Kevin Jones, Musician, Bear's Den
Make sure you earn everything ...
The bearded gents behind Bear’s Den have been keeping busy since forming in 2012. They’ve released two EPs already, supported Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons and Daughter, and are currently opening for Matt Corby around the country. The British trio’s new EP Without/Within is set to land on local shores come November 1, with Andrew Davie, Joey Hayes and Kevin Jones stretching the boundaries of their honest acoustic harmonies. Experimenting with added electric, the resulting first single ‘Writing On The Wall’ is a bouncy track that pulsates through your limbs and reminds you of summer. Prior to the band’s headline gig at Black Bear Lodge last night, The Weekend Edition caught up with Kevin (who juggles playing drums, bass and keyboard – often all at once – during a gig) to chat weekends and reminisce about his hometown of London.
Describe yourself in ten words …
Hairy. Tall. Friendly. Silly. Scared of bugs. Thirsty. Oneword. Anotherword.
How do you like to start your weekend?
By sleeping in, going out for breakfast and reading the paper.
How do you like to unwind?
At the pub with friends.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Bacon. Beer. Music. What else do you need?
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Sleeping in.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
I’ll be in Melbourne, so I’m looking forward to seeing some very old friends and playing a gig.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just started reading The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. I’ve just finished The Great Gatsby.
What was the last song you heard that made you stop and pause?
It’s called ‘Take me to church’ by an Irish guy, Hozier. It’s a really amazing song.
What influences and inspires your work?
Friends and just people. People I do and don’t know.
A common thread in Bear’s Den’s lyrics is that they’re laden with heartfelt tales of love – how much is drawn from your everyday?
I definitely have a personal relationship with the lyrics. But to dissect the songs would stop others from interpreting them in their own way. I think it’s up to other people to draw their own conclusions.
Your new EP will be released in Australia on November 1 – how has your sound progressed since the release of Agape earlier this year?
We’ve tried to broaden our horizons and incorporate more electric influences – guitars and synths. We wanted to see what would happen when we did that, given that we’re looking to release an album next. We were experimenting to a point.
You’ve been touring extensively this year – what do you love about being on the road?
As much as seeing new places is exciting, it’s more about the new people you meet and the friends you make. The people I’ve met here will stay with me longer than the view of Sydney Harbour.
What has been the highlight of your Australian tour so far?
Playing at The Soda Factory in Sydney. It’s a really tight, cool venue and we met lots of great people and just really enjoyed playing the gig. It was a good night out.
What’s next for Bear’s Den?
When we get home, we’ll head out on a headline tour through the UK and Europe. Then we’ll pile ourselves away for a while and try to make an album.
Which creative folk have you got your eye on?
Filmmaker Michael Haney is extraordinary. And Melbourne photographer Ty Johnson is awesome.
What are your words of wisdom?
Make sure you earn everything.
Only a local would know … not to go to The Defector’s Weld in Shepherd’s Bush on a Saturday night.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … The Breakfast Club in Soho.
Relax … The Dove in Hammersmith.
Dine … The Mall Tavern, Notting Hill.
Indulge … Notting Hill Arts Club, Notting Hill.
Shop … Borough Market, Southwark.
Catch up … The Defector’s Weld, Shepherd’s Bush.
Be inspired … Hamstead Heath.
