Artist/Band : Papa Bear
Music Genre : Rock
Websites or Social Media Pages
http://www.bfgpapabear.com/#about
https://www.facebook.com/trev.brunwin
Bio
All songs are performed, produced and written by the Trev Brunwin (except where co-writers and performers are noted). Heavily influenced by music from 60’s, 70’s and 80’s from artists like Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Bowie and many others.
Started playing in 1968, as guitarist but spent most of my life as Bass player in Rock bands. 1971/72 Nymrod Road Show, 1972/74 Thor, 1974/1976 Studio work, 1977/78 Level Flight, 1979/1988 Production and Engineering work and experimenting with synths and midi only, 1989/1991 gigging with a co-operative band around Buckinghamshire. 1991/1995 Solo work with backing musicians, 1996/2006 “Gap Year(s)”, 2007 to now started again with reasonable studio of my own. 2012/2013 Co-wrote “The Wherry” with Steve Farrell and toured as well as some live performances as Papa Bear. 2014 to 2016 Live sound engineering with large PA, 2013/15 Bass with Trespass (Jazz/Folk/Pop), released the Inside Album, 2015/2019 Bass with Killing Floor (Blues/R&B).
My kids have helped me keep up with the music of this century. I am now getting on a but it has been a journey and now have time to involve myself more with writing and producing. Releases to date:
Evolutions (EP): Electronica produced in 1988.
Inside (Album): Eclectic mix of guitar written songs. Released in 2016.
Something (EP): An album of instrumental music produced in 2020.
Outside (Album): Another eclectic album of songs. Released in 2022.
Avus Ursa: Instrumental orchestral album of short themes Released 2022
Singles 2023: None of my Business
Consequence
Both from the upcoming album “The return of the BFG”
Trevor R Brunwin,
What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?
My sound is very eclectic and changes from week to week. Rock/Pop/Classical/Blues/Electronica. Very influenced by the experimental scene from 1960s through the 1980s but some from the current rock scene.
How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?
I was doing an open mic, with another promoter in Norwich and one of the young performers was upset with what they did, the other promoter said “have a hug from Papa Bear, he gives great hugs”
What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?
Peter Gabriel and David Bowie are big influences but listen to Enter Shikari a lot.
What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?
Currently working on two albums, The Return of the BFG, much more rocky, and Older, a really chilled album of ballads and thoughtful pieces. Also looking at a collab with a person who is young enough to actually “do it live”
What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?
AT my age to leave a legacy of my musical creations and have them heard by as many people who want to hear. That is my only aspiration, Music for music’s sake.
What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?
Skanky Town. It is a social comment on a local place to where I live and it is a simple reggae song, ( who doesn’t like that rhythm) with a bit of an Ian Dury take on vocals.
What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?
Probably my vocals, which I have never nailed. Too old to learn now so I just work around them but practice.
What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?
I tend to get inspired by something small musically be it a chord sequence, a rhythm, a melody phrase of just something that stands out. I record a basic track and arrangement and wait for inspiration on lyrics, evoked by the music. I write lyrics while listening to the track on loop. Try some of the vocals then re-arrange the song. Skanky town was different and inspired by the first line of the song and an old two tine track (Ghost Town).
How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?
Before Social Media, I just sat in my room and played tracks to friends or was out performing originals and a few covers, with just an acoustic guitar. This prompted my first album (Inside)
What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?
Most Enter Shikari tracks particularly the 2023 releases. Alpha Omega (trash Boat). Family Snapshot and Lay Your Hands on Me (Peter Gabriel). For Those Who Wish to Exist (Architects) – Live at Abbey Road.
What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?
I was at school, started when I was 13. I have worked as an accountant but music was always a passion
Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?
Follow your passion, practice, practice, practice and listen to all forms of music (classical to world music, EDM, Rock) even stuff you don’t like.
What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?
That it was less driven by image and more by music.
How Do You Feel About Originality?
What is original? My father always said, there are only twelve musical notes in a scale. Yet the possibilities are limitless.
Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?
Had a long and varied life, survived a fire at 3 (in which I lost a brother), had three major eye operations before I was 14, left school at 15, started in music at 13 and gigging at 17. Fell in love with production at 20 and have dipped in and out of gigging and recording till my early 50s, since then released 2 albums of songs, 1 album of orchestral music and two EP,s, one 1980s electronica and the other some more musical pieces. Music has been the centre of my life since I was 5.