Interview: Bears in Trees - From Introspection to Inspiration
Garnering attention for their infectious energy and DIY ethos, Bears in Trees are capturing audiences with their deceptively upbeat, chirpy tunes and social media prowess. But regardless of how you found this band, hailing from the vibrant streets of Croydon, these four best friends strike us as ferociously sincere.
With their latest album, How to Build an Ocean: Instructions (read our review), we chatted to members Callum Litchfield (vocals, ukulele, piano), Iain Gillespie (vocals, bass guitar), Nick Peters (guitar) and George Berry (drums) for a candid glimpse into the themes explored in their upcoming album and the challenges they face as independent artists striving for authenticity.
The upcoming self-release How to Build an Ocean: Instructions delves into themes of personal conflict and finding beauty within the ordinary facets of everyday existence. Going beyond the cliché of "stop and smell a rose," the new album from Bears in Trees promises to explore the profundity of existential emptiness and navigating the duality of life.
Opening up about the genesis of these themes, the band revealing that the songwriting process was heavily influenced by a period of intense introspection which left them feeling adrift in their artistic identity amidst the demands of touring and industry pressures. However, rather than succumbing to this creative block, they chose to confront it head-on, continuing to foster a space of open honesty and vulnerability between them.
“We got to this place where we'd said a lot of what we wanted to say about our past and our lives. We were touring loads and we ended up in this position where we weren't sure what our voices were. We felt a bit lost in what we wanted to say next and who we were as artists, as songwriters, and as people.
There was a lot of tension within ourselves which led to significant creative and emotional block. So we got together, were quite open and honest about that, and tried to meet reality where it was and write like human beings rather than the ideas we held of people or artists we wanted to be,” Iain shares.
During that period, the band found themselves openly sharing with each other and pouring their hearts onto paper as they grappled with existential confusion. It dawned on them that those moments and experiences, which once held towering significance, were merely chapters in their lives.
“We started to understand our position as adults, as humans, and as people understanding the beauty in how life continues and how terrifying that is,” Iain adds.
Reflecting on those recent travels, spanning the breadth of America and the UK, a recurrent theme emerged—the return to their roots and the exploration of home and identity. Delving into that essence of home and self, the band decided to pay homage to their hometown of Croydon in the upcoming album’s artwork, noting the bittersweet experience of returning to familiar surroundings that have both changed and remained the same.
“Part of the trade off of being in a band, you kind of accept that you're going to stunt your life for a little bit. And that's not meant as a complaint, because it's what we've chosen. But it can be odd to watch friends move on to whatever the next stage is, while we’re still taking the same bus to get to work. You're surrounded by memories of places you used to go to and the people you used to see. It can be tough not to feel stuck in a rut in that process,” Nick explains.
Much like many aspects of life, it often feels as though we're all simply treading water, less navigating through each day and more hoping to stay afloat. Recognising the sacrifices they've made chasing their musical dreams, sometimes feeling stuck in a loop of longing while seeing friends move ahead, the group found solace in the grounding nature of their hometown's embrace, and the support of their community and each other.
This realisation echoes through their latest album. Iain sees it as the conclusion of their artistic journey, saying:
“I always think that art has a conclusion; when you create something, you're asking yourself a question and through creating art you're answering that question. And I think that for me, the conclusion of the record is that exactly. No matter what choices you make, those choices are your life. We have to fully express those choices, and embody ourselves, rather than try and find this perfected ideal existence that doesn't exist.”
In crafting this meaningful message into their iconic bops, Bears in Trees turned to experienced producer George Perks (Enter Shikari, The Doves, You Me At Six), marking an exciting transition for the group as the first album they've recorded with the help of an outside perspective.
Reflecting on their collaboration, it clearly had a transformative impact on the creative process. Grappling with writer's block before finally narrowing down their song selection, and sharing those favourites with someone else was a new, understandably vulnerable experience. Heavily inspired by folk punk, the group struggled to capture the exact sound they envisioned. However, working with the producer changed everything. Suddenly, their musical aspirations became tangible realities as the producer facilitated the manifestation of the songs they had long desired to create. The experience was both surreal and enlightening, marking a significant milestone in their artistic journey. Callum shares,
“George Perks (GP) really helped us create the music we always wanted to make. We’re inspired by folk punk but couldn't really make things sound like what was in our head. Through GP, suddenly those ideas became a reality. He really facilitated us being able to create the songs we always wanted to make.”
The band’s drummer, also George, who was previously heavily relied upon thanks to his experience as an engineer, recalls working with George Perks:
“He saw the vision and completely understood what we were doing. It really reinforced what we were trying to do and helped us even to believe in ourselves and the direction we wanted to go.”
With a clear idea in mind of what they wanted to achieve with this new record, I wondered how they approached navigating a delicate balance between personal expression and audience connection. Sharing insight into their songwriting process, we spoke about how it’s evolved over time to consider both their own perspectives and the potential impact on themselves and listeners.
Nick shares: “As our audience has gotten bigger, I'm more conscious about the parts of my personal life that I’m comfortable putting in songs. Where years ago, that was essentially unfiltered. We’re more considered now and make sure the parts we use serve a purpose.”
George adds, “What Nick and Iain are creating lyrically is very honestly sharing the experiences we’re going through. But even in the music, we’re trying to make sure that it helps present things in the best way we can to connect with people, still work when played live, and get the best experience for everyone.”
And Iain adds, “Nick said the other day, something that came from one of our friends, ‘Your lore is the parts of your life you mythologise’. When you're writing a song, that's what you're doing. You're mythologising your own life. And I think that you can swing too far in either direction. Ultimately, I want to create experiences where a lot of people can explore their own emotional space without losing the authenticity of my lived experience. How do you write in a way that's both honest and constructive? That's both true to yourself, but not exhibitionist?”
Now as How to Build an Ocean: Instructions is poised for release next week, we can say that whatever Bears in Trees are doing, they're doing it well. Finding the delicate balance between personal expression and audience connection, I can tell you that even through a Zoom screen their thoughtfulness, openness, and warmth is palpable. Our chat felt a lot more like an understanding snuggle from four gentle bears as we shared words and experiences, a feeling that undoubtedly resonates with their growing number of fans.
Bears in Trees offer a much-needed reminder that true artistry lies in the courage to be vulnerable and the willingness to confront life's uncertainties head-on. With How to Build an Ocean: Instructions, their authenticity and genuine approach shine through.
Pre-save How to Build an Ocean: Instructions by Bears in Trees, out 26 April via self-release on I Sure Hope It Does. Catch the Bears in Trees on a co-headlining tour with The Happy Fits this April and May in the UK and EU.
