The Musician Spotlight Series shines a light on up-and-coming bands and solo acts creating heartfelt and original work across genres, giving them an opportunity to talk about their music, their collaborators, and why they do what they do.
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“Originally hailing from the wild wilderness of Fort St. John, BC, Chase The Bear includes vocalist Troy Gilmore, guitarists Leo Gilmore and Jordan Philips, drummer Connor Brooks, keyboardist Kevin Parker and bassist Braedan Royer. The group mixes catchy hooks, roaring electric guitars, and hard-hitting rhythms inspired by classic rock with soul and pop influences. The act has performed over one hundred shows, including a sold-out show opening for The Trews at Vancouver’s iconic Commodore Ballroom”.
Interview answers by Lead Vocalist Troy Gilmore
How did you all come together as a band? What has that journey looked like?
Honestly I’m not sure any of us expected to wind up in this band. My brother Leo and I grew up playing music together in the same town that Connor and Braedy are from. How we didn’t cross paths back then is a mystery, but we ended up getting together years later in Vancouver. Kevin grew up here, and we met Jordan when he was sixteen after he approached us on the streets of Victoria while we were busking, looking to jam. Braedan and I lured most of us in with the promise of a show (that didn’t exist.) That’s how we formed this killer whale, and it’s been the time of our lives.
Are you trained? How did you develop your skills?
We are trained by our experiences, we are all self-taught and we’ve been playing since childhood. Through wanting to create a band like this one (the greatest band in the multiverse), we worked tirelessly day and night to refine and hone our skills, relying on our ears (and, uh, YouTube).
Who are some of the biggest musical influences for your sound?
That’s a hard question to answer, I could say anything. From Sister Rosetta Tharpe, to Dinosaur Pile Up, Cage The Elephant, to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, even cartoon music such as, Rebecca Sugar’s Adventure Time songs or Steven Universe. Any little thing that catches our ear could inspire our next song. Including a whale.
How would you describe your sound?
Well it all started with the Big Bang you see… Imagine a killer whale, and then imagine that this killer whale is such a huge killer whale that it takes 12 boats of fishermen to catch. What if I told you this whale, despite those 12 boats in hot pursuit, was never caught; this is a magical mystery whale that transcends time and space. THIS whale could change the very fabric of the cosmos. That’s our sound.
What’s your favourite tune in your repertoire and why?
It’s hard to pick a favorite song because they’re all our children. That being said, a parent’s favorite child often oscillates daily between the siblings and right now our favorite little rowdy bugger is “Underwater”. Drum solos, screaming guitars, fat bottom bass, some nasty organ and soaring vocals screaming about the state of our world is the perfect way to start any Rock n Roll show.
What can audiences expect from one of your live shows?
Energetic, boot-stomping, old school rock n’ roll. What does that entail you ask? Remember that killer whale? That. I bet you’ve never seen a killer whale fight a grizzly bear on a live stage before have you? Keep up with our show date announcements to come check us out!
Where can we find your music?
Anywhere music is streamed. You can find us on all platforms.
Facebook: /chasethebearmusic
Instagram: @chasethebearmusic
TikTok: @chasethebearmusic
Twitter: @ChaseThemBears