Brooklyn band Bear Hands are our featured artists of the week. The four Connecticut natives put out their first full-length record of post-punk, psych-rock goodness called Burning Bush Supper Club back in 2010 to positive reviews. Now the ‘dudes’ are currently working on a new record, aiming for a end of the year release. We spoke to bass player Val Loper of the band about an array of things from advice for new bands making the move to the Brooklyn music scene to what they think of the DC crowds and much more down below.
Bear Hands are making their way to DC on their next tour with Fort Lean on August 5th at Red Palace. A show not to miss!
Who are Bear Hands?
4 dudes
Describe your music in three words.
Trim. The. Fat.
Originally from Connecticut and moving to Brooklyn in 2005, what advice would you give to those up-and-coming bands who are making their start in the Brooklyn music scene?
Get a practice space immediately and dont play shows til you are good. Then play as many shows as you can, anywhere and everywhere.
You’ve toured with some well-known bands (MGMT, Vampire Weekend, the XX, etc.) – what can you take away from those experiences that you help you all bring more to the stage from show to show?
Well first off, we never really toured w/ those bands..just played 1-off shows. But I guess playing well every night, regardless of the circumstances. Like watching a band have a terrible day, but absolutely crushing it when they get on stage.
For anyone who hasn’t seen you all live, what can they expect at your live shows?
Lots of sweat and awkward stage banter.
It’s been a couple of years since you all released “Burning Bush Supper Club” – taking a look back at it all, what have you all learned from making your first full-length album?
That it’s not always good to have ample studio time. we did “burning bush” over almost a year. This next time around we really want a short, condensed time period to record. I think it is an important way of insuring the urgency and the initial intention of the songs. It’s good to not have too much time to over-analyze.
We’re pumped to see you headlining at Red Palace in August. You all have played DC quite a few times already – what can you tell about your experience with the DC crowds?
It’s been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve played a bunch of shows in DC and every one seems to get better than the last. It’s a city we genuinely look forward to playing.
Besides touring, what does Bear Hands have planned for the rest of 2012? Any new music on the horizon?
Finishing writing/recording our new record by the end of the year. And a nice surprise for fans on the 4th of July.
Thanks for your time – any wise words you want to leave for the readers?
Nope. Thank you.
For more information on Bear Hands and their upcoming tour, visit their website www.bearhandsband.com, like them on Facebook, or follow them on twitter @bearhandsband
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