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.