Bearfoot (finally) return to Solbar on June 1st

Photo by Megz Noel

Sunshine Coast roots gurus, the long-haired dub/ska/reggae-loving blokes from Bearfoot have returned with a string of new dates, and some new and revised tunes to test out on the road.

The 2016/17 stretch was a massive run for Bearfoot; ‘Impolite’ getting radio play and winning a QMA (Queensland Music Award - Best Blues/Roots release), East Coast tours, festival slots a plenty (including massive shows at Woodford Folk Festival and Caloundra Music Festival), and a visit to New Zealand, so it was no wonder the group needed a little reset before heading into the studio.

With vocalist/guitarist Asher Chapman taking on the role as new dad, drummer Sean jetting off to Jamaica for six weeks, and other members on the bands taking time to focus on their own projects, the break also saw Bearfoot disappear back into the studio, once again working with producer Paul Bromley at Yama Nui studio.

In this time off, they have stripped back some off their tracks to the bare bones, and rebuilt them into fresh, full, deep modern roots classics, and though they’re itching to share them, there’s still some finishing touches to be added.

And so, Bearfoot will head out on a string of dates through May and June, to test out the reworked (and new) tracks on audiences along the East Coast.

Of the studio work, Asher said that he’s well aware of the pressure that has been put on the band to produce a quality album.

“We’ve learned not to rush things, though there is demand for us to pump out a full LP, we would rather take the time to think each track through, and make sure that while we are giving every song the big Bearfoot flavour, we still want to produce an album that is surprising and providing some neat musical twists,” he said.

So, yes, there is an album in the works, but with all good things, patience is a virtue.

Expect a brand new pumpin’ single from Bearfoot in the coming months, as a new taster for what will be their biggest release to date.

You can catch Bearfoot (finally) back at their home, Solbar on June 1st (with Mar Haze and The Cumquats), followed by a slot at 4'20 Sound at The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay on June 11.  More dates listed below.

Solbar (Maroochydore) June 1st - with Mar Haze, The Cumquats

4 20 Sound - The Beach Hotel (Byron Bay) June 11th

Miami Marketta (Gold Coast) June 22nd

Yamba Pacific Hotel (Yamba) June 23rd

Hoey Moey (Coffs Harbour) June 24th