How did you guys get together as a band a year ago?
We got to know each other through an IG (Interest Group), Jammerz Arena. Initially we had Winston, our original bassist, but we parted ways due to different interests, from there we recruited Khair from the band Paradox to come and join us.
What makes you guys different?
We just play what we like and what we think sounds good. It’s up to the audience to judge us about being different. We don’t want to seem big headed by saying we have a unique aspect.
How did you come up with the name “Bear Culture”?
It was a joke towards our friend who was really hairy, like goddamn hairy. We named the band after him for fun and it kinda stuck.
First gig experience?
In school music lab, the performance was along with our IG, Jammerz Arena, called “Sound Riot”. We covered songs like “Detriot Rock City” by Kiss and closed the set with “Burn” by Deep Purple.
Most memorable performance?
Baybeats, definitely.
How was baybeats then?
Surreal. The audience were clapping with us when we were playing. Before us there was a set that was not playing to much people but when we got on stage it all changed, like whoa!
How has baybeats helped to improve you as a band?
Taught us to value jamming time alot. It is very hard to sync each other’s schedule due to internships. Somtimes we don’t even go home from work. One thing we learnt was not to waste any time and to cherish jam sessions.
How did they, as a band, decide on a genre for yourself?
We don’t know what we are actually. We just play what we write. Jayme writes most of the songs while Thahirah writes most of the lyrics.
Why did you decide to showcase local music for your show, Quintessential ll ? How did you come about to paying homage to local music? (Quintessential II - (below) is a Jammerz Arena showcase during Republic Polytechnic's annual arts festival, Reflections. The show was produced by Sharin and directed by Jayme.)
Decision by Jayme who directed the show. As a team we wanted to show that local music was as good as international music. We wanted to show that there really is talent in Singapore and all we have to do it support it. Encouragement can mean alot to these bands. Tough times the band had to face?
We went into the studio recently and some of the songs were not ready, we also were not mentally prepared. We used 40% for recording and 60% wasted our time. We spent most of the time fixing our mistakes and not doing a proper job. What we can learn? Do your homework.
Perception of local music now?
It’s really up and coming right now.
Musical inspirations?
Nikki is really looks up the Mars Volta’s drummer. We all have different inspirations, not just from Mars Volta. We try to collaborate everything together.
We heard you guys are releasing an EP. When is it due?We were supposed to release at the end of this year. But we decided not to as the songs on the EP would be repeated with the album that we intend to release. So stay tuned to next year!
Any pre performance rituals?
We used to stand in a circle, link hands and pray to the Rock God, but we actually played worse. We stopped doing it and we played better! Sometimes before we go on stage we just plan an impromptu “thing” to do. Like a fun thing to do. Sometimes Nikki would ask us to punch him really hard.
What do you guys do apart from performing?
Have dinner, we eat alot. Nikki eats the most. We went to marche once and spent $250!
Who is the strictest in the band? Why?
Jayme. He is the driving force of the band and make sure everyone is there.
If you could perform ANYWHERE, where would it be? Why?
London’s O2 Arena. We always made jokes that we’d be there in 2015.
If you could perform with ANYONE, who? Why?
Trivium. We’re all really big fans of them, really!
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