place of his own. He built an impressive home recording studio, and he attained a Columbia College Chicago education funded by merit based scholarships; achieving a 4.0 GPA and a music business bachelors degree with a minor in social media and digital strategy. He recently got engaged, became a father, and has learned to balance his home life with his work life and his passions. In early 2023 he formed a new iteration of the Roaming Bear band, and is currently working on recording the band’s debut album. Armed with the experience of trial and error, the knowledge of new industry standards, a drive to support his young family, and an inexhaustible passion to succeed we can all expect great things from Roaming Bear in the future.