Bear Lake

About the Artist

Bear Lake is not a place for big names or single hits, but for memorable experiences. It is a place that changes upon each return visit; a place where no-one is pushing or shoving themself into the limelight, and where everyone contributes equally to the auditory scenery. It is home to six lifelong friends (Jon Rice, Matt Hines, Brian Kwasnik, Steve Stetson, Erik Pederson, Keith May) who have played in shifting rock outfits, together and apart, since the sixth grade. The members took these early years to sculpt and perfect their songwriting crafts individually. Once each member had accumulated a large collection of their own songs, they knew they were ready to begin working collectively on the musical conglomeration now known as Bear Lake. The band frequently found respite from the busy Detroit scenery in a cabin on none other than "Bear Lake," in the woods of Northern Michigan. It was here that they found inspiration in the clashing imagery of city and country life; imagery that can be felt heavily in the contexts of Bear Lake's Music; imagery that is difficult to find outside of Michigan's aquatic borders. Bear Lake was able to turn this inspiration into art, and they quickly found themselves with a vast array of music that needed to be released into the musical stratosphere. At the hands of fate and thanks to a chance encounter, Bear Lake met Al Sutton and Eric Hoegemeyer (Rustbelt studios - Songe, The Go, Electric Six) who immediately shared their artistic vision and helped to make Bear Lake's music available to the general public. Though they have garnered positive attention from press and local radio as of late (being compared to such bands as The Flaming Lips, Radiohead, and The Shins) Bear Lake is constantly working to break molds and diversify the skills and soundscapes they put on display. Currently, Bear Lake is about to release their second album, “Places on the Side” to the world, as well as getting ready to go on their first major Midwest tour in January 2009. They will be coming to a place near you soon, so please come out for a night at the lake. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy.